Homelander’s Messiah Complex Explodes in The Boys S4E4

Homelander’s Messiah Complex Explodes in The Boys S4E4

The latest episode of Amazon Prime Video’s hit series, The Boys, Season 4 Episode 4, throws Homelander (Antony Starr) deeper into his own delusions, presenting him as a messianic figure. This installment, released recently, dives headfirst into the crumbling psyche of the world’s most powerful ‘hero,’ exploring themes of faith, deception, and the dangerous allure of false prophets. The episode is packed with shocking character moments and surprising parallels to classic superhero films, making it a standout in an already gripping season.

Homelander’s Descent into Delusion

Picking up directly after the events of the previous week, Episode 4 finds Homelander staring intensely at a photo of his son, Ryan. His quiet moment of reflection is interrupted by the arrival of Firecracker (Valorie Curry).

This encounter highlights the stark contrast between Firecracker’s costume, eerily similar to Starlight’s revealing suit, and their opposing moral compasses. While Annie (Erin Moriarty) rejected such attire, embracing her role as an enemy of Homelander, Firecracker seems to be fully embracing the Vought system.

Homelander’s perception of reality is clearly fracturing. He becomes fixated on a scent he detects, which he believes is his father, Soldier Boy. This disorientation is amplified when Firecracker mentions her new perfume, ‘General Lee’s Secret,’ named after the Confederate general.

The irony isn’t lost on the audience as Homelander, standing before a giant American flag, continues to be haunted by his ‘daddy’s’ presence. This scene hints at Homelander’s unique powers, showing him reacting to a scent in a way that suggests a deeper, perhaps supernatural, connection.

Firecracker attempts to explain her presence as preparation for an interview, but Homelander is beyond listening. He claims to have been visited by an angel, declaring himself the Messiah and savior of the world.

His complete detachment from reality is terrifying, as he perverts religious teachings to position himself as divine. This episode masterfully uses current political talking points, reflecting the show’s knack for topical storytelling, as the writers seem to predict major public conversations with uncanny accuracy.

Ryan’s Path and Billy’s Manipulation

Meanwhile, Billy Butcher (Karl Urban) is tending to a battered but alive Ryan (Cameron Crovetti) at their hidden base. Butcher draws a parallel to Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, where Darth Vader fights his son Luke Skywalker.

Like Luke, Ryan was left near death and rescued. However, Ryan’s limited exposure to films, due to his mother Becca’s protectiveness, means he’s unaware of many pop culture touchstones, including the famous father-son reveal in Star Wars.

Butcher believes Ryan needs to reach a ‘chosen one’ moment to defeat his father, a departure from the comic book ending. This sets up a potential future where Ryan himself is the one to take down Homelander.

However, Ryan is left vulnerable, with Butcher seeing him as a weapon and Homelander spiraling into a cult-like obsession with immortality. The future of Ryan remains uncertain, but his role in the unfolding conflict is clearly pivotal.

Mother’s Milk and Huey’s Growth

Marvin T. Milk (Laz Alonso), or Mother’s Milk (MM), is shown preparing for action, complete with a trimmed beard that fans will recognize from earlier seasons.

His renewed sense of purpose comes after the loss of hope in the freedom camps. Frenchie (Tomer Capone) explains that the V1 compound, essential for their mission, will take weeks to repair after being sabotaged.

This forces the team to consider heading to Fort Harmony, a place that presents its own dangers, including a mysterious illness affecting Boy Scouts. Huey (Jack Quaid) notes that Homelander’s control over Vought and its resources, including V1, means he could become an unstoppable immortal dictator.

If the Boys can secure V1, however, they might be able to save key allies like Starlight, Kimiko (Kassandra Vos), and Butcher. Huey’s increased confidence and leadership potential are on full display, marking significant character growth from his earlier, more timid persona, mirroring his comic book trajectory.

Starlight’s Family and Sister Sage’s Schemes

Starlight faces a painful reunion with her estranged father, whom she hasn’t seen in 20 years. Her father’s new family, including a half-brother who embraces the ‘manosphere’ and watches The Deep’s podcast, presents a stark contrast to her own upbringing. The hypocrisy is evident as her brother wears merchandise from an artist who has been detained in the freedom camps, yet calls Starlight a terrorist.

This storyline echoes themes from X2: X-Men United, where family members become wary due to government-fueled anxieties. Meanwhile, Sister Sage (Rosemarie DeWitt), an advisor to the President, is shown strategizing.

She suggests defunding public schools and implementing voucher programs for Homelander’s youth initiatives, aiming to indoctrinate children from a young age. This reflects a broader commentary on the erosion of education in the show’s universe, a tactic often employed by fascist regimes to control future generations.

Soldier Boy’s Rage and Sage’s Manipulation

Soldier Boy (Jensen Ackles) erupts in anger upon being summoned by a Black woman, making crude and offensive remarks that highlight his deeply ingrained prejudice. Sage manipulates him, directing his rage towards Homelander and suggesting he confront him after Homelander’s son returns from Fort Harmony. Sage’s ultimate goal remains unclear, but it seems she aims to expose the Supes’ unhinged nature through Homelander, potentially leading to the downfall of Vought.

The Deep’s Betrayal and Black Noir’s Return

The episode also catches up with The Deep (Chace Crawford), who is seen hosting his podcast. Black Noir (Nathaniel Brown) confronts him, knocking his sushi platter away.

This encounter reveals that the current Black Noir is committed to embodying the character accurately, not a clone or replacement. Noir expresses disappointment that The Deep seems to value Homelander’s approval more than their own relationship, a parallel to Starlight’s own struggles with familial acceptance.

The Deep’s desperate need for Homelander’s validation is driving him further down a dark path. This storyline highlights the destructive nature of seeking approval from those who are fundamentally narcissistic and self-serving. The episode emphasizes how characters are turning on each other, driven by hate and a desperate need for acceptance, mirroring societal divisions.

O Father’s Hypocrisy and the Church’s Financial Woes

The final act of the episode focuses on O Father (M.K. Wallace) and his financial desperation. Ashley (Colby Minifie) confronts him about his church’s dwindling funds, revealing his hypocrisy.

O Father, despite preaching against degeneracy, is shown to be deeply hypocritical, using church funds for personal gain and planning a ‘second coming’ to boost attendance and donations. His desperation is palpable as he seeks a way to escape his financial ruin, mirroring the show’s ongoing critique of religious institutions exploiting faith for profit.

The episode concludes with a look at the creative brainstorming session for Homelander’s messianic image. Ideas range from performing live miracles to baptizing celebrities and establishing Homelander daycares.

These schemes, driven by Vought’s desire to manufacture Homelander’s divine origin story, highlight the artificiality of his supposed divinity. The episode masterfully weaves together personal dramas with grander themes of power, faith, and corruption, leaving audiences eager for the next installment.

Source: THE BOYS Season 5 Episode 4 Breakdown & Ending Explained | Review, Comic Easter Eggs And More (YouTube)