The season 3 finale of The Boys reaffirmed its status as one of the best superhero shows on television. The episode expertly combined high-octane action, unexpected twists, and hints of future challenges for Butcher and his team. Fans were treated to a satisfying mix of character development, intense confrontations, and narrative payoffs, particularly for characters who have often been overshadowed, like Queen Maeve. Every key character experienced notable developments, from Starlight’s enhanced powers to Homelander’s growing influence over his son Ryan, setting the stage for the next chapter in the series.
The finale explored Soldier Boy’s early life, revealing his birth name was Ben and he was born in 1919 in Pennsylvania. Struggling to meet his wealthy father’s expectations after failing at boarding school, Ben eagerly joined the army and signed up for Compound V trials, hoping to become America’s greatest hero. Despite achieving fame, his father still despised him, refusing to acknowledge him. Soldier Boy’s DNA would later be used by Vought scientist Jonah Vogelbaum to create Homelander, making Soldier Boy, in Homelander’s eyes, a father figure of sorts, adding a complex layer to their rivalry.
The series also delved into the events of Nicaragua in 1984, previously shrouded in mystery. Operation Charly, an off-the-books CIA mission led by President Reagan, aimed to aid the Contra rebels against the Russian-backed Sandinistas. Lieutenant-Colonel Grace Mallory oversaw cocaine trafficking to fund weapons for the rebels. However, interference from Soldier Boy and his superhero team Payback compromised the mission, resulting in a massacre of Mallory’s soldiers and setting the stage for her formation of The Boys. The incident also marked Soldier Boy’s disappearance into Russian captivity, a secret only a few knew the truth about.
David Corenswet as The Great Impostor, Erin Moriarty as Annie January and Antony Starr as Homelander (The Boys/Sony Pictures Television)Black Noir’s Betrayal Revealed, Highlighting Loyalty, Secrets, and Consequences Within Vought
Black Noir, the silent and deadly member of both The Seven and Payback, played a pivotal role in Soldier Boy’s story. In a revealing twist, the finale shows that Vought executive Stan Edgar enlisted Black Noir to eliminate Soldier Boy to make way for Homelander as the nation’s top hero. Black Noir and several Payback members subdued Soldier Boy before delivering him to the Russians, leading to Black Noir sustaining brain damage and severe facial disfigurement. This betrayal is later uncovered by Homelander, who violently confronts Black Noir, highlighting the complex layers of loyalty, manipulation, and secrecy within Vought.
The season also explored Butcher’s struggle with Ryan, torn between protecting Becca and Ryan’s father, Homelander. Initially, Butcher entrusts Ryan to the CIA for safety. Yet, in a twist, Ryan ultimately chooses to return to Homelander, accepting him as a father. Homelander manipulates Ryan into viewing his actions as typical “Supe” behavior, blurring moral boundaries and teaching him deadly lessons. This chilling development hints at a potentially dark father-son dynamic in the coming seasons, highlighting Homelander’s manipulative and violent influence over his son.
Queen Maeve’s arc provided emotional resonance in the finale. Though it seemed she would be killed, she was revealed alive, held captive by Homelander in Vought Tower. Thanks to Starlight’s social media campaign, Maeve regained her freedom, demonstrating her resilience and strength. Her survival was not just a victory for the character but also a subversion of common tropes, allowing her to pursue a life outside Vought and live freely with her girlfriend, Elena. Maeve’s heroic intervention against Soldier Boy reinforced her status as an underrated yet indispensable member of the team.
Antony Starr as Homelander and Erin Moriarty as Annie January (The Boys/Sony Pictures Television)Epic Confrontations, Teamwork, and Future Threats Shape The Boys Season Finale
Soldier Boy confronted Homelander in a climactic showdown, intent on killing him. When Ryan was introduced into the fight, the dynamic shifted dramatically, causing Butcher to question his alliances. The Boys and their allies, including Starlight, Kimiko, Frenchie, and Mother’s Milk, engaged in a coordinated effort to neutralize Soldier Boy. Starlight’s powers were amplified by Hughie’s clever use of studio lighting, demonstrating her growth as a superhero. Despite these efforts, Soldier Boy’s radiation threat required Maeve to sacrifice her own Compound V powers to save the city, culminating in an explosive yet survivable confrontation.
The finale highlighted Starlight’s evolution as a hero, showcasing her newfound ability to levitate and release devastating energy bursts. Hughie’s support enabled her to fully utilize her powers, proving the importance of teamwork and strategic ingenuity. Mother’s Milk played a crucial role by deploying Frenchie’s nerve agent to incapacitate Soldier Boy, illustrating the team’s reliance on both brains and brawn. Ultimately, the combined efforts of The Boys, Maeve, and their allies ensured the city’s safety while establishing a new status quo for their fight against Vought and its corrupted superheroes.
The finale set up numerous storylines for future seasons. Homelander’s influence over Ryan and his growing follower base poses a significant threat, while political machinations involving Victoria Neuman, now vice-presidential candidate Robert Singer’s running mate, hint at wider conspiracies. Soldier Boy’s survival under the supervision of a new organization adds another layer of intrigue, as Grace Mallory may use him as a weapon against Vought. These developments promise intense conflicts, morally complex choices, and high-stakes action in season 4.
The Boys continues to expand its universe with the live-action spin-off Gen V, previously titled Varsity. Set at Godolkin University, the series follows young superheroes as they face brutal challenges and compete for elite contracts. Showrunner Kripke confirmed crossover elements, linking Gen V to Season 3’s events, including Soldier Boy and the presidential campaign. Alongside the animated anthology Diabolical, these spin-offs highlight Amazon Studios’ dedication to creating a rich, interconnected superhero universe that explores the darker, satirical side of heroism while keeping the franchise’s R-rated edge.
