‘The Boys’ Season 4 Episode 8 Ending Explained: Surprise mid-credit twist sets up explosive Season 5
Contains major spoilers for ‘The Boys’ Season 4
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In ‘The Boys’ Season 4's shocking finale, the world is thrown into chaos as Homelander (Antony Starr) exposes Vice-President Victoria Neuman (Claudia Doumit) as a Supe on live TV, setting off a chain reaction of events that will change the course of history.
As the lines between good and evil become increasingly blurred, our heroes find themselves fighting for survival in a world where the powerful will stop at nothing to maintain their grip on control.
With unexpected alliances, shocking betrayals, and revelations that will leave you reeling, the stage is set for a ‘The Boys’ Season 5 that promises to be the most explosive yet.
But before we dive into the future, let's unpack the dramatic events of ‘The Boys’ Season 4 Epiosde 8, where the very fabric of society is torn apart and the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
‘The Boys’ Season 4 Episode 8: Does Homelander expose Victora Neumann?
Homelander's lack of emotional intelligence makes him unfit for politics and leadership, a fact highlighted by Sister Sage's (Susan Heyward) revelation in ‘The Boys’ Season 4 Episode 8. When he sees a photo of Ryan (Cameron Crovetti) and his family, his anger intensifies.
In a dramatic moment on live TV, Homelander exposes Vice-President Victoria Neuman as a Supe. He claims they will transform the world but hasn't considered how to handle those who have damaging information about them.
Homelander then informs the Seven that they will restore order and seize control of the White House. However, they first need to eliminate a list of problematic individuals, including Ashley (Colby Minifie).
The surprising twist is Ashley's decision to take Compound V, leaving us wondering what kind of Supe she will become in ‘The Boys’ Season 5.
‘The Boys’ Season 4 Episode 8: Who is the shapeshifting Supe? The Boys protect President Bob Singer
The ‘The Boys’ Season 4 finale is packed with high stakes, including the critical situation involving US President Bob Singer, who, despite his high rank, has often felt like a minor character.
As Frenchie races against time to replicate a crucial virus and Hughie discovers that all of The Boys' data has been hacked, Mother’s Milk (Laz Alonso) steps up to protect President Singer, leading a defensive operation in an underground presidential bunker.
Meanwhile, Hughie's (Jack Quaid) realization that "Annie" is actually the Shapeshifter comes across as almost comedic. Before their mission to safeguard the President, he had an intense romantic relationship with "Annie," engaging in various sexual activities, including anal, and they even got engaged.
In hindsight, the sudden shift in "Annie's" (Erin Moriarty) behavior—becoming a sex enthusiast and eager for a lifelong commitment—should have been a red flag for Hughie.
The Boys face off against the Shapeshifter posing as Annie in the bunker. The real Annie eventually arrives and defeats her imposter.
I can’t help but feel for Annie. Despite grappling with identity issues both privately and publicly, she still hasn't figured out who she truly is. Adding to her trouble is the fact that Hughie enjoyed his time with the fake Annie, which I'll delve into further in this recap.
‘The Boys’ Season 4 Episode 8: Does Annie aka Starlight break up with Hughie?
It’s no wonder Annie is furious with Hughie after they defeat the Shapeshifter. Finding out he had sex with the imposter at least twenty times feels like a gut punch.
Hughie, always the gentle soul since the beginning of the series, tries to explain the differences he noticed between the real Annie and the Shapeshifter, emphasizing that he loves Annie for her vulnerabilities.
As Season 4 concludes, Hughie and Annie remain together, but she insists that Hughie takes a Supe STD test just to be safe. Despite their reunion, they face more challenges in Season 5, especially as Annie continues to struggle with finding her life purpose.
‘The Boys’ Season 4 Episode 8: Does Homelander's son Ryan leave with Billy Butcher?
The phrase, "You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain," seems fitting when considering Butcher and Ryan. Both characters have the potential to emerge as heroes by the end of the series, or they might end up becoming what they’ve been fighting against.
It's clear why Butcher (Karl Urban) is desperate to convince Ryan to leave Homelander for good. His concern for Ryan stems from his love for his deceased wife, and he fears the world might end up with another Homelander.
However, his final attempt to persuade Ryan was doomed from the start, especially considering his poorly planned approach. It’s as if he hadn’t taken Homelander’s history into account at all.
Even Aunt Grace steps in to help as Butcher, lying in a hospital bed, plays Connect 4 with Ryan. Despite Butcher’s repeated pleas for Ryan to leave Homelander and go into hiding with Aunt Grace, Ryan refuses.
Although Butcher is angry, Ryan admits he likes Vought. Whether this is the truth (evidence suggests otherwise), it’s more likely that Ryan is scared of his father and knows that leaving could make things even worse.
Grace tries to help by revealing the harsh truths about Homelander to Ryan, including his assassination attempt on Bob Singer, the Flight 37 incident, and the fact that he raped Ryan’s mother. Overwhelmed with emotion, Ryan realizes he's in a CIA Supe Facility meant to contain Supes.
In a fit of rage, he throws Grace against the wall, potentially killing her, and then escapes. Butcher and Grace's mishandling of the situation with Ryan marks a pivotal ending to 'The Boys' Season 4, setting the stage for significant and lasting changes.
‘The Boys’ Season 4 Episode 8: Do The Boys help Victoria Neumann? Butcher steals the virus
Besides Butcher's impending death, it was clear he had something dark brewing inside him, waiting to explode. So, his actions here aren’t entirely shocking. Failing to save Ryan, Butcher now resorts to desperate measures.
Unexpectedly, Victoria Neuman calls Hughie, saying she wants to resign as Vice President and needs The Boys’ help. Feeling unsafe with Homelander’s evil plans looming over her, she’s concerned about her future and that of her daughter. Yes, Victoria Neuman, once seen as the ultimate villain, is now scared.
Hughie convinces The Boys to show compassion and take in Neuman and her daughter, Zoe. Mother’s Milk insists on having the virus ready to inject into Neuman if it’s a trap (thanks to Frenchie, the virus is now replicated).
Neuman asks The Boys to help her escape from Homelander and the CIA, promising many favors in return, including taking down Vought and Homelander. But their plans are shattered when Butcher returns, rejecting any deals. He looks menacing and, in a brutal display, grabs Victoria Neuman and tears her apart, leaving her dead and her body scattered on the floor.
The Boys are forced to back down as Butcher takes the virus from Frenchie. This marks a turning point, casting doubt on Butcher’s potential for redemption. This drastic action occurs just as Hughie had urged everyone to take a more humane approach with Neuman, making Butcher's ruthless act all the more stark.
‘The Boys’ Season 4 Episode 8: What was Sister Sage's plan? Homelander joins hands with new US President
Thank god Sister Sage had a plan all along because, what’s the point of being the world’s smartest person if Homelander can just discard you?
The news announces that Neuman is dead, and Homelander looks visibly stressed. Sister Sage visits him and reveals that they’ve won; this was her plan all along.
She had recorded Bob Singer telling The Boys that they should have killed Neuman, and now the President is being arrested and blamed for her murder. The Speaker of the House is next in line for the presidency and wants to pledge allegiance to Homelander.
Homelander is baffled that Sister Sage orchestrated all of this, but she casually explains that she did it just to see if she could and found it fun. She’s already looking forward to Phase 2.
'The Boys' Season 4, Episode 8, ends with the Speaker of the House, now the US President, declaring martial law and deputizing the Supes, led by Homelander.
Homelander immediately rolls out his propaganda, declaring that “America will be safe again.” Meanwhile, The Boys split up and try to go into hiding, but all are attacked and captured, except for Starlight, who manages to escape.
‘The Boys’ Season 4 Episode 8 mid-credit scene: Will Soldier Boy return in ‘The Boys’ Season 5?
If you thought that was the end and turned off Episode 8 before the credits rolled, you missed an intriguing mid-credits scene. The new President reveals to Homelander that they have located Soldier Boy, who is in a cryogenic chamber in a secret facility. Homelander’s eyes fill with emotion. What could he be thinking?
The bombshell mid-credit scene sets up an intriguing plot for 'The Boys' Season 5. As it turns out, Soldier Boy is Homelander's father. What lies ahead for Homelander and The Seven remains to be seen.
All episodes of 'The Boys' Season 4 is available to stream on Prime Video