The Boys season 4 episode 5 might show the most unusual development for Homelander's character to date. Does he actually regret the Vought labs massacre?
Is he (gasp!) growing a conscience?
CONTENT SPOILERS: This article contains spoilers for Prime Video's The Boys season 4, proceed with caution.
We May See A Rare Side of Homelander in Episode 5
Homelander (played by Antony Starr) just got his revenge on the Vought scientists who tortured and experimented on him throughout his childhood––and who were the closest thing to a family he's ever had.
He should be jumping for joy and celebrating his victory, and yet somehow, something is off. A recently released teaser for The Boys season 4 episode 5 shows a disturbed––and disturbing––leader of The Seven instead.
Even a rabidly cheering crowd can't seem to shake the expression on Homelander's face. Could it be that he regrets what he's done?
Despite Sister Sage's efforts to convince him the big turnout at the event is all for him, he's stuck reliving flashbacks of his traumatic childhood as a supe lab rat, juxtaposed with scenes from last episode's Vought lab massacre.
At one point, the flashback seems to concentrate on a shot of Homelander's son, Ryan, suggesting that, in his own demented way, the supe may be feeling conflicted over what he did. What could this mean for him and the series?
READ MORE: The Other Guys Director Adam McKay Wanted to Make 'The Boys' Movie Trilogy Back in 2008
What the Recent Development Could Mean For Homelander and the Series
Homelander has done far worse things in the past without even blinking, and yet somehow the Vought lab massacre stuck to whatever vestigial organ the psycho-supe calls his conscience. Will he ever be able to overcome this very human affliction?
"As dark and f*cked up as that seems now, that was probably one of the most enjoyable sequences I've had on the show," Anthony Starr, who plays Homelander, told Variety. His experience filming the bloody Bad Room scenes were apparently "actually really fun".
Episode 4 was all about Homelander trying to get rid of his neverending desire for validation and admiration. At the end, he emerges bloody and victorious, appearing to have conquered his most basic human need.
However, as thrilled as he is from the outcome, the episode 5 teaser shows us a uniquely disturbing side of Homelander, one we have yet to see in the series.
Could he finally be showing empathy and developing his own conscience? Or is this the moment he leaves behind all traces of humanity? What could this mean for Sister Sage and The Seven? We can't wait to see how this plays out in the upcoming episode.
READ NEXT: Why is Hughie's Mom Back in The Boys Season 4? Fans Have Some Wild Theories
Fans can wait for The Boys season 4 episode 5 titled Beware the Jabberwock, My Son to premiere on June 27 on Prime.
Make sure to follow our official Facebook page for more news and explainer articles about your favorite films and TV shows!
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!