This episode primarily adapts Chapter 43 and Chapter 44 of the original manga by Hiromu Arakawa .
Hohenheim suggests that the "thing" the brothers created during their failed human transmutation was not actually their mother. This prompts Ed to dig up the remains of the failed transmutation. Upon inspection, he realizes the bone structure and hair color do not match Trisha's, providing a grim sense of relief: they did not kill their mother a second time. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Episode 20
A flashback reveals a younger Pinako Rockbell, showing that she and Hohenheim have a long-standing history that predates Trisha's birth. This episode primarily adapts Chapter 43 and Chapter
After years of absence, Van Hohenheim returns to Resembool and meets Edward at Trisha's grave. Their encounter is tense; Hohenheim remains emotionally distant, focusing on technicalities rather than fatherly warmth, which infuriates Ed. Upon inspection, he realizes the bone structure and
The episode touches on the weight of truth. While Ed and Al learn more about the nature of their failed alchemy, they choose to withhold certain truths from Winry to protect her, a recurring theme of "protection through silence" in the series. Production Notes
Reviewers on Reddit note the "creepy" atmosphere of the graveyard scenes, which balances the show's typical action with horror-leaning mystery.