Key Takeaways:
– The season 4 finale of The Boys hints at the original comic book ending.
– Hughie’s dramatic decision in season 4 alludes to his comic book destiny.
– The series may have set the stage for a climactic battle between Hughie and Billy Butcher.
Decoding The Finale of ‘The Boys’ Season 4
The recently aired season finale of Amazon Prime’s ‘The Boys’ might just have saved the day. Fans seemed lukewarm in their reception for the majority of the season. However, the grand finale, mirroring Garth Ennis’ titular comics, made their patience worthwhile. We see protagonist Billy Butcher give in to the darkness, leading to the split of the Boys.
The show managed to create a turning point that could preempt the comic book series’ grand ending. Earlier in the season, we see Jack Quaid’s character, Hughie, forced into making a tough choice. He must euthanize his father after he goes rogue, thanks to the effects of Compound V. Many believe the showrunner, Erik Kripke, decided to sidestep this plot development. In contrast, it seems more apparent that this could set up the series’ wrap-up.
Hughie’s Journey and His Sealed Destiny
Central to ‘The Boys’ plot is the relationship between characters Hughie Campbell and Billy Butcher. Uniting with the shared objective of avenging their partners’ wrongs at the hands of the Supes, they navigate their way around legal obstacles. However, their individual journeys and means have diverged since season one.
While Billy’s path was defined by unabated rage, Hughie dealt with overcoming his girlfriend’s tragic demise in the premiere episode. Despite the similarity in their purpose—to conquer the Supes—their strategies are worlds apart. However, Hughie’s season 4 arc anticipates another journey for him, one that aligns with his destiny in the comics.
In a crucial season 4 episode titled ‘Beware the Jabberwock, My Son,’ Hughie faces an emotional ordeal. He ends his father’s life after he uncontrollably slaughters multiple people as a side effect of Compound V. Despite his initial unwillingness to make such drastic decisions, this step could prepare him for the grim culmination of the storyline. Hughie might be the one to stop Billy from his attempted superhero genocide, just as the comics suggest.
The Inevitable Showdown: Hughie vs. Billy Butcher
The relationship between Hughie and Billy Butcher isn’t just about their mutual goal of eliminating the Supes. Jack Quaid’s portrayal of Hughie draws parallels to Billy’s younger brother, Lenny, who was abandoned by Billy to escape from their abusive father. Billy views Hughie as a substitute for Lenny, hence a face-off between the two is not just probable but fitting for the denouement of ‘The Boys.’
The short exchange in the season 4 finale between the two characters carries weight. Claudia Doumit, who plays Victoria Neuman in the series, suggested in a THR interview that Neuman’s death could lead to a rupture in the Butcher-Hughie relationship. Moreover, Billy’s possession of the virus that can kill the Supes, and his takeover by Kessler, may set up Hughie to eliminate the much-adored antihero.
Fans are now left speculating the series’ ending. Will it gravitate towards the destined climax charted in the original comics, or will it surprise viewers with a different wrap-up? Either way, the stage is beautifully set for ‘The Boys,’ available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
In conclusion, the finale of ‘The Boys’ Season 4 presents a burst of intrigue, suspense, and anticipation of an epic climax. Now, fans eagerly await the next chapter. The ultimate question remains: will Hughie fight against or alongside the beloved antihero, Billy Butcher?
