Jumping in right where the previous chapter left off, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Episode 14 “Those Who Lurk Underground” is one of the series’ most shocking episodes yet. While the Elric brothers are simply trying to defend themselves, they find that they are yet again at the center of a larger conspiracy — especially when Führer Bradley shows up unannounced.

As Ed, Al, and Izumi are trying to escape from the clutches of the Ouroboros Homunculi, the Führer shows up to murder all who stand in his path, and to ask the Elrics some questions. Al gets his memories back amidst the chaos, and the boys are back to square one when it comes to their quest for their original bodies. Meanwhile, the big bad of the series is finally revealed, and one of FMAB’s biggest players is revealed to be working with him.

Führer Bradley is Not Who He Appears to Be

FMAB Episode 14 Has One of the Series' Most Shocking Twists

Up until this point in the series, Führer Bradley has been quite an enigmatic figure. He’s been particularly polite, even kind to Ed and Al, and often extends this courtesy to others around him, especially laying on the charm when he can tell others are intimidated by his presence.

On the other hand, he’s shown another side of himself entirely — a fierce ruthlessness that can cut down anyone who stands in his way without a second thought. When faced with this side of him, it’s easy for viewers to see how he rose to this position of power, and maintains it (it also makes one wonder if Mustang could do the same, if this is what it takes to be a strong leader of this nation).

had seen prior glimpses into Bradley’s combat prowess in previous episodes, but they were only glimpses. This is the first time the Führer has fully unleashed in a fight, and it was certainly something to behold. He’s a masterful swordsman, highlighted by especially detailed and dynamic animation for the fight sequences. His scenes in this chapter are some of the best that the animation has looked this entire series, and it’s used to great effect to show how strong of a fighter he really is.

The big reveal of this episode was that Führer Bradley is a Homunculus, embodying Wrath in this incarnation (as opposed to Pride in the 2003 anime adaptation of Fullmetal Alchemist). It’s a jaw-dropping twist that apt viewers may have picked up on, with subtle hints here and there without being entirely predictable to the majority of the audience. It’s a well-executed twist, and what’s even more exciting are the implications of how this will complicate things for Ed, Al, and other characters like Mustang done the line.

The final scene of the episode also shows Bradley interacting with his wife and child. Unlike the other members of the Ouroboros crowd, the Führer appears to have carved out a completely normal life for himself. Of course, this all appears to be part of a larger plan, and how much he has to do with actually facilitating this life is unclear at the moment. It’s chilling to think, though, that he has put up this front so convincingly, and for so long, as a means to some sinister end. Whatever the Homunculi and this figure named Father must be significant for Bradley to have engrained himself so deeply into the fabric of the nation, including having a family to keep up the illusion. It also begs the question of whether his family is entirely part of his cover, or if he decided to have a family of his own volition.

Al's Memories Return, But To No End

The Elrics Are Subjected to Even More Horrors

Ed and Al’s connection was as deep as ever this episode, although the boys’ morale is certainly starting to take a beating — evidenced especially by an exhausted but rallying look Ed gives to his brother to try to cheer him up. Al endures one of the most harrowing encounters of the entire series in this episode, as the young girl named Martel, also a Homunculus, is hiding inside of his armor. While at first, she is helping the others to restrain Alphonse, the roles are soon reversed as Führer Bradley starts slaughtering all of the Homunculi. Tasked with protecting Martel, Alphonse tries his best to hide her from Bradley, but does not succeed as the Führer thrusts his sword inside of Alphonse’s armored body, killing Martel.

This is by far one of the goriest episodes to date as Bradley slashes down his opponents, but seeing the blood gush out of Al’s armor is especially grotesque. Martel’s blood then interacts with Al’s blood seal, and all of his memories come flooding back — including a nightmarish image of him looking at Ed through the eyes of their reanimated mother. These are sights that would haunt anyone for the rest of their lives, but Ed and Al are still essentially children. They can never seem to catch a break.

One peculiar detail is when Al tells Ed that he relived his memories — he tells his brother that he remembers now, but that he didn’t get any new information about how to get their bodies back. Ed acknowledges this, and they simply move on. This thread was set up for a total of three episodes, including a cliffhanger at the end of Episode 13 — it felt like the journey to getting Al’s memories back was going to be a long arc with lasting consequences. It feels terse to close off that arc so soon and with so little payoff. FMAB usually handles its setups and payoffs with great care, and while this thread doesn’t have a huge bearing on the story at large, it still feels a bit out of place in such a carefully crafted story.

The Big Bad is Finally Revealed

Viewers Got a First Look at Father, the Creator of the Ouroboros Homunculi

The big bad of the series has finally been revealed, or at least that appears to be the case. His name is Father, and he appears to be connected to a series of some kind of pipes that wind all the way underneath Central and down to his lair. It’s a moment viewers have waited many episodes for, and while they don’t know anything else about who this man is or what he wants just yet, it is gratifying to finally get the big reveal. Father is the one who created the Ouroboros Homunculi in the first place, and he certainly isn’t afraid to destroy them, as he melts Greed in lava to reabsorb his powers after the Homunculus betrayed him.

Complete with red glowing eyes and a mysterious silhouette, Father has all of the trappings of a classically intimidating villain. Having him kill off one of his own creations — a powerful foe who nearly got the best of Ed and Izumi, mind — is a great way to show off how ruthless he is in his introductory episode.

Viewers also got a glimpse at another Homunculus they haven’t met yet: Sloth. The ever-growing list of foes for the Elrics to fend off continues to expand, with even one more Homunculus who has yet to be revealed. Brotherhood has always been great at slowly revealing information at just the right pace — not too fast to keep an air of mystery, but still steady enough that it feels like viewers are getting a satisfying amount of plot from episode to episode. The Homunculi, Father, and their greater plan will remain a mystery for now, but the secrecy surrounding them remains as fun and intriguing as ever.

FMAB’s fourteenth episode was not short on drama, and it provided some of the best action sequences that viewers have seen yet. There could have been some better character work between the brothers, but overall, the series continues on a path toward excellent storytelling with excellent payoffs. It will be exciting to see where Ed and Al go from here, and how the Ouroboros group continues to evolve as they move forward with their own plans. Having the ring leader on the playing field, along with the information of who Führer Bradley really is, is excellent fodder for some engaging episodes to come.