'The Boys' Season 4 drops major hint for potential Season 5 plot, and the clue is closer than you think
Contains spoilers for 'The Boys'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In 'The Boys', Butcher has always been a morally ambiguous figure, driven by a deep-seated hatred for corrupt Supes like Homelander. His willingness to resort to extreme measures for revenge has made him a complex character from the start.
'The Boys' Season 4 delves deeper into his dark side, particularly as his health suffers from using temporary Compound V in Season 3. Despite occasional glimpses of nobility, Butcher remains the show's most ruthless and divisive character.
A recent revelation about him in the new season further emphasizes his flaws, potentially making audiences less sympathetic towards him, especially if his storyline follows that of his comic book counterpart.
How 'The Boys' Season 4 continues to make Butcher a disliked character
In 'The Boys', Butcher's character has been increasingly revealed as flawed, especially with the recent revelation in 'The Boys' Season 4, Episode 7, titled, 'The Insider' that he cheated on Becca.
Unlike the more upbeat and likable characters, Butcher was never meant to be easy to root for. His dark side adds complexity, making him tragic yet dangerous. He can be selfish and inadvertently hurtful, affecting those closest to him.
This makes him a character audiences may find easier to dislike compared to Hughie or MM, who are more naturally good-hearted.
The show intentionally explores the blurred lines between heroism and villainy, making viewers wary of Butcher.
Despite wanting to do what's right, his selfishness and unlikable traits show him less as a hero and more as an unpredictable and possibly dangerous person. This fits with where the story seems to be heading as it approaches its conclusion.
Is 'The Boys' preparing Billy Butcher as the ultimate villain for Season 5?
In 'The Boys', it looks like they're positioning Butcher as the main threat in the series finale, which follows the original comics. In the comics, Homelander's plan to take over the world was stopped quickly, and he ended up dying in a fight with his clone.
The comic's final arc, 'The Bloody Doors Off', saw Butcher deciding to eliminate anyone with Compound V, including his own teammates, setting up a dramatic showdown between Hughie and Butcher for the world's fate.
The Prime Video series seems to be heading in a similar direction, making Butcher the ultimate antagonist in Season 5. Season 4 has been highlighting Butcher's instability and dangerous side, forcing the group to confront his darker nature.
Influences like Joe Kessler could push Butcher further from the team, and his selfish actions, like betraying Becca, justify his transformation into a self-centered character.
While the show might not copy the comic's ending exactly, it seems ready to give Butcher a big role in how it all ends.
'The Boys' Season 4 trailer
'The Boys' Season 4 is now streaming on Prime Video.