For a show that ultimately is about the bonds we form here on earth, FMA:B does a phenomenal job of portraying these bonds in a fictional world with exceptional character development all around.
One thing is also to be noted. This series never forgets. Never. Ed's inscription holds true, but not just for the 3rd-- those who are lost are never forgotten, not once. This show consistently and and meaningfully calls back to early moments in the show the Elric brothers said they'd never forget, making those moments relevant again as new challenges are faced.
I think it was about six episodes in that I had to stop my first binge run. It was because I was absolutely horrified and disgusted. Normally shows can't shake me. But some of the themes this touches on feel so real the characters that they affect seem so human that you can't help be mortified at the tragedies, just as elation comes when it is due.
That's another big thing. The humor in this show is mild but it balances out the sorrow. It builds the relationships in tandem with the drama to show us something that isn't perfect, but is so clearly superior to Sakura's friendship speeches and although the dialogue at times felt subpar, it never felt completely pointless.
The action scenes, too, were rarely drawn out unnecessarily and were all beautifully crafted. I'm crossing my fingers that more shows will get their brotherhood, because although this series is longer than the original it felt more focused, and certainly it ended up feeling more meaningful. I may have given few hours to this show, but I feel equivalent exchange was not at play here because it has given me a lot more than I was expecting.
