'The Boys' Season 4: MM's panic attack hints at a major meltdown
Contains spoilers for 'The Boys'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In 'The Boys' Season 4, Episode 6, MM collapses during a mission. Initially, it looks like a heart attack, but later we learn it's a panic attack.
MM sends Hughie to spy on Tek Knight's party at the Federalist Society as Web Weaver. Hughie needs rescue when things go south, and Starlight, Kimiko, and MM rush to help. They face off with Sister Sage, who knows MM's secrets.
In a tense moment, MM shoots her, thinking she's dead, then collapses from a panic attack. A-Train rushes him to the hospital, revealing the real reason behind MM's collapse.
Why does MM have a panic attack in 'The Boys' Season 4 Episode 6?
In 'The Boys' Season 4, MM's panic attack after confronting Sister Sage is a clear sign of his growing anxiety. Throughout the season, he tries to calm himself with meditation and self-help books, but it's not helping.
By Episode 5, he's breaking out in hives, showing his stress is worsening. Leading The Boys instead of Butcher is taking a toll on MM's mental health. Taking on Homelander and Vought is a huge task, and it's showing.
The CIA is unhappy with him, and the people he reports to aren't shy about criticizing him. His team members are struggling too, and keeping them safe is tough while trying to bring down Vought.
Butcher isn't helping either, often ignoring MM's orders. All of this is only piling onto MM's evergoing stress.
Let's not forget about MM's OCD since 'The Boys' Season 1
In 'The Boys' Season 4, MM's struggle with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been a focus, but it's not new. He has lived with OCD since the start of the show, and earlier seasons hinted at his condition.
In an upsetting scene from Season 3, MM tells Starlight that his OCD began after Soldier Boy attacked his family. He explains his nightly ritual of checking the burners three times, fearing the Supe's return if he doesn't.
'The Boys' handles OCD and anxiety well, earning praise throughout the series. Season 4 continues to explore MM's condition and how it's impacted by his surroundings, delving into his trauma and its adult manifestations.
Hopefully, in Season 4, Episode 7, MM will seek help or find relief from the mounting stress. With A-Train's support uncertain next time, addressing his panic attacks is highly crucial at this point in the show.
MM's work-life balance is in shambles in 'The Boys' Season 4
In 'The Boys' Season 4, MM is increasingly stressed from his job, but his home life adds to his anxiety. His ex-wife and daughter make sporadic appearances throughout the series, and Season 4 delves deeper into MM's relationship with them.
It's clear he struggles to balance work with family, often prioritizing The Boys over his personal life. Monique encourages him to be more present for their daughter, especially after Todd's death, but leading The Boys leaves little room for personal connections.
Episode 6 might prompt MM to reassess his priorities, especially if he felt his life was at risk. His panic attack not only nearly jeopardizes the mission but also forces him to consider stepping down.
Continuing to push his mental and physical limits could have serious consequences, affecting his ability to support his daughter, something he wants to avoid. This wake-up call could give him clarity, pushing him to finally prioritize his family over The Boys.
MM's panic attack scare might bring in Butcher back as the leader of The Boys
In 'The Boys' Season 4, Episode 6, MM's panic attack isn't surprising given the immense stress he faces as the team's leader. It signals he's reaching a breaking point, raising doubts about his ability to continue in his role.
Despite his efforts to manage stress, it's clear he needs to prioritize his health. Fainting during a mission poses risks, endangering both himself and the mission's success.
The show seems to be setting up Butcher to reclaim leadership through MM's episode 6 panic attack. Previous hints in Episode 5 suggest Butcher is the most suitable leader, with Joe Kessler even suggesting he's indispensable.
Despite Butcher's tough approach, his readiness to defy norms and make tough decisions is crucial against Homelander and Vought.
While MM is more capable, his panic attack may prompt him to reconsider his role, potentially paving the way for Butcher to lead again.
'The Boys' Season 4 trailer
6 episodes of 'The Boys' Season 4 is streaming on Prime Video