As the fighting goes on, both Al and Olivier make the most of their current stance. For Al, they wanted to get their bodies back without sacrificing people. However, the people who were sacrificed for the philosopher’s stone are gone, so why not allow them to be used to fight this evil rather than be used for this evil.
At the same token, we really see why Olivier is a great leader at Briggs. In a dire situation with Sloth on a rampage and the puppets loose, she guides those allied to Central to fight for her. Of course it is clear these men fear for their own lives, and these puppets are mindless. We see earlier in the series talk of her being a great leader, but now that is shown. Still, Sloth might be the scariest of the homunculi outside of Pride. Lightning speed is ironic with the name Sloth, but being lazy makes his abilities feel ironic but scary at the same time.
The exchange between Roy and Envy is interesting because finally Roy has encountered the thing that killed Hughes. Seeing Envy putting the disguise on Hughes’s wife, Roy fully realizes how Hughes died. As Ed mentions, the concern he has is not for Roy satisfying his revenge but for being consumed by it. The point is if he will rule this country, he needs to be cool-headed and allow others to do things for him.
Envy finally dies by letting himself die in the most ironic way. Envy is quite envious of humanity because it would constantly change into humans. Of course it is a great ability, but he would never understand where humans get their strength together and just be logical. It’s a sad ending, much like Gluttony, who was eaten. We can’t forget Lust. Each homunculus went out embracing their individual sin from their father.
It is funny how much Central did not value Bradley’s wife, but their plan to let her speak out is a bold and great move. Sometimes you need someone for the people to rally around. Of course she doesn’t even know the truth about her husband and son, but it might be better that way. Still, this causes panic in Central because now the masses are starting to learn of their corruption. It is a showcase of each of Roy’s men using their wits from their time in Central being showcased at the best time.