'The Boys' Season 4 Episode 4 Takeaway: Homelander is a nuclear bomb without fail-safe and why that's terrifying
Contains spoilers for 'The Boys' Season 4
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Prime Video's acclaimed series, 'The Boys', has garnered a dedicated fanbase with its gritty and unconventional portrayal of superheroes. In a world where superheroes are revered and commercialized, 'The Boys' shines light on the sinister underbelly of power and corruption.
Homelander (Anthony Starr), leader of The Seven, is both captivating and chilling. Initially portrayed as a self-absorbed and arrogant superhero, his character has evolved into something far more sinister. His inflated ego has become a ticking time bomb, threatening those around him with impending destruction.
For the unversed, Homelander's descent into madness began in Season 3, Episode 5, 'The Last Time to Look on This World of Lies', after suffering a humiliating public ordeal orchestrated by Billy Butcher and The Boys. As Season 4 progresses, particularly in Episode 4, Homelander's grasp on reality finally shatters, marking a disturbing turning point in his downward spiral.
'The Boys' Season 4 Episode 4: Is this the end of Homelander?
In 'The Boys' Season 4 Episode 4, titled 'Glory', Homelander experiences a devastating mental breakdown under the weight of his own ego and responsibilities.
As the episode progresses, Homelander's actions become increasingly erratic and violent. He lashes out at his teammates, berates his loyal assistant, and even resorts to physical violence against those who dare to question his authority.
Once a confident leader, Homelander now spirals into paranoia, anger, and an insatiable need for validation. The climax reveals his complete mental collapse, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, highlighting the peril of unchecked power and ego.
While many perceive Homelander as evil, one wonders whether his past experiences have shaped the person he has become.
'The Boys' Season 4 Episode 4: Homelander's difficult childhood may hold answers
Homelander's journey into madness may trace back to his troubled childhood, where flashbacks in 'The Boys' hint at neglect and abandonment. His ongoing battle with insecurity and the relentless quest for validation appears to be fueled by a deep-seated need for approval, which he seeks to satisfy through his superhero persona.
In 'The Boys' Season 4 Episode 4, the weight of Homelander's responsibilities and his towering ego converge, revealing cracks in his once formidable character.
While he does make some attempt to evoke empathy from viewers in Episode 4 when his visit to the lab appears like a tour of “this is why I’m a victim.” Ofcourse, he wants humans to feel sorry for him as he details what Vought did to him when he was younger.
However, this facade shatters when Barbara enters the scene. Her presence momentarily pacifies Homelander, but her words serve as a stark reminder of his innate danger. She states that fear compelled the lab staff to obey, and their intention was to instill in him a sense of love and approval to anchor his humanity.
Despite Barbara's efforts, they prove futile. Homelander's fragile psyche gives way to violence, resulting in the brutal killing of the staff. Barbara is left amid the gruesome aftermath in the Red Room.
Were we ever inclined to sympathize with Homelander? Absolutely not. It becomes painfully clear that this Supe is irredeemable. Unpredictable and unchecked, he remains a looming threat akin to a nuclear bomb without a fail-safe, a chilling reminder of his menace.
'The Boys' Season 4 Episode 4: How will Homelander's action affect the Supes?
Homelander's decline carries deep implications, posing a serious threat to Vought International and global stability. His increasing instability fuels erratic and violent behavior, endangering those around him. Once loyal teammates now fear his unpredictable wrath, walking on eggshells to avoid triggering his anger.
His downfall serves as a pointed critique of toxic masculinity and the destructive force of unchecked power. In a world where superheroes are revered, Homelander's descent underscores how even the mighty can succumb to ego and ambition.
'The Boys' explores the darker sides of superhero stories, using Homelander's decline to show the horrific outcomes when power runs amok.
4 episodes of 'The Boys' Season 4 is now streaming on Prime Video