'The Boys': Will Season 4 finally see Butcher flip from hero to villain? Becca's behavior could hold the clue
Contains spoilers and speculations for 'The Boys'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Boys' Season 4 is slated for release on Thursday, June 13, and there are strong indications that Billy Butcher might take center stage as the primary antagonist.
Throughout the series, Butcher's pursuit of vengeance has been a driving force, fueled by personal trauma and a relentless desire for retribution. As the show progresses, his actions become increasingly morally ambiguous, blurring the lines between hero and villain.
With Butcher's complex character arc and mounting tensions within the group, his role as the main antagonist in Season 4 seems plausible, promising an intense and gripping narrative.
Becca had already warned us about Butcher in 'The Boys' Season 2
Becca's refusal of Butcher's escape offer in 'The Boys' Season 2 stemmed from her concern for her son Ryan's safety amid Butcher's vengeful agenda. Butcher's relentless pursuit of vengeance against Homelander, who assaulted Becca, defined his character, making him formidable.
Becca's return revealed she had a son with Homelander, complicating Butcher's mission to reunite the family. Despite their emotional reunion, Becca hesitated to escape with Butcher and Ryan, fearing Butcher's vendetta against Vought.
She believed Homelander's protective instincts towards Ryan made him more predictable than Butcher, who showed erratic behavior. Becca recognized Butcher's actions had already jeopardized Ryan's safety, despite his love for the boy.
Choosing to stay with Homelander, Becca prioritized Ryan's well-being over her freedom, making a difficult but necessary decision. Her choice underscored the complex dynamics and sacrifices made amid the ongoing turmoil of super-powered conflicts in 'The Boys.'
Is Butcher really the villain In 'The Boys' Season 4?
Yes, Billy Butcher and Homelander stand out as the most dangerous antagonists in 'The Boys,' embodying mirrored ideologies and prejudices. Both harbor deep-seated animosity towards supes and non-supes alike.
Butcher's initial distrust towards Starlight, despite her usefulness, mirrors Homelander's disdain for regular people. This pattern repeats with Kimiko in Season 2, despite her acceptance by other members of the group.
Butcher's tolerance of Kimiko is limited, as he openly contemplates putting her down if necessary, causing tension within 'The Boys' team. His actions even lead to a mutiny after he attempts to shoot Kimiko's brother without hesitation.
Despite expectations of mercy towards Ryan due to his age, Butcher's past actions, such as using a baby Supe as a weapon, challenge this assumption.
Can Butcher prove Becca wrong In 'The Boys' Season 4?
In 'The Boys' Season 4, Butcher might fully embrace his role as the series' true villain, validating Becca's caution about entrusting Ryan to him. Departing from the source material, the show appears to chart Butcher's descent into darkness, particularly evident as he gains access to Vought's Temp V or V24, leveling the playing field with Homelander.
Although Butcher saved Hughie from a lethal dose of Temp V and cooperated with Homelander to safeguard Ryan under its influence, his alliance with Soldier Boy ultimately endangered Hughie and Ryan.
Becca, understanding Butcher's vengeful nature, may have reasoned that Ryan could be safer with Homelander, driven by an intense desire for love and approval, even extending to his son.
In Season 4, Becca's decision could face a final test, especially with Ryan aligning with Homelander, potentially prompting Butcher to extreme measures. While Butcher lacks Homelander's depravity, his capacity to endanger loved ones makes him a formidable threat, as acknowledged even by Stan Edgar.
Unlike Homelander's overt disgust, Edgar's respect for Butcher hints at the latter's intelligence and leadership capabilities. Butcher's potential for redemption remains uncertain, leaving the question open as to whether he can prove Becca wrong.
However, for now, it seems Becca's judgment of Butcher was warranted all along. Butcher is indeed, a certified villain in 'The Boys'.
'The Boys' Season 4 trailer
The Boys' Season 4 premieres on Prime Video on Thursday, June 13