Summary
- Kimiko revealed her silence stems from surviving as a child soldier trained to fight in silence.
- Kimiko and Frenchie bond over their shared trauma, understanding, and forgiveness.
- The reveal deepens Kimiko’s character, showcasing the importance of communication and healing together.
In Season 4 Episode 7 of “The Boys,” titled “The Insider,” Kimiko reveals to Frenchie that there is a darker reason behind her inability to speak. As a child, before being injected with Compound V, Kimiko was trained to fight by the Shining Light Army. During her first day at camp, soldiers pitted young girls against one another and told them they would learn to “move like ghosts in silence.” The first girl to make any noise would be killed. Kimiko killed the first girl and believes that her silence is what kept her alive. She equates being quiet with being safe.
In the second-to-last episode of the second-to-last season of “The Boys,” a significant backstory was unveiled for a long-standing mystery. Some viewers have speculated that Kimiko’s (Karen Fukuhara) silence and unique sign language only decipherable by Frenchie (Tomer Capone) stem from selective mutism. However, in this episode, the true explanation behind her condition was disclosed.
In a heartfelt exchange between Kimiko and Frenchie, she shared her past experiences with him, revealing they both harbor similar emotions. Their shared trauma became less isolating as they discovered their connection, adding complexity and resonance to Kimiko’s beloved character. This revelation also addressed a long-standing question among fans in a satisfying and logical manner.
Kimiko’s History With The Boys
As a gamer, I’d describe it this way: When I crossed paths with The Boys for the first time, they found me caged up like a wild beast. They thought I was an innocent woman in need of assistance, but boy, were they wrong. Once freed, they soon discovered that I, Kimiko Miyashiro, was a force to be reckoned with. My abilities were almost primal, and it was clear that I was a Super with formidable powers. Not only did I possess extraordinary strength, durability, speed, and agility, but I also had regenerative healing powers that were so potent they allowed me to rise from the dead after being slain.
Although the team attempts to reassure Kimiko that they harbor no harm, Frenchie is the one who gradually earns her confidence. Over time, they come to understand aspects of her past, which they believe account for her silence. However, this isn’t the full explanation.
In her childhood spent in Japan with her family consisting of her parents and brother Kenji (Abraham Lim), an unexpected tragedy strikes when terrorists from the Shining Light Liberation Army intrude into their home. They mercilessly take the lives of Kimiko’s parents, abduct herself and her brother. This day marks a turning point in her life as she is subsequently forced into military service against her will. Despite her numerous attempts to break free, Kimiko eventually finds herself transported to the United States. Now an adult, she is coerced into undergoing the administration of Compound V as part of Homelander’s sinister scheme. The government intends to create an army of supervillains through this twisted experiment, with Kimiko and others unwittingly serving as its unwilling subjects.
As a gamer, I can rephrase this as follows: I didn’t share the beliefs of that group my brother had joined against his will. All I could think about when I first encountered The Boys was rescuing him. But once I managed to break free from their grasp, I turned into a lethal weapon. It wasn’t until later that I understood they were on the same side as me, fighting against The Seven and Vought. However, my inability to speak made things complicated. They assumed it was selective mutism caused by past traumas, but I couldn’t tell them otherwise.
The Real Reason Kimiko Doesn’t Speak
In Season 4 Episode 7, titled “The Insider,” Kimiko shares a heartfelt conversation with Frenchie, disclosing that her inability to speak conceals a deeper, troubling past. As Frenchie expresses remorse for his violent actions, such as murdering Colin’s family during his tenure with Cherie, Kimiko opens up about her own dark history. She has committed similarly heinous acts.
Prior to being given the Compound V treatment by Shining Light, Kimiko underwent rigorous combat training. This background is responsible for her exceptional fighting abilities that surpass the capabilities bestowed upon her by the serum. During her early days at the camp as a child, she recalls, the soldiers arranged mock battles among young girls and warned them about the importance of moving stealthily and quietly. The first girl to make even the slightest sound was threatened with dire consequences.
To live literally and barely make a sound, Kimiko mastered fierce combat (B). After taking down the initial adversary, she recalls feeling unable to speak when granted permission once more (C). Frenchie attempted to console her, asserting that she had no control over the situation. However, Kimiko disagreed vehemently. “It’s better for them to take my life,” she sobbed, “than what I did to that girl, and many others.”
Previously, viewers were introduced to Tala (portrayed by Erika Prevost), an adversary of Kimiko’s who miraculously survived their encounter. The encounter left Tala with a significant scar on her face, inflicted by Kimiko. Furthermore, it comes to light that Kimiko had kidnapped Tala and compelled her to join the army. Consequently, Kimiko is ridden with guilt over the harm she inflicted upon this young woman who bears physical and emotional scars. Since her childhood, Kimiko associated quietness with safety. Psychologically speaking, she found it impossible to verbalize due to the traumatic experiences that demanded silence and involvement in horrific deeds. It’s likely that Kimiko has remained silent since then.
It’s an Important Reveal for More Reason Than One
From my perspective as a devoted fan, the disclosure intensifies the connection between Kimiko and Frenchie. Deeply regretting his actions, Frenchie confessed to the authorities, leading to his arrest and eventual release at Billy Butcher’s hands. He harbors self-doubt, questioning whether he deserves happiness or forgiveness. In contrast, Kimiko seeks to reassure him that they both share similar feelings.
Through her tale, Kimiko conveys to Frenchie a sense of camaraderie, as if he’s found a companion who has experienced similarly dreadful actions and is working on self-forgiveness. Together, they may navigate their past traumas. “I despise the reflection that stares back at me in the mirror,” she signs to Frenchie. “And believe me, I get it more than you realize.” When Frenchie attempts to console Kimiko and assure her she shouldn’t feel this way, she underscores the significance of their shared experience. “Neither should you.”
In the midst of their overwhelming ordeal, the dialogues between the duo offer a soothing respite. This heartfelt exchange underscores the significance of companionship and the power of forgiveness. It also adds layers to our beloved characters, revealing more about their complexities, which fans have been eagerly anticipating since the series began.
Despite carrying significant emotional baggage, Frenchie and Kimiko may find solace and healing in each other’s company. Following Kimiko’s confession to her closest friend, the duo could embark on a collaborative journey towards self-acceptance and recovery. Watch The Boys on Amazon Prime Video.
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2024-07-14 18:02