My rating for Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: Must watch for everyone.
This is a show that masterfully blends elements from a variety of different genres into one masterpiece that is nearly impossible to dislike. FMAB does everything well and excels in it's character development and it's song selection. Most shows are only good for those who like the genre but FMAB does so many things so well that I believe EVERYONE should at the very least try it. Lets break it down
Story: The story is nothing special but it's also done well and it keeps you captivated. You follow the two Elric brothers as they travel throughout the country trying to find a way to restore their bodies. Its not too complicated and can be thoroughly enjoyed even if you don't care about any of the nuances in the show. The actual progression of said story (the search for the philosophers stone to restore their bodies) is fairly generic and gets carried by the amazing characters in the show.
Characters: I can't stress enough how good the character development in this show is. Many shows have a strong main cast of characters and a background cast that's developed just enough for you to remember they exist. FMAB, on the other hand, has a literal army of characters that you not only remember, but actually care about. Both Edward and Alphonse are interesting to follow, Winry is the best supporting character I've ever seen (with a beautifully non forced romance between her and Ed), Mustang is arguably THE main character as a character who gets almost no screen time compared to the Elric brothers... I could keep going. If there is any reason to watch Brotherhood over the original it's the characters.
Sound: Just listen to one of the opening songs. Or endings. This show is easily a contender for the show with the best chosen music. No other shows songs has ever brought me to tears but FMAB's songs do it consistently, while the other songs hype you up for the battle between the protagonists and the Homunculi.
Art: Look it up and judge for yourself. I think brotherhood is a beautiful show but this category is more subjective than the others.
The most important aspect of this show though, is that it isn't basic. It's core principle (Equivalent Exchange) creates a lot of thought. While watching this show you can either: zone out and watch the Elric brothers beat the **** out of everything and everybody OR actually think about the underlying themes in the show and spend some time on the show after watching it. Both ways are exciting and can suit a wide audience.
Closing thoughts: For those who are brand new to the FMA franchise, I suggest watching Brotherhood first. Brotherhood is the prettier show, with stronger characters and better music. The original excels in it's story and most particularly it's ending. I believe that watching FMA first would spoil the experience that is Brotherhood.
