As someone who has closely followed The Boys since its inception, I can’t help but be both intrigued and terrified by the developments in Season 4. Homelander’s descent into a more unhinged version of himself is nothing short of chilling, and his growing obsession with Soldier Boy, his long-lost father, adds an ominous layer to his already menacing demeanor.
Spoiler Alert: Spoilers Ahead for the Season 4 Finale of The Boys
Summary
- Billy Butcher is now a terrifying villain after taking Compound V.
- Sister Sage and Godolkin University leaders emerge as potential powerful villains for the final season.
- Soldier Boy, with deadly abilities, is a dangerous character to be wary of should he come back into the fold.
The fourth season of “The Boys” wouldn’t be true to form if it didn’t conclude in a wickedly evil and explosive manner, paving the way for an exciting finale by setting things up nicely and introducing a potential new antagonist who could rival the best villains from previous seasons.
Towards the end of the show’s run, some characters displayed capabilities that rivaled or even surpassed Homelander (Antony Starr)’s lethalness, presenting both opposition and complementary dynamics. However, the most intriguing new antagonist arises unexpectedly – it’s the very man hailed as a heroic vigilante during earlier episodes.
Billy Butcher Is on Track to Be The Boys’ Biggest Villain
During the series, Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), who had been taking Temp V24, endured numerous health issues. He suffered from severe coughing fits, fainting spells, and hallucinations, giving him a haggard appearance. His doctors predicted he wouldn’t survive for more than half a year. Faced with his impending mortality, Billy made it his mission to create a lasting impact and take care of Becca (Shantel VanSanten) by ensuring her son, Ryan (Cameron Crovetti), was well taken care of before he passed away.
He wrestled with his inner struggles, represented by the apparition of his former war comrade Joe Kessler (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). This phantom persistently urged him to focus on defeating Homelander above all else. In truth, Kessler insisted that Butcher eliminate all superhumans, including Ryan, if he refused to join the cause.
Although Butcher had made numerous attempts, he remained preoccupied with reaching Ryan instead of channeling his efforts elsewhere. This persistence reached its peak when, exhausted from other options, he teamed up with Grace Mallory (Laila Robins) in an attempt to persuade Ryan to aid them against his father.
An unfortunate incident left Ryan in a rage, leading him to brutally kill Grace in front of Butcher. This event marked a significant change for Butcher. Afterward, he seemed perfectly fine, but in a startling revelation, he confessed to having taken Compound V to survive. The transformation was dramatic and alarming, with serpentine creatures bursting from his chest like octopus tentacles. The Boys were left stunned when Butcher murdered Victoria Neuman, who had considered joining them and fleeing with her daughter due to her growing discontentment with their cause.
After finishing the grisly deed, Butcher smirked sarcastically at Victoria’s daughter, saying “You’re all welcome.” This revealed his complete lack of regret for his actions. It’s as if Becca and any compassionate feelings towards Ryan had vanished from Butcher’s existence, leaving only a thirst for vengeance behind.
As someone who has dedicated my life to seeking justice for the victims of the corrupt and powerful, I can relate to Butcher’s unwavering determination. However, having been part of a team before, I understand that loyalty and camaraderie are essential components of any effective group. Butcher’s decision to go solo marks a significant shift in his character arc.
In the show, Butcher’s actions have solidified his status as a major antagonist. With a sense of desperation and no regard for consequences, he aligns with the very Supes he had long hated and sought to eliminate. Every obstacle in his destructive path becomes justifiable targets. Consequently, Butcher’s ruthlessness matches, if not surpasses, Homelander’s savagery. The final episode of this season also introduces or reaffirms other villainous characters.
Sister Sage Is Playing With Power
During her dismissal from The Seven, Sister Sage (Susan Heyward) came back to inform Homelander that all her schemes had successfully unfolded. Had he waited a bit longer, he would have witnessed this outcome. She then presents him with the phone, through which President Calhoun (David Andrews) is calling for a conversation. The President grants Homelander increased authority over the Supers, in accordance with his desires. What makes Sister Sage more perilous is her lack of a defined goal other than testing her abilities. She shares this with Homelander: She had merely wanted to prove she could carry out her plans.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my belief that Sister Sage has earned Homelander’s trust beyond measure. Her thirst for intellectual challenges is palpable, making it natural for her to be drawn towards the seemingly impossible as the ultimate brainteaser. Yet, there might be hidden intentions beneath her actions and a long-term strategy at play. Regardless, she is undeniably a formidable figure not to be underestimated.
Godolkin University Classes Are in Session
In the upcoming series, the newly appointed heads of Godolkin University School of Crimefighting, Cate (Maddie Phillips) and Sam (Asa Germann), from the spin-off “Gen V,” might unexpectedly switch sides and turn into antagonists. Towards the end of the last episode, as Homelander begins to gather Starlight supporters for removal from the streets, Cate and Sam seize Frenchie (Tomer Capone) and Kimiko before they can flee with fake passports. Displaying an impressive show of strength, Sam restrains Kimiko effortlessly. Meanwhile, Cate speaks quietly into Frenchie’s ear, leading him to comply without resistance.
She’s made it plain that Frenchie is to carry out a task for her, and with her compelling persuasion and control over minds, he won’t be able to refuse. Consequently, Frenchie might unwittingly turn into a villain in Season 5. The scene provides an excellent chance for these characters to join the cast of Gen V, which is currently filming its second season and takes place after the events of Season 4 of The Boys.
Ryan Is Becoming His Father’s Son
Let’s not overlook Ryan. Although some of his previous characteristics still surface, such as his fondness for Butcher and challenging song lyrics, there are signs of a gradual but noticeable deterioration. Additionally, he seems to be relishing his newfound power. For instance, in the scene where Homelander permits Ryan to order one of his staffers to physically abuse the director, Ryan appears to take pleasure in the harm he’s inflicting on another person.
As his sense of power grows stronger, Ryan is increasingly resembling Homelander. The way he treated “Aunt Grace” was heart-wrenching and marked a significant moment revealing Ryan’s unwillingness to accept any wrongdoings from his father. With an escalating temper and hostility towards Butcher, as well as untapped abilities, Ryan possesses immense power.
Soldier Boy Appears to Be Back in The Boys
In the last scene after the credits, it’s uncovered that Soldier Boy is alive and slumbering in a room where he can manage his abilities. Homelander appears elated when Calhoun shares this information with him, viewing this turn of events as expanding his family to include both his father and son. However, will Homelander rouse Soldier Boy? If so, what consequences might ensue? Soldier Boy doesn’t appear loyal to either Homelander or Ryan. His presence is destructive, and he seems to possess greater power than both of them.
Using the same meaning, Soldier Boy boasts extraordinary resilience against common hazards with abilities such as strength and durability. He is unaffected by harmful substances like Halothane gas and Novichok, which can be lethal to other super-powered beings. Given that he has existed since 1919 without showing any signs of aging, it’s safe to assume that he is virtually indestructible.
But what’s most dangerous about Soldier Boy is that, because of years of exposure to radiation, he can generate radioactive beams of energy that can burn Compound V from someone’s bloodstream, effectively removing their powers and turning them back into normal humans. It happened with Kimiko and presumably Queen Maeve as well. Soldier Boy is the most powerful, most dangerous Supe. If released, he could prove to be a lethal villain for whomever he sets his sights on.
The Boys Is All About the Memorable Villains
In the intriguing world of “The Boys,” Homelander continues to reign as the most ruthless, heartless antagonist, with his disturbing behaviors in Season 4 serving as a stark reminder. Yet, subtle cracks are beginning to emerge, revealing potential vulnerabilities. His relationship with his son and father is a soft spot for him, while his increasing dependence on Sister Sage and mounting fears about aging make Homelander more susceptible to manipulation than before. Despite his loyal supporters who unquestioningly carry out his orders, some have discovered how to exploit his weaknesses.
Butcher, on the other hand, is completely unhinged. He has a goal in mind and will do what it takes to achieve it, making him an exciting new villain on the show. He’ll be joined as a villain by many others who have their own agendas. But a version of Butcher with an axe to grind, superpowers that many don’t yet know he possesses, a vial of a lethal virus that can kill Supes, and a voice in his head telling him to go diabolical will be unlike anything fans have ever seen. Stream The Boys on Prime Video.
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2024-07-19 00:32