'The Boys' Season 4: Homelander is all powerful, so why hasn't he killed his greatest enemy yet?

'The Boys' Season 4 has left viewers wondering why Homelander and The Seven haven't killed Butcher, despite their unparalleled ability to do so
UPDATED JUL 18, 2024
Homelander's selective restraint amid a history of eliminating powerful figures raises questions about his motivations in 'The Boys'  (@primevideo)
Homelander's selective restraint amid a history of eliminating powerful figures raises questions about his motivations in 'The Boys' (@primevideo)

Contains spoilers for 'The Boys' 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Homelander and The Seven could have easily eliminated Billy Butcher and The Boys long ago, considering their immense power.

Despite Homelander's brutal actions throughout 'The Boys' series, he strangely refrains from killing them.

Fans have been puzzled by this choice, wondering why Homelander allows Butcher's group to persist in opposing Vought. Since the show began, 'The Boys' have been in constant conflict with Homelander

Across 4 seasons, the series has explored the lengths these mere humans will go to in their quest to take down Homelander.

While it's nearly impossible for humans to kill Homelander, the reverse isn't true; Homelander could annihilate Butcher and his team effortlessly.

This has left viewers questioning why Homelander and other members of The Seven haven't eliminated them yet. Fortunately, Season 4 provides some answers to this longstanding mystery.

Why hasn't Homelander attacked The Boys up until now?

Karl Urban and Antony Starr in a still from 'The Boys' (@primevideo)
Karl Urban and Antony Starr in a still from 'The Boys' (@primevideo)

Homelander's decision not to eliminate The Boys has been a mystery in 'The Boys' series, but it's finally explained in Season 4, Episode 7.

In a conversation with Sister Sage, Homelander discusses the topic of dealing with The Boys. He reveals that despite his ability to take them out, he refrains because they work for the CIA.

According to Homelander, targeting The Boys would mean tangling with a powerful government agency—the CIA. He believes he can't afford to provoke such a formidable institution.

Since The Boys are connected to the CIA, Homelander sees them as untouchable pawns under its protection.

Is the CIA the reason Homelander hasn't killed The Boys?

Karl Urban and Jack Quaid in a still from 'The Boys' (@primevideo)
Karl Urban and Jack Quaid in a still from 'The Boys' (@primevideo)

While Homelander's concern about crossing the CIA seems logical, it doesn't fully align with the show's history.

He has previously eliminated high-profile figures like Robert Singer's original vice presidential pick and major superheroes, actions that could also provoke the US government or Vought.

Yet, Homelander draws the line at targeting The Boys for some reason.

Adding to the confusion, in 'The Boys' Season 2, Victoria Neuman successfully killed a CIA agent named Susan without facing significant consequences.

Even though Neuman wasn't allied with Homelander at the time, her ability to eliminate CIA adversaries without repercussions suggests a different approach from Homelander's cautious stance in dealing with The Boys.

Homelander's hesitation to confront The Boys due to their CIA affiliation appears rational, yet it contrasts with his past actions and the plot twists in the show.

His selective restraint amid a history of eliminating powerful figures raises questions about his true motivations and strategic thinking.

Meanwhile, Victoria Neuman's ability to navigate similar challenges suggests alternative methods that Homelander could potentially learn from or exploit in future seasons of 'The Boys'.

'The Boys' Season 4 trailer



 

7 episodes of 'The Boys' are now streaming on Prime Video.

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