If there's anything Homelander is great at, it's emotional blackmail, and his son, Ryan, is no exception from his rule. Here's how Homelander successfully reprogrammed Ryan in The Boys season 4 episode 5.
CONTENT SPOILERS: This article contains spoilers for Prime Video's The Boys season 4, proceed with caution.
Homelander Figures Out How to Brainwash Ryan
As Homelander tries to navigate how he could reprogram Ryan into thinking he wants what's best for him in becoming a good hero, he takes advantage of an opening he figured out on his own.
Tricking Adam, the marketer, into giving Ryan his wallet and keys to his Jaguar barely scratches the surface.
The real intention comes out when Homelander encourages his son to help Bonnie, the P.A., from being uncomfortable with Adam bossing her around.
Homelander serves his role as some kind of Jiminy Cricket by whispering to Ryan that Adam's apology didn't sound sincere. Adam, who desperately wants to keep his job, gets on his knees and rewords his apology.
Unfortunately, when that still doesn't satisfy Ryan, he gives Bonnie permission to slap him, which she gladly does, as the father-son duo deviously watches Adam slap over and over again.
Homelander leads Ryan to believe that every decision-making is up to him when in reality, the leader of The Seven is still pulling the strings behind his back, which leads fans to fear that Ryan may turn out to be exactly like his father.
READ MORE: 5 Juicy Easter Eggs You Probably Missed in The Boys Season 4 Episode 5
Could Ryan Turn Into A Complete Villain in The Boys?
Considering that Ryan grows older and quicker than the average Supe, Homelander can easily rewire how his morals work while he's still relatively younger than the wrathful God-like hero.
Billy Butcher would have to step up if he didn't want Becca's son to drift away from his purpose of helping the innocent.
At this rate, Ryan may even lose his conscience while being blind enough to believe that he is only 'helping' the people around him through violence and vengeance.
The Boys still has one season left to finish its story, which means Ryan also has a longer time to figure out which side he should be on in this journey.
READ NEXT: How Did Hughie Manage to Kill His Dad in The Boys in Spite of His Superpowers?
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