The fourth season of The Boys emphasizes Homelander’s explosive and violent nature, but I truly wish the show would stop making me feel sorry for Supe. Homelander is undoubtedly the villain in The Boys, but the Amazon series does an excellent job of explaining why he behaves the way he does.

The Boys season 4, episode 4 emphasizes his upbringing’s influence on his conduct — and how it feeds into his seemingly constant craving for praise and love. To rid himself of this susceptibility, Homelander goes to the Vought lab where he was formed in “Wisdom of the Ages.”

The events at the Vought facility can only be described as a slaughter, and I found Homelander’s 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ing spree tough to watch. He turns the tables on the scientists who raised him, demonstrating how it feels to be tortured and afraid. While Homelander’s acts in Episode 4 are disgusting, they also reflect his childhood experiences. It’s difficult not to feel sad for Supe, especially as he relates his childhood experiences. If nothing else, episode 4 left me with the impression that Vought is as much a villain as Homelander.

It’s Hard Not To Feel Sorry For Homelander In The Boys Season 4, Episode 4

His Recollections Of His Childhood Are Pretty Horrifying

Homelander returns to Vought’s lab with a purpose in The Boys season 4, episode 4: to torment the scientists there the same way they tortured him growing up. “Wisdom of the Ages” offers more insight into the Supe’s backstory, and his recollections of his childhood aren’t pretty. In fact, they’re downright horrifying. Homelander recalls being placed in an oven for prolonged periods of time and being kept in isolation. As a child, Homelander really did suffer at the hands of Vought. And I can’t help but feel bad for the younger version of his character, even knowing what he becomes.

“I can’t help but feel bad for the younger version of his character, even knowing what he becomes.”

After all, it’s partially Vought’s fault that Homelander is the villain we meet in The Boys. If he’d been raised properly — perhaps with a greater focus on morals, relationships, and emotional regulation — there’s a chance Homelander would be a Supe who actually helps people. Unfortunately, by depriving him of acceptance, love, and true parental figures, Vought makes him emotionally unstable and incapable of curbing his worst impulses. His tragic backstory doesn’t make up for what he’s done, but it makes me feel disappointed for him.

This is not the first time that the boys have made me sympathize with Homelander.

The Supe Has Rare Moments Of Humanity

The Boys season 4, episode 4 is the sorriest I’ve ever felt for Homelander, but it isn’t the first time the Amazon show has made me sympathize with the Supe. Homelander shows rare and surprising moments of humanity throughout the series, and it’s enough to make him a tragic villain. Homelander’s desired relationship with Ryan is probably the best example, as it’s obvious he wants to do right by his son. Unfortunately, his lack of role models and inability to connect emotionally makes it difficult to accomplish this.

“Homelander shows rare and surprising moments of humanity throughout the series, and it’s enough to make him a tragic villain.”

Still, Homelander occasionally makes the right calls with Ryan — like when he works with Butcher to protect his son from Soldier Boy at the ending of The Boys season 3. Homelander’s realization that his biological father wants nothing to do with him also evoked sympathy from me, as it can’t be easy facing such a blunt rejection. And The Boys Presents: Diabolical shows a different side of Homelander, revealing that his younger self tries to do the right thing during his first mission. Again, it’s not enough to let him off the hook. But it makes it harder to fully dislike Homelander.

The Boys Won’t Let Me Fully Dislike Homelander – And That’s The Point

The Amazon Show Doesn’t Take A Black-And-White Stance On Good & Bad

Despite the occasional instances in which Homelander attempts to do the right thing, there’s no doubting his character is more bad than good. However, knowing what he’s been through makes it difficult for me to truly dislike him – which I believe is the goal.The Boys offers political criticism, but does not have a simplistic view of good versus evil.Homelander demonstrates that evil people can have redeeming characteristics and moments, and that even decent people can make mistakes.

Season 4 of The Boys emphasizes this idea with characters such as Starlight, who revisits her darker background. Starlight is more well-intentioned and morally virtuous than Homelander, yet what she did to Firecracker as a child demonstrates her evil side. Starlight, like Homelander, is more than just one thing. The Boys’ strength stems from its intricate character writing, which creates a genuine and likable ensemble.