As a long-time fan of “The Boys,” I’ve grown accustomed to the brutal, dark, and often cynical world that Eric Kripke has crafted. But with Season 4, it feels like the show has taken a sharp turn towards nihilism.
Contains spoilers for “The Boys” Season 4, Episode 8
Once more, we arrive at the conclusion of “The Boys'” latest season on Amazon Prime Video, filled with startling, gory, and sinister twists. This series continues to demonstrate an endless supply of methods to corrupt our cherished Marvel and DC superheroes beyond recognition, leaving some fans concerned about the excessive use of shock value.
In simpler terms, Season 4 of “The Boys” took each thread from the show’s complex storyline since its debut in 2019 and developed them into surprising and unusual directions. While this doesn’t make the series any less logical, the increasing intricacy might make it hard to follow without a thorough rewatch. As we anticipate the chaotic and messy conclusion of Season 5, which is expected to be the last season, let us walk you through the significant events of “The Boys” Season 4, explaining their origins and exploring their potential implications for the series as a whole.
What you need to remember about the plot of The Boys Season 4
As a gamer, I can tell you that in Season 4 of “The Boys,” there are three main storylines that interconnect the entire season. The primary looming danger is Victoria Neuman’s (Claudia Doumit) rise to the vice presidency. Me and my gaming buddies have our doubts about her tenure being long-term, given her inevitable alliance with Homelander (Antony Starr) and Vought. It’s a dangerous combination that could spell trouble for us all.
In the meantime, Homelander is grappling with an inner struggle as he confronts the fact that his life may soon come to an end, leaving behind only average movies, insincere admirers, and a long list of unpunished killings. Determined to change this legacy for himself and his son Ryan (Cameron Crovetti), Homelander forges an unexpected alliance with “Sister” Sage (Susan Heyward), a solitary superhero endowed with exceptional intelligence.
Despite Homelander’s efforts to reshape the world and his son according to his own design, Billy Butcher’s (Karl Urban) relentless thirst for retribution remains unquenched. Having let this obsession ruin his health and damage his bond with Ryan in Season 3, Butcher is more determined than ever to uphold Becca’s (Shantel VanSanten) memory – a task that has taken on a much more tangible and haunting significance for him.
What happened at the end of The Boys Season 4?
Butcher’s mental health is deteriorating significantly, possibly due to loss, past traumas, or a worsening condition in his brain. His hallucinations, featuring both his deceased wife and ex-colleague Joe Kessler (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), become more intense. Eventually, he spirals into darkness, exacerbated by disturbing new abilities. After seemingly missing his last opportunity to save Ryan, Butcher focuses on Neuman, who is on the verge of forming an alliance with Hughie Campbell (Jack Quaid) and The Boys, now headed by Laz Alonso’s Mother’s Milk.
As someone who has dedicated my life to taking down corrupt figures of power, I can attest that brute force alone is not enough to bring about real change. In my experiences, I’ve learned the hard way that defeating a single powerful adversary like Homelander doesn’t solve the underlying issues in the system. Instead, it may be more effective to recruit those with power and influence to our cause.
As a gamer, I can tell you that while my favorite heroes are deeply engrossed in their never-ending battles against each other, Homelander and Sage have taken advantage of the chaos to set the stage for something far more sinister. They’ve skillfully manipulated events to oust Robert Singer (Jim Beaver) from power, paving the way for Homelander to seize control. With the fascist-leaning Speaker of the House now at the helm, Homelander is poised to conquer the world.
The Monkey in Billy Butcher’s mind
In a surprising twist during “The Boys” Season 4, it was unveiled that Joe “The Monkey” Kessler, a long-mysterious character teased by Jeffrey Dean Morgan and showrunner Eric Kripke for over a year, was actually just a figment of Butcher’s imagination. As you rewatch the season from the beginning, it will strike you (if it hadn’t already) that Kessler only ever conversed with Butcher directly, and even seemed to materialize and vanish from scenes according to the plot’s demands – a significant example being when “they” killed Ezekiel in Episode 3.
Kessler may claim responsibility for the kill, giving the impression that he is an independent consciousness belonging to Butcher (similar to Tony Stark’s sentient tumor “Anthony” in the Ultimate Marvel comics), but it is more reasonable to assume that he is simply a reflection of Butcher’s darkest desires. This notion becomes evident when they supposedly debate whether or not to use the Supes-killing virus.
As a fan, I’d rephrase it this way: When Butcher first considers the idea that a powerful strain of the virus could wipe out Homelander and all other Supers, including me, I’m hesitant. But Kessler manages to sway me by reminding me that my actions, no matter how self-contradictory they may seem, reveal my true intentions. In essence, if deep down I truly wanted to eradicate all Supes, there wouldn’t be a part of me working against that desire.
Butcher’s new powers were created by… Andy Samberg?
In the fourth season of “The Boys,” similar to many characters, Butcher unexpectedly gains new abilities due to Compound V. Sadly, this enhancement intensifies his darker aspects, as was depicted with Simon Pegg’s character, Hugh Campbell.
Instead of getting back his powerful physique and heat vision from Season 3, Butcher now has the unwanted ability to grow grotesque tendrils as a result of a curse. An analogous situation involving Compound V was presented in “The Boys Presents: Diabolical,” an episode penned by Andy Samberg. In this storyline, a Vought employee attempted to save his dying wife by administering Compound V. The treatment didn’t grant her superpowers but instead caused her tumor to transform into a monstrous entity, which attacked using its massive tendrils.
An intriguing concept exists: Compound V may attach to tumors, building on the foundation set by Joe Kessler’s surprising twist. Might Kessler himself be a sentient tumor? Alternatively, the tendrils could symbolize Venom’s emotionally manipulative villainy, suggesting that Butcher’s toxicity is taking a tangible, cancerous form in this metaphor.
Is Homelander in his All-Star era?
Among the various nods and references to Marvel and DC superheroes, none are as obvious as Homelander’s resemblance to Superman. From his outfit and abilities to the fabricated small-town upbringing Vought promoted for him, this similarity has been a recurring theme in “The Boys” since its beginning. However, it is only in Season 4 that the show seems to be telling a genuine “Superman” tale – or perhaps one with the ethics of a stray cat.
Instead of continuing to portray him as an adversary to The Boys, Season 4 introduces a self-contained mission for this character to “save the world.” The series introduces two fresh supporting characters who significantly contribute to his narrative. Firecracker, played by Valorie Curry, acts as an overly enthusiastic Jiminy Cricket-like figure for Homelander. Meanwhile, Sage assumes the role of his questionable confidant, reminiscent of Lex Luthor’s manipulative relationship with Superman. Additionally, the show presents him with a stark reminder of his own mortality, a concept comics writer Grant Morrison introduced in “All-Star Superman.”
Although Superman tales are renowned for showcasing the self-sacrificing love that drives a man to soar into the sun to protect his world, Homelander’s narrative is dominated by fear. He fears death, isolation, or the persistent awareness that the emptiness within him may never disappear. In all likelihood, he will have to conquer this fear or face the consequence of perishing in Season 5.
What happened to Ashley Barrett?
In relation to “Superman” equivalents, Homelander might have inadvertently brought about his own version of Doomsday during “The Boys” Season 4. With access to top-secret world-destroying blueprints and knowing her role as Vought’s and Homelander’s public figurehead was coming to an end, unfortunate CEO Ashley Barrett (Colby Minifie) received a parting gift: a free dose of Compound V from Homelander’s personal stash. However, the consequences of this serum seemed to manifest in a monstrous and detrimental manner.
Unfortunately, we don’t get to see Ashley undergo a complete metamorphosis in detail. However, it can be observed that her body expands significantly, her features undergo major changes, she may grow feathers, and surprisingly, her remaining hair drops out.
This situation could turn out to be a mere trick or deceitful twist, given the writers’ history of surprising audiences with comedic twists. Yet, if she is evolving into a formidable monster like Doomsday, it would logically follow that her strength matches or exceeds Homelander’s, potentially making her the one to deny Butcher his desired kill. In terms of her imminent future, her acquisition of superpowers might be sufficient for Homelander to acknowledge her as a Supe, though this is uncertain.
Everyone at Vought is dead
Let us observe a moment of quiet reflection for Anika (Ana Sani), Ashley (Sabrina Saudin), and all other Vought International employees who tragically lost their lives during Homelander’s destructive campaign and subsequent rise to power. In his quest to become the undisputed ruler of the world, it seems that Homelander is intent on making Vought a company primarily for Supes and eliminating any human hindrances – although their influence has been minimal since Season 2.
Symbolically speaking, the Vought Tower massacre marks a significant end for Vought as a corporation. Madelyn Stillwell (Elisabeth Shue) and Stan Edgar (Giancarlo Esposito) are both involved in grave situations – the former deceased, and the latter is wanted by law enforcement. Ashley Barrett’s reputation as the company’s public face may also be irreparably damaged. Furthermore, most of Godolkin University’s administrators have met their demise.
The company once dedicated solely to producing and overseeing superheroes is now completely controlled by those self-same superheroes, rendering Vought obsolete. If Homelander selects a new leader to preserve the company’s legacy, our bet is on The Deep (Chace Crawford).
A-Train and The Deep finally become who they’re meant to be
From my perspective as a devoted fan, among Homelander, A-Train, and The Deep, only these three characters from The Seven and the larger Vought coalition have kept audiences hooked since the first season. It’s ironic that in the initial installment of “The Boys,” A-Train was portrayed as a less likable antagonist, ready to eliminate anyone to maintain his dominance, while The Deep appeared as a despicable outcast who seemed potentially redeemable due to his visible brokenness. However, as they reach the end of their individual arcs, their roles have significantly reversed.
After being excommunicated from The Seven due to his violent attack on Annie January (Erin Moriarty), also known as Starlight, The Deep makes the decision to sell every last part of himself in hopes of regaining entry into Vought Tower. Once he arrives, however, it seems that so much of his soul has been emptied out that there is nothing left but a fervent devotion to Homelander. Consuming Timothy during Season 3 further cemented this role under Homelander’s authority – the act of killing Ambrosius showed that he now relies on this position for any sense of significance.
During Season 3, A-Tran’s ethical boundaries were crossed, leading him to align with The Boys. His actions are understandable considering the profound revelations he encountered. Regrettably, the show hints strongly that this switch may result in severe consequences for him in the future.
The Guardians of Godolkin may get a promotion
In Season 4 of “The Boys,” Sam Riordan (Asa Germann) and Cate Dunlap (Maddie Phillips), who don’t feature prominently, made entertaining appearances. They were instrumental in a few pivotal moments, such as Homelander’s secret gathering of Supes at Vought Tower and their clash with Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara) and Frenchie (Tomer Capone). These incidents hint that the Guardians of Godolkin could be advancing to The Seven.
As a long-time fan of “The Boys” series, I’ve been following the development of Vought International’s super team, The Seven, with great interest. Having seen how the team has evolved throughout Seasons 1-4, I have formed an opinion on the current state of The Seven and potential new additions to the roster.
The world needs a savior it doesn’t have
Throughout Season 4, Butcher grapples with a difficult decision regarding Ryan: should he believe a Supers’ ability to save the world and trust him, or view him as a potential danger greater than Homelander and eliminate the threat? By the finale of Season 4, it appears that Butcher has chosen the latter. He takes Ryan to a CIA facility and implores him to join their side. The plan, involving revealing to a child that his only living relative is a psychopath who must be killed, executes flawlessly, leading Ryan to take Grace Mallory’s (Laila Robins) life, increasing his unintended death toll to three.
Although Butcher gives him permission to leave, it’s unlikely that he has come to the conclusion that Ryan should make his own decisions. Instead, by brutally killing Grace, similar to how he killed Becca, Ryan may have shown Butcher that no superhuman deserves mercy and they all must be eradicated for the safety of normal humans. Meanwhile, Ryan still has a vast expanse to traverse in terms of personal growth if he intends to contribute meaningfully to either side during the imminent dystopia.
Soldier Boy is back
In the after-credits scene (more like a confirmation than a surprise), viewers were given their first glimpse of Jensen Ackles’ Soldier Boy since his appearance in “Gen V”‘s initial season. Following his destructive confrontation with Queen Maeve (Dominique McElligott) in the Season 3 finale of “The Boys,” Soldier Boy, Homelander’s father figure, was placed back into storage under the supervision of the US government. With Homelander now holding the reins of power within the government, Soldier Boy has become his responsibility.
Homelander has an amusing option: abandoning him after the credits roll, poking fun at typical post-credits scene conventions. However, considering the strong fan connection to Ackles and Soldier Boy, it’s highly unlikely this will happen. It’s challenging to imagine how he fits into the narrative now, given that his story arc seemed wrapped up in Season 3.
How did the comic book end?
In the shocking finale of Season 3, Black Noir from “The Boys” show seemed to die, leaving fans of the original comic book wondering how the TV series would differ from its ending. To clarify, it later emerged that Black Noir was actually a clone of Homelander. This revelation came after Homelander’s attack on Washington, explaining why Black Noir had been involved in numerous crimes throughout the show, including harming Butcher’s wife.
In a fierce battle between the two sides, they both inflict fatal blows on each other, leaving only a few Supes alive on Homelander’s team. The U.S. military then ruthlessly eliminates the surviving Supes. The despairing Butcher seeks retribution by unleashing a deadly virus designed to kill Supes. Tragically, Kimiko, Frenchie, and M.M. are among the casualties. However, Butcher is eventually subdued by Hughie, who temporarily leaves him paralyzed from an accidental fall. In the end, Hughie takes Butcher’s life. Although Eric Kripke’s finale may mirror the overall mood of this outcome, the significant differences from the source material ensure that his ending will be unique as well.
What does the end of The Boys Season 4 mean for the franchise?
If you once believed that “The Boys” series would conclude in a joyful manner, Season 4 might have altered your perspective significantly. Given the current state of America, it seems challenging to imagine how we can mend this deeply fractured nation.
It’s likely that many of the main characters in the series won’t make it to the end – our guess is that A-Train, Butcher, Mother’s Milk, and The Deep could meet their demise. Homelander might be an exception, as killing him off could contradict the message about the harmful effects of violence that was introduced in later seasons.
As a long-time fan of The Boys, I’ve grown accustomed to the unpredictable twists and turns that Eric Kripke throws our way. With each new season, I find myself on the edge of my seat, trying to decipher where the story is headed next. And this latest cliffhanger leaving Hughie and Annie with a potential happy ending while Vought, the embodiment of America’s most dysfunctional institutions, may rise once again, is no exception.
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2024-07-18 19:31