Why Homelander Does Not Kill Barbara from The Boys Season 4
Alert: This page has spoilers for "Wisdom of the Ages," episode 4 of The Boys Season 4.
More volatile than ever in The Boys season 4, Homelander returns to the Vought lab where he was created and kills everyone but one person: Barbara. Homelander chooses to go back to his place of birth at the end of The Boys season 4, episode 3 since he wants to remove his humanity. He visits the site accountable for his difficult background since he links it with his need for affection and approval. Many of the researchers who "raised" Homelander are still employed in the lab, hence he makes sure to reimburse them for the suffering they caused him as a youngster. His brutal torturing techniques aim to demonstrate the scientists exactly what Homelander subjects go through. They are, of course, significantly less suited for surviving the conditions and tests the Supe undertook. And all but one of them are dead by the time Homelander is done. Though Homelander leaves Barbara alive in The Boys season 4, viewers could be asking why. Her encounters with him make clear why.
Not Killing Barbara Reveals Homelander Still Seeking Her Approval
Homelander might be trying to cut off his need for acceptance in The Boys Season 4, episode 4, but leaving Barbara alive implies he's still looking for hers. Barbara is clearly among the higher-ranking staff members at the Vought facility, and Homelander's listening to her points to his more respect for her than for her coworkers. Unlike the others, she also doesn't fear him, hence Homelander is searching for someone to confront him in The Boys season 4. This is the reason he searches for Sister Sage and appears to value Barbara more than the other scientists of Vought. Homelander leaves Barbara alive in "Wisdom of the Ages." The Supe is striving to break all links to his humanity, but this most likely isn't something he'll be able to achieve; his treatment of Barbara shows this even if his gratitude doesn't extend to true fondness. Though Homelander still hasn't quite abandoned his craving for affection and admiration, killing the other scientists marks a darker path. His character is driven by this, hence it's difficult to predict if he will ever be free of it.
Barbara's Punishment Is Seeing Her Colleagues All Die
Homelander spares Barbara's life in The Boys season 4, episode 4, but he doesn't quite forgive her misdeeds. Her sentence is actually probably harsher than that of her coworkers. The Supe punishes Barbara even though she does not suffer physically at Homelander's hands. Barbara's penalty is seeing Vought's other scientists die—something she will always carry with her. Barbara will surely feel guilty for not being able to stop it, and she will suffer far more than the scientists in The Boys season 4 die.
The Boys Season 4, Episode 4 Homelander's Actions Reveal a Deeper Side to His Character
Homelander's visit to the Vought lab tells a lot about his nature. Driven by a strong need for love and acceptance, he is a multifarious and paradoxical person. Though aggressive and unsettling, his behavior in this episode reveals a darker aspect of his nature and emphasizes the tragedy of his upbringing and the extent he will go to in order try to flee it. It's an amazing window into the warped psyche of a strong Supe and his struggle to accept his own identity.
Homelander has flashes of sensitivity even with his destructive impulses. Though tense and resentful, his relationship with Barbara reveals that he is still capable of some sort of emotional connection. His behavior in this episode is evidence of his disorganizing and erratic character, which leaves viewers wondering about his future direction. Remaining one of the most captivating and horrific characters in The Boys, homelander pushes viewers to consider the complexity of his character and questions morality.
The boys: Examining the Series
Eric Kripke developed a superhero/dark comedic satire sitcom based on the same-named comic book franchise. Set in a "what-if" universe honoring superheroes as gods and celebrities with few consequences for their deeds. To reveal them for what they are, one squad of vigilantes under the direction of a vengeance-obsessed guy called Billy Butcher will fight back against these super-charged "heroes".
The Boys' surprising turns, dark comedy, and deft social critique have won it praise from critics. The show looks at the corruption and hypocrisy that may arise in a society run under strong superheroes. Both heroes and villains, the characters are nuanced and sympathetic with their reasons usually entwined with personal hardships and social demands. Offering a fresh and provocative perspective on the genre, The Boys is a must-watch series for fans of superhero tales, satire, and dark comedies.
