‘The Boys’ Season 4 Unveils Two, Possibly Three, Greater Threats Than Homelander and Compound V

‘The Boys’ is one of the most popular superhero series globally, and its fourth season concluded recently on July 18, 2024. While initial reactions were lukewarm, the series quickly gained momentum, ending with high ratings and a Certified Fresh status.

The fourth season featured numerous fascinating and surprising moments, many of which we have covered in our weekly reviews. Now that the season is over, we look forward to the upcoming fifth and final season, which will bring Kripke’s retelling of the comic book to life.

While we don’t yet know what Kripke and his writers have planned, it’s clear that Season 4 has set the stage for at least two, potentially three, major threats in Season 5. Each of these could prove to be a bigger and more dangerous adversary than Homelander.

Despite his highs and lows, Homelander has been the central villain of the series since Episode 1. He has been at the heart of all major events, and, true to his desires, the series largely revolves around him and his ambitions. By the end of Season 4, he has ascended to the position of commander-in-chief of security, making him the most powerful man in the United States with the ability to reshape the country as he pleases.

However, there’s a catch. Even though Homelander is now more powerful than ever, Season 4 has shown that his sheer power—still a defining trait of his character—might not be enough for him to ultimately prevail. The season has introduced at least two significant new threats, with a potential third one also emerging.

Sister Sage

The first major threat is Sister Sage. As the mastermind behind Homelander’s rise to power, she is touted as the most intelligent individual in the world. Her strategic brilliance has been crucial in Homelander’s ascension to the role of supreme ruler of the United States. This indicates that Sister Sage is not only more intelligent than Homelander but also capable of staying several steps ahead of him and potentially manipulating him.

While Homelander’s physical strength far surpasses hers, making him a formidable opponent should they ever clash, he currently seems to be a puppet in her hands. The real concern is that her ultimate goals remain unclear, so it’s uncertain what she has planned next.

Ryan

Homelander’s son is another significant potential threat for Season 5. The traumatized child has been shuffled around throughout the seasons, and Homelander’s relentless drive to mold him in his own image continues. We’ve glimpsed some of Ryan’s powers, and it’s clear that he possesses exceptional strength.

It’s quite possible that Ryan could emerge as a villain in Season 5. Given his potential, there’s a strong chance his powers could eventually surpass those of his father, making him a formidable threat. However, there is also the possibility that he might choose to align with the good guys, which would be a welcome turn for many.

Soldier Boy

Finally, there’s Homelander’s father, Soldier Boy. He has already demonstrated that he can take down Homelander and possesses the strength to do so; in fact, he might even be stronger than Homelander, though we’ll likely find out more as the series progresses. Soldier Boy is not only powerful and dangerous but also incredibly resilient, having survived numerous challenges in the previous season.

Soldier Boy’s return was hinted at in the post-credits scene of Season 4, signaling an impending showdown. We’ll have to see how the writers choose to develop the character.

What do you think? Are there any other characters you believe might pose a threat in the final season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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