Episode 25: Words of Farewell (2003 series)

Synopsis
Lieutenant Colonel Hughes discovers a plague of military corruption and conspiracy that could topple the entire government -- and put his life in considerable danger.

Episode Notes

 * This episode is adapted from content in Chapter 15: Fullmetal Heart, Chapter 16: Separate Paths and Chapter 26: To Meet the Master.
 * This is the final episode of the second season.
 * According to screenwriter Sho Aikawa, this episode was originally conceived as the end of the anime, as initially during production only 25 episodes were green light. However, plans changed and the story was extended to contain four acts, which influenced Aikawa, "... to make Hughes's story a stronger element in the anime. Originally I thought this would be the end of the show, but I'm glad it wasn't.
 * The motorcycle riding thugs that Scar kills in this episode directly contradict the manga's canon by saying, "Aren't you Ishvalans supposed to be living in designated camps?" The manga states that most Amestrians aren't even aware that any Ishvalans are still alive. The slums in which they live are secretive, not designated by the government, which is what is implied here.
 * The scene of Hughes' funeral was driven by the soundtrack, according to series director Seiji Mizushima.
 * The scene at the end of the episode where Ed glanced out of the window and thought he had saw Hughes' ghost is only in this version of the story.
 * Series director Seiji Mizushima originally wanted the train scene between Ed, Al and Winry to contain no dialogue. In his words, "I felt the conversation was a bit much and wanted to cut it out. But, I left it in as I felt it was very effective once the storyboard was laid out.
 * The usual ending sequence is replaced with a simple credits roll.