The Boys (TV series)/Season 3

Season 1 2 3 4 5 Main The Boys is an American superhero television series developed by Eric Kripke for Amazon Prime Video. Based on the comic book of the same name by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, it follows the eponymous team of vigilantes as they combat superpowered individuals who abuse their abilities. "Payback" [3.01] Frenchie: [over the openly gay Termite crawling in his pants] He's trying to get in my ass! Neuman: Give me a bite. Hughie: Whoa, whoa, whoa. You want the Valtrex before or after? Neuman: You love that bagel so much you're gonna fake herpes? Hughie: I could have herpes. You don't think I could have herpes? Neuman: [smirks] How'd surveillance go with Termite last night? Hughie: You know, I haven't checked in with Butcher yet, but… I'm sure it went fine. [pause; Neuman gives him a look of uncertainty] Don't–No, don't give me that face. Neuman: I'll bet you a crisp $100 bill something got fucked up. Hughie: You don't know that. Neuman: [holds her hand out] Okay, take the bet. Hughie: …I'm–I'm not gonna take the bet, but uh… [Neuman takes the bagel from him] Wow, really? Neuman: Mm-hmm. Hughie: Okay, still, Butcher delivers every time. Neuman: And I have to apologize for him every time. Look, Butcher's the guy you want in a shooting war. No question. But we're in peacetime. [eats the bagel] Oh, my God. So worth the herpes. Hughie: Yeah. So, uh, you gonna stay over again tonight? Annie/Starlight: Don't know. It depends. Um, you gonna bring Aquafresh? Hughie: I would brush with Monistat if it meant I could have sex with you. Yes. [Robert Singer holds up a vial of green liquid that looks similar to the blue Compound V] Robert Singer: V24, huh? Stan Edgar: Marketing is still testing the name, but it's the future, Bob. One dose of this temporary V gives a soldier 24 hours of powers. Give or take. And then, they return right back to normal. Singer: How stable is it? Edgar: Still ironing out the kinks. Singer: And if it's temporary, that means the DoD has to keep buying doses. At how much a hit? Edgar: Two million, roughly. Singer: So over the course of a month-long operation, that's sixty million per soldier. Six hundred million per squad. Edgar: Campaign going well, is it? Singer: I appreciate your contribution to my super PAC. Edgar: People do love a cowboy in the White House. I hear they're even calling you Dakota Bob. So how would it look if you pass up the opportunity to give our brave soldiers superpowers? Singer: Supes in the Army are an unmitigated shitshow. What Black Noir did to that Hard Rock Café in Lagos should be brought up on war crimes. Edgar: [closes the conference room doors] You're right. Singer: I'm sorry? Edgar: You are absolutely right. The problem, of course, was making the Super into heroes. Singer: I don't follow. Edgar: Making them figures to be worshiped. The fame, the movies, the depraved sex? It ruined them. Cone of silence–in five years, I hope to be out of the superhero business entirely. Singer: Bullshit. Edgar: This should be a serious company. A defense and pharmaceutical company. Not a daycare dealing with spoiled children and dead prostitutes. But the point is, you won't have to worry about any of that, because your soldiers will only be super temporarily. The product, finally perfected. Singer: Stan, when you say Compound V... Stan Edgar: V-24. Singer: Do you know what the public hears? Gestapo. Swastika. And that's your fault; you used a Nazi to sell it! Compound V is radio-fucking-active. It's not gonna fly in Congress. Edgar: I still have a few strings that I can pull in Congress... Supersonic: [sitting at desk with Annie] Oh, my God. Come on. Hughie: Hi. Hey, hi. Annie/Starlight: Hi! Supersonic: Hughie, what's up, my man? Hughie: How's it going, guys? What are you guys doing? Annie/Starlight: We're running lines, actually. Hughie: For a reality show? Supersonic: Right? The reality behind the reality. Annie/Starlight: Mm-hmm. Hughie: Yeah, um... oh, man, I was in the, uh, control room, and they had this, like, bio thing on you. Supersonic: Oh, God, I'm sorry. Yeah, that boy band shit is so embarrassing. Annie/Starlight: You know what, I really like "Rock My Kiss." Supersonic: Really? Annie/Starlight: I do. Supersonic: Did you? I... I actually... Wait, I thought it made you puke. [both their faces turn into mutual recollection] Annie/Starlight: Shut up... Shut up! Supersonic: It's true. Hughie: What are you guys, what are you, what are you talking about? Annie/Starlight: Okay, be careful. I can still kick you off the show. Supersonic: He has a right to know. Come on, we were, what, 19? Annie/Starlight: Eighteen. Supersonic: Okay, so 18, the band was performing at the opening of Voughtland St. Louis. But before the show, Annie and I snuck into a cantina. And they had those... I mean, those yards of margarita... Annie/Starlight: I must have drank a quarter mile. Supersonic: So, middle of the show, we bring out Starlight to do a number. And Little Orphan Alky steps onto the stage, and she just pukes in front of a festival crowd. I mean, the tweens, they lost their shit. Humiliating. Hughie: Wow, that's... I- I had no idea you drank back then. Supersonic: Oh, yeah, Miss Goody Two-Shoes, she had a fun side, big time. Hughie: [walking outside] And–And really great you guys are still... so close, just really, really great. You have nothing to worry about. Annie/Starlight: No. No, no, no, totally. He's gross. Hughie: And you've known him your whole life. And he, you know, took your virginity, so why would I worry? Annie/Starlight: Okay, it was a mutual taking of virginities. And you know what, it happened so long ago, and only a couple of times. Hughie: Wait, really? Annie/Starlight: We were really religious and we weren't married, so it felt weird having sex. I mean sex sex. [Walks into trailer] We did a ton of butt stuff. [Hugh stands shocked then she pokes her head in door] I'm fucking with you. Hughie: [laughs] Okay. Annie/Starlight: Come on. Hughie: Yeah, never do that again. [Sitting in trailer] Wow, uh... Co-captain, huh? Wow, that's, uh... Annie/Starlight: Is it crazy? I mean, Vought's the worst thing that's ever happened to us, and now you want to be their Ronald McDonald? So, yeah, a little crazy. Yeah, but first female co-captain of any super team. Ever. I mean... think about what that would mean to millions of girls. Hughie: I'm sorry, I- I'm just... surprised, I guess. I mean, is this your mom talking or you? Annie/Starlight: [sighs] I'm the one whose feet bled at all of those pageants. Okay? I've paid a lot. And, finally, finally, I could have some real power that I could use, and I could make trouble at Vought. Do some real good. Hughie: Or Homelander can murder you. Annie/Starlight: Someone needs to stand up to this guy. Hughie: And that has to be you? Annie/Starlight: Not just me. I mean, I could bring good people into The Seven who could help me. Hughie: What, you mean like your boyfriend? Annie/Starlight: [pause; stands up] It's not a good look, Hughie. No one even bats an eye when a man climbs the ladder. Hughie: [stands up with a raised hand palm out and walks to her] Okay, you're right, you're right, you're right. Look, I'm-I'm sorry. I'm sorry. So I'll... see you later tonight? Annie/Starlight: Don't bother with the Aquafresh. [walks away] Homelander: Excuse me, Starlight. I need the room. I got a meeting with Stan. Edgar: Actually, I invited you both. Have a seat. Homelander: Great. [Homelander gets upset when Edgar takes his seat at the head of the table. He begrudgingly sits down in the chair next to him.] Edgar: I remember when you first arrived, Starlight. A farm girl from Kansas. Bright-eyed like Dorothy in Oz. Annie/Starlight: Iowa. And not a farm. Edgar: Oh, well, look how far you've come. Polling at 96, a new Vought record. I don't have to tell you that our brand has been a bit tarnished since that [looks at Homelander] nasty business last year. But you have restored a wholesome, trustworthy image to the company when we needed it the most. Which is why the board wants to make you co-captain of The Seven. Homelander: What? Annie/Starlight: Co… Co-captain? [stammers] But–But... [chuckles] Homelander is captain. [to Homelander] I mean, you're–you're captain. Edgar: This will be beneficial to you both. [to Homelander] Your numbers are down… What, double digits? The public still associates you with Stormfront. This would be a real bump. A rising tide lifts all boats. Homelander: That's very thoughtful of you, Stan. Um… When does the board vote? Edgar: They already did this morning. All that's left is for Starlight to say yes. Annie/Starlight: No. I mean–I mean, I'm flattered. Thank you, but no thank you. If anybody, it should be Maeve. Edgar: Maeve doesn't have a 96. Homelander: Nobody does. Except you, apparently. Edgar: Homelander, could you give us a moment? Homelander: Look, I'd really like to keep discussing this. Edgar: Absolutely. Set a time with Samantha, and we'll get you in. Homelander: [pause; laughs angrily] Great. No problem. Edgar: Excellent. Homelander: My schedule is pretty full, but I'll try and find you a window. [Homelander walks out of the conference room. He turns around and stares coldly at Annie and Edgar as the doors shut on him] Annie/Starlight: Okay, sir, there is no way. I mean, you saw him. Edgar: He can get as pissy as he wants. As long as I'm CEO of Vought, he's under control. And we both know why. Annie/Starlight: You know that he can–he can probably hear you. Edgar: Good. I hope he does. Starlight, real power… [mimics Annie shooting light with her hands] isn't this. It's the ability to bend the world to your will. You would decide what The Seven do, what causes they support. Full authority to fill the team's empty slots. [gets up and pushes the chair Homelander was sitting on next to his] I'm offering you real power. You should think about it. A-Train: Hey, Homelander. Homelander: What are you drinking? A-Train: Shake Shack. Homelander: Ooh. A-Train: You want one? I’ll go grab a PA– Homelander: Oh, no. No. Thank you, though. [walks up to A-Train] I see you got the extra whipped cream in there, huh? A-Train: Yeah. Homelander: Yummers. Guess you wanted to cram in as much fat fuck as possible, huh? A-Train: [confused] …Did I do something wrong? Homelander: You think I haven’t seen you [pokes A-Train's stomach] shoving back two dozen cupcakes in the break room? Nine servings on Miro's truffle risotto night [pokes A-Train again] Hmm? A-Train: Hey, man… You know I need 30,000 calories a day. Homelander: Maybe when you actually ran you did. But now, you’re just eating your feelings, making us look ridiculous. [pause] “The Fastest Man Alive”, what a fuckin’ joke. [walks away] A-Train: [whispering under his breath] Fuck you, man. Homelander: [stops walking] What did you say? A-Train: Nothing. Nothing...? [Homelander quickly walks back to A-Train and grabs him by the back of his neck] Homelander: WHAT DID YOU SAY TO ME?! A-Train: I’m sorry! Shit! I’m so sorry, I–I didn’t mean it! Homelander: Say it. [activates laser eyes; A-Train drops his shake] SAY IT! A-Train: I’m sorry. I’m sorry. [Homelander lets go of A-Train and walks away] [Queen Maeve is secretly working with Butcher to investigate a secret weapon that could kill Homelander] Queen Maeve: I heard Termite walked. My lead was good. What happened? Butcher: Don't ask. Queen Maeve: Well, we gotta talk. I think I have something. [Maeve hands Butcher an archived memorandum file on Soldier Boy] Butcher: Soldier Boy. So what? Queen Maeve: Remember how he died? Butcher: Stoppin' a nuclear meltdown in Ohio. '83, '84 I think. Got buried beneath a reactor. Always thought it was bollocks. Queen Maeve: Yeah, you thought right. Read. Butcher: [looks at the file again] What's B.C.L. Red? Queen Maeve: If you believe the rumors, it's the thing that killed Soldier Boy. Some kind of gun or weapon or something. Butcher: Had to have been a fuckin' H-bomb. He was nearly as strong as… [pause; sees Maeve smiling] Ah. Queen Maeve: If we can find this weapon–or whatever it is–maybe we can use it to blow Homelander's fucking brains out. Butcher: If it is real, and not some fuckin' fable. [Butcher flips through the files and finds a photograph of Soldier Boy standing in the center of a group of other Supes] Butcher: Payback. [scoffs] What a bunch of fuckin' wankers. Queen Maeve: I'll say. When The Seven passed them as the number one super team, Crimson Countess sent me a box of cat shit. She was fucking Soldier Boy, and Gunpowder was his sidekick. If anyone knows what happened to him, they do. Butcher: [looks at the photo again and sees Black Noir] Your mate Noir was in Payback. Why don't you ask him? Queen Maeve: [chuckles] Even if that walking tumor could talk, it wouldn't be to me. Here. [Butcher receives three vials of V24 from Maeve] Butcher: What's this? Queen Maeve: It's Temp V. One shot makes you a Supe for 24 hours. I mean, they think. It's still in R&D. Butcher: Oh, great. So powers, maybe. Maybe my bollocks swell up like footballs, yeah? Queen Maeve: Payback may be a bunch of fuckholes, but they're strong. And they're dangerous. If you're going against them, you're gonna need it. Butcher: And what makes you think that me, of all people, would wanna turn into one of you? Queen Maeve: This is our best chance to kill Homelander. Don't fuck it up. [Butcher hears somebody near his apartment just as he's about to pour out the V24. He hides the V24 vials in a bulldog-shaped cookie jar before going out to investigate. Butcher enters the living room and sees Homelander outside staring at him from his balcony] Butcher: [opens balcony door] If you wanna watch me have a wank, it'll cost you a tenner. Homelander: May I come in? [Cut to Butcher in his kitchen making tea with Homelander inside] Homelander: Where's Ryan? Butcher: He's at 673 Nosh My Bollocks Ave. You want a pen and paper? Homelander: You know, I could just... pull you apart, limb by limb. Make you tell me. Butcher: Nah, that'd be worthless. Victim always goes into shock. You gotta start small. Fingers, toenails, ears... Homelander: He's my son, William. My family. I'm gonna find him sooner or later. Butcher: [pause] Look, uh... I don't mean to be rude, but can we just skip to the part where you laser my fuckin' brains out? Homelander: Oh, for Christ's sakes. Where's the sport in that? I mean, look at you. It'd be like putting down a wounded dog. Butcher: You're the one with your tail between your legs on all them fuckin' talk shows. And then, they go and make Starlight co-captain? That's gotta sting. Homelander: [smiles] Touché, William. Touché. Butcher: What're you doin' here? Homelander: [disgusted] Vought. And the fucking Bureau. The wheeling and dealing, and–and giving and taking, just to keep everything... exactly the same. And you and me? Well, they treat us like old playthings and put us up on the fucking shelf. Treat us like we're obsolete. Doesn't that make you angry? Butcher: Yeah. It does. Homelander: What if... What if it doesn't have to be that way? What if you and I... Well, what if we share a different destiny? Something a little more... scorched earth. Shock and awe. Blood and bone. And in the end, only one of us left standing. [beat] Isn't that what you want? Butcher: Too fuckin' right. More than anything. Homelander: I look forward to it. [Butcher glances at the cookie jar then at Homelander's seat, which is now vacant] "The Only Man in the Sky" [3.02] [Butcher tries to convince M.M. to rejoin the Boys. M.M.'s daughter, Janine, is also present.] Mother's Milk: Okay, one, you don't just pop up here. You call first. And, two, eff Soldier Boy. I don't give a mothereffin' doo-doo how he checked out. Butcher: Ah, bollocks. He didn't die like no hero. I'll wager he went out on his knees, beggin' like a right cunt. Mother's Milk: What the f…? Butcher: [to Janine] Sorry, love. [to M.M.] Look, if there's a weapon out there that killed Soldier Boy, then it can kill Homelander. And that's gotta be worth something. Now, we're workin' our way through his old team. Frenchie and Kimiko are startin' with the Crimson Countess, and I'm gonna hit up Gunpowder. Mother's Milk: Sounds like you got everything covered. Butcher: This ain't just anyone; it's Soldier Boy. You could close the book on him once and for all. For your dad. Your family. Mother's Milk: Fuck off with that shit. [pause] My father died hunched over a desk, obsessing over a dead man while he was ignoring his two living children. And I almost did the same thing to her. [points at the door] Thanks for coming by. Butcher: [beat; looks at Janine] You're doin' a bang-up job with her, mate. [Annie refuses to sing a sexy rendition of "Happy Birthday" to Homelander for his televised birthday celebration] Annie/Starlight: For the record, I know you don't care whether I sing or not. This is a juvenile attempt to get me to look like a sex doll instead of a co-captain. [Homelander chuckles] I'm not doing it. Homelander: I have an idea: Why don't you lighten the fuck up? Come on, you're gonna sing the shit out of this song. Ready? Let's hit it. Edgar: [chimes in over the PA] If Starlight doesn't want to sing, she doesn't sing. Homelander: Stan, what a surprise! Edgar: Our testing shows that 76 percent of likely viewers will make every effort to watch it tonight for Starlight. As for you, 53 percent might DVR. I think that that means that she can call her own shots, don't you? Homelander: So how about I just walk, Stan? How would that rate? Edgar: After the PR hole you dug for yourself this past year, I'd say you're lucky we're even putting on this farce at all. But hey, it's your party. You can cry if you want to. Butcher: [standing besides Gunpowder at the washroom urinal] 'Scuse me, Mr. Powder. I'm your number one fan. I've bought all your rifles. Every one of 'em. That Vought VR-15? Ooh… Gunpowder: That is a hell of a gun. Smooth trigger pull. Butcher: Smooth. I'd shake your hand, but uh… Well, you know. Gunpowder: Well, I appreciate that. Butcher: Yeah, I followed you since your Payback days. I mean, fourteen years old, picked to be Soldier Boy's sidekick. Gunpowder: He was a great man. Well, it's nice meeting you, buddy. Butcher: You must've been chuffed, eh? Helpin' him on those missions, lettin' him watch you on the bog, stick his finger up your bum a bit, give him a sloppy little nosh. All in a day's work for a young ward, innit? Gunpowder: Like I haven't heard that sidekick pedo shit a thousand times before. Why don't you do me a big favor, buddy, and fuck off! Butcher: You're right. I'm sorry. That's a filthy unsubstantiated rumour. Gunpowder: Goddamn right it is. Butcher: [holds up paper] Till now. This is a complaint you filed to Vought, beggin' to be taken off Payback on account of, and I quote, "Soldier Boy's habitual abuse". Of course, they buried it–Vought bein' the cunts they are. Gunpowder: That right there is a fake. Butcher: Course it is. Gunpowder: I'm sorry, who are you? Butcher: I told you. Biggest fan. And I wanna help ya. Keep shtum. It'd be a cryin' shame if your red-meat faithful out there found out you were Soldier Boy's underage nob-gobbler. Now, all I wanna know is what happened to him, and you're gonna tell me. Gunpowder: Or maybe I put a bullet in your head. Butcher: You do that, and it'll be all over the interweb within an hour. Gunpowder: See, buddy, I don't give a shit. 'Cause that never happened. Soldier Boy never touched me like that! [Homelander arrives to save a woman named Chelsea from jumping off the edge of a building] Homelander: Hi, Chelsea. It's your lucky day. Well, considering you're my annual birthday save. Chelsea: Don't come any closer. Homelander: Life is a precious gift. To throw yours away would be a real slap in the Lord's face, don't you think? You don't wanna go to Hell for all eternity, do you? Chelsea: I'm Jewish. Homelander: Alright. Well, regardless, just step back from the ledge, please. [Ashley is giving direction to the camera crew on the street below them] Ashley: Okay, that's good. Just don't be afraid of the zoom. You're not Roger Deakins. Mike, frame up. He could be flying down any second. Mike: Yep. You got it. Ashley: [checks an alert on her phone and looks up] Oh, fuck! Homelander: Come on, look. I'm here now. If you jump, I'm just gonna fly down and save you anyway. It's all futile and... [Homelander notices a breaking news story about Stormfront's suicide on a billboard] Homelander: She–She wouldn't… It's my... It's my birthday. She... [beat; to Chelsea] You probably don't know this–because, you know, Jew–but Jesus wasn't born on the 25th of December. That was piggybacked off a pagan festival, and guess what? Today is not my birthday either. Nope. Don't know when it is, but sure as hell ain't today. This was just chosen for me by a marketing department. I mean, I can't even have a birthday at all. I wasn't born. I was just poured out of a fucking test tube. Immaculate conception. I know exactly how he must have felt. Jesus. You give and you give… [stutters] You give your whole fucking life, and what happens? People just tear you down. Why do people destroy their gods? How is it fair that you get saved while a beautiful, perfect god gets killed? [beat] You know what, Chelsea? [pause] I think you should jump. Chelsea: I–I don't think I want to. Homelander: You don't want to? Why don't you show a little follow-through, Chelsea? Jump. Chelsea: Please, I... I just wanna get down. Homelander: I'm not suggesting anymore. Jump. Chelsea: No. No, please. Oh, God… Oh, God! Homelander: No, no, no. No God. The only man in the sky is me. [his eyes light up] Ashley: How the fuck did she bite off her own tongue? Stormfront Million Dollar Babied herself. It was horrible. [Chelsea leaps from the building and lands on the ground in a sickening splat. Homelander looks down disheartened.] Neuman: Who's Nadia? Hughie: Nadia? Neuman: Yeah, Scotty said some guy came in yesterday, asking for Nadia. Hughie: Yeah. Yeah, no, there was–there was a guy, and he... he was looking at your picture, he said your name was Nadia. Said he knew you… from, like, way back when. Neuman: You weren't gonna tell me? Hughie: Uh, no. I mean, it was just some guy off his meds, seemed like. Yeah. Neuman: I'm sorry. I–I mean, you're missing work, your hand. A lot going on. Is there something I should know? [Annie suddenly shows up to cover for Hughie] Annie/Starlight: He was with me. I'm sorry for stealing him away from you, but… we had some things that we needed to discuss. Very loudly, actually. We made quite the scene at Panera. Hughie: Oh. Annie/Starlight: I mean, it's a miracle nobody recognized me. Hughie: Yeah, sorry. I was–I was trying to preserve just a tiny, little shred of my dignity, but uh… we had a fight. Annie/Starlight: We didn't leave things in the greatest place, so I thought I would come by and… Hughie: Check up on me? Annie/Starlight: Well, I was worried about you. Hughie: Yeah, well, you know I can handle some things by myself, right? Annie/Starlight: Okay, I'm just trying to help. Hughie: I don't always need your help. I mean, you don't have to treat me like I'm a kid. Annie/Starlight: Here I was thinking that I was treating you like my boyfriend. Hughie: Well, you– Neuman: You know, this is actually none of my business, so I'm just–I'm gonna go. Good luck with all of that. Oh, and Hughie? Hughie: Yeah? Neuman: Cut her some slack. You shouldn't be afraid of a powerful woman. Hughie: Butcher? Butcher: You alright, mate? Hughie: Hey, um… Frenchie told me about Crimson Countess. What the hell happened? Butcher: We was chasin' down something, but… I–I'm gonna knock it on the head. You was right the other day. Things are good. Ryan's good. I should leave it well enough alone before I go and fuck it all up. [pause; Hughie is silent] You there? Hughie: Neuman's a Supe. Butcher: Yeah, what? Hughie: Yeah, she's pretty much Stan Edgar's daughter, too. Past year of my life has been a waste. I thought we could fight Vought the right way, but we can't. It's all rigged. If we're gonna take them down, we have to do whatever it takes. We have to do it your way. [A-Train walks out on stage to present the next segment of Homelander's televised birthday special. He is wearing a completely new supersuit] Ashley: What the fuck is he wearing?! Announcer: Yeah, alright. Let's hear it for Supersonic, everybody. Ashley: Get me fucking wardrobe! Get me fucking wardrobe so I can fucking choke them out! A-Train: Alright, so now, I would like to bring out our co-captains. So let's give it up for Starlight and the man of the hour himself, Homelander! Happy birthday, Homelander. Homelander: Hey, thank you. A-Train: Yeah. Homelander: [muffled by the cheers while feigning his smile] I can see your girdle, you disgusting fat fuck! Get off the fucking stage! Annie/Starlight: Wow, I'm so honored to be with you guys tonight to celebrate my dear friend and mentor, Homelander. I'm here to do more than wish you a happy birthday, though. I'm thrilled to be announcing a project that is near and dear to my heart. The Starlight House is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to helping homeless and at-risk youth. Audience Heckler: Hey, Homelander! Your Nazi died! Ashley: Did he just say his Nazi died? Security: [to audience heckler, grabbing him by shoulders] Let's go. Annie/Starlight: Homelander… He's just–He's a human. He's just like the rest of us. And we all make mistakes, right? But we all deserve second chances. In that spirit, Homelander has agreed to donate $10 million to the Starlight House, which is–I mean… Homelander: No! Annie/Starlight: Give–Come on. Give it up! Homelander: No! Annie/Starlight: Give it up for this guy! Homelander: No, no, no! Starlight lied to you just now. She did. I don't make mistakes! I'm not "just like the rest of you"! I'm stronger, I'm smarter, I… I'm better! I AM BETTER! I'm not some weak-kneed fucking crybaby that goes around fucking apologizing all the time! And why the fuck would you want me to be?! Ashley: Quick, Roger! Stop rolling, go to fucking commercial! Go to fucking commercial! Homelander: [pointing to an offscreen camera operator] Don't you DARE stop rolling, Roger! All my life, people have tried to control me my whole life. Rich people–powerful people–tried to muzzle me, cancel me, keep me impotent and obedient like I'm a fucking puppet! And you know what, it worked. Because I allowed it to work, and guess what? If they can control me, then you can bet your ass they can control you! They already do. You just don't realize it. [pause] I'm done. I am done apologizing, I am done being persecuted for my strength. You people should be thanking Christ that I am who and what I am, BECAUSE YOU NEED ME! YOU NEED ME TO SAVE YOU! You do. I am the only one who possibly can. You're not the real heroes. I'm the real hero. [beat] I am the real hero. "Barbary Coast" [3.03] [Hughie is surprised to see M.M. setting up his desk in the Boys' Flatiron Building office] Mother's Milk: The prodigal son returns. Hughie: What the fuck? Hey, man. [laughs as M.M. hugs him] Yeah… Wait. Wait, are you… Are you back? Mother's Milk: We'll see. Hughie: Don't get me wrong. I'm happy, but are–are you sure? Mother's Milk: [sees the bloody bandage on Hughie's hand] What the fuck happened here, kid? You jacking off with razors again? Hughie: You know, you should see the other guy. The other guy's my penis. Mother's Milk: [laughs] I missed you, kid. Hughie: I missed you, too, man. [pause; notices Butcher staring at him and sighs] Look, I know what you're gonna say, and I just– Butcher: No. No, mate. I'm just chuffed to have all the Boys back under the same roof, alright? Hughie: Really? Butcher: Yeah. [to Frenchie and M.M.] I mean, there he was, right? In his fancy pants, lordin' it over us like the viceroy of Vought Square, eh? And that whole time, he weren't nothin' but a Supe's bootlick. Hughie: Yeah. Butcher: That, my son, is a Lifetime Achievement at the Cunt of the Year Awards, innit? Hughie: Yeah, it is. It is a Lifetime Achievement. [Butcher laughs] Are you done? Butcher: No, mate. I am just gettin' started, believe you me. Hughie: Great. Listen, we need to get Ryan somewhere safe. Vicky knows where she is because we fucking told her, which means Stan Edgar knows, too. Butcher: Yeah, one step ahead. Colonel's already done a runner with the boy. They're well outta sight. In fact, we were gonna pay 'em a little visit. Mother's Milk: We are? Frenchie: Monsieur Charcutier, I cannot go. I have a matter of great importance. Butcher: Oh, I'm sorry. I must've forgot to run it by your bleedin' secretary! Frenchie: It's an emergency! Hughie: I–I'll go instead. Butcher: Nah, you skive off today, and that congresswoman might split your pretty little buns. Hughie: Yeah, thought of that. Uh, Kimiko. [pause; Kimiko removes her headphones] Kimiko, hi. Can you please… break my arm? Vicky will smell it if I fake being sick, so it's gotta be real, and it's gotta last for days. Butcher: [laughing] Fuckin' hell, Hughie! Frenchie: At least take something for the pain. I got opium. [tosses prescription bottle to Hughie] Hughie: Government employees can't fail a piss test. [tosses prescription bottle back to Frenchie; to Kimiko] Let's just get this over with, okay? Just do it pretty fast. [Kimiko takes Hughie's left arm and prepares to twist it] Mother's Milk: Hold on. Hold up, hold up. Have a seat, please. Only been here three minutes, and it's already The Bold and the Batshit. [puts garbage bag on Hughie's lap] Alright, go ahead. [Kimiko places one hand on Hughie's shoulder and the other near his wrist] Mother's Milk: Nah, nah, nah! [points at Hughie's forearm] Right here. Clean break, no permanent damage. Hughie: [takes a deep breath] Yeah? [pause; Kimiko nods] One, two– [Kimiko snaps Hughie's arm, making him scream in pain. Butcher calmly watches while drinking his tea.] Hughie: WHAT THE SHIT?! Mallory: Neuman's head of the Bureau because I said so. I tried to save her from the attack on Congress that she fucking caused! Hughie: Well, at least you didn't spend the last year getting her oatmilk lattes and every piece of intel she asked for. Mallory: [to Butcher] I would very much like to know the plan to eliminate her. Butcher: Well, that depends on what you can tell us about your little holiday down in Nicaragua. Mallory: [pause] I've never been to Nicaragua. Butcher: Really? 'Cause a little birdie told me you were Payback's case officer down there, on a classified job that Soldier Boy never come back from. Mother's Milk: [pause; Mallory scoffs] Colonel? Mallory: Whatever it is William thinks he may have heard… he's mistaken. Butcher: Is he? You know that safe you got in your home office? The one behind the picture of Bush number one? Well, I borrowed a ledger from it–the one with all your assets around the world. How long do you think them and their families will last when I put every one of their fuckin' names on Facebook? Mallory: You'd sign the death warrants of dozens of innocent people who had nothing to do with this? Butcher: I'm embarrassed for the both of us that you're askin'. Mallory: [pause] Nicaragua's ancient history. Not to mention, I could be killed just for telling you. Butcher: And all your agents will get killed if you don't. [pulls out chair and sits down] Blimey. What a pickle. Mallory: [beat] It was part of Operation Charly. Hughie: Operation… Charly? Mallory: Reagan's pet project, off the books. Helped the Contra rebels fight the Russian-backed Sandinistas, but we needed a way to pay for it. Some of the cash came from selling arms to Iran. Oliver North's epic fuck-up. But the rest? If there's one thing that the Contras had plenty of, it was cocaine. I was in charge of trafficking the coke into the U.S. and then using the profits to buy more weapons in the fight against the Reds. Whatever it took. Mother's Milk: That's some self-justifying bullshit. Were you part of that other thing, too? Hughie: What other thing? Mother's Milk: She knows. [to Mallory] Tell him. Mallory: The unwritten policy was to sell the cocaine strictly to minority neighborhoods–destabilize, demoralize–while staying out of white ones. Late in '84, we were gearing up for a major offensive. So the higher-ups, in their infinite wisdom, decided it was the perfect time to throw a wrench in the works: Fucking Payback. Each more ridiculous than the next: Crimson Countess, Mindstorm, Swatto, the TNT Twins, Noir, Gunpowder, and the most idiotic of them all… Butcher: You came to me after Becca disappeared and promised me Homelander's head. And all this time, you knew there was something that could do the job, and you never said a fuckin' word! Mallory: Whatever this weapon is, it probably won't work on Homelander. Butcher: And what if it does?! Mallory: Even worse. Because it wouldn't end with him. You'd go after another Supe, then another, then all of them. Butcher: If you'd have told me about this sooner, Homelander might already be dead! Ryan wouldn't be runnin' from one safe house to the next, wonderin' when his nutter dad's gonna drop outta the sky! And Becca… Becca might still be alive. And for that… I'll never fuckin' forgive ya. Mallory: This was never about Ryan or Becca. It was always selfish. Always and only for you. For the hate inside that you want to let loose on the world. I thought maybe you changed, but I was wrong. You are your father. Always have been. Homelander: [to Annie] Ashley tells me that you chose Silver Kinca… Kincaid. Ashley: [nods] Mm-hmm. Homelander: I have notes. I mean, I'm a co-captain. It's only fair I have a say in the new recruits, right? Annie/Starlight: No. Actually, I choose the new members. Homelander: But I am pitching the craziest twist. The audience will never see it coming, right? Annie/Starlight: Well, I've made my decision. Homelander: Oh, come on! You haven't even heard it yet! Seriously, you're–you're gonna love it. Ready? [Ashley opens the doors and reveals…] Homelander: Return of the Deep! The Deep: Hey. What's up, guys? How are you? [Annie is visibly upset at seeing the Deep and his wife, Cassandra at the door] Homelander: No, no, no, no, no. Starlight, before you say anything, doesn't Christ tell us to turn the other cheek? Cassandra: [hugs Annie] I really want us to be sisters. The Deep: I had something made for you, Starlight. It's a peace offering. [opens a jeweler box with a gold dolphin necklace inside] It's 24-karat gold with certified conflict-free diamonds. I've put in the work. And I realize that when you've made an unforgivable mistake, the first person you have to forgive… is yourself. Annie/Starlight: What makes you think that I want a daily reminder of the guy who fucking mouth-raped me?! [to Homelander] I need a word. Ashley: Let's let these two chat, shall we? [Ashley leads The Deep and Cassandra out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar] Annie/Starlight: [to Homelander] Absolutely not. Homelander: Do you really think I'm gonna let a fucking Muslim in The Seven? Captain Al-Qaeda? We're Americans. Annie/Starlight: I'm taking this to Mr. Edgar. Homelander: My speech last night? Thirty-eight-point-six rating and a 59 share. Oh, and they're saying that the live-plus-threes are gonna be even bigger. Edgar said it himself: Popularity is power. He won't die on this hill. Annie/Starlight: [pause] Do I need to remind you of the Flight video? [Homelander scoffs, gets up and closes the door shut] Homelander: Go ahead. Release it. Let's light this candle, huh? I mean, sure, I'll lose everything, but then… I'll have nothing to lose. First, I'll take out the nerve centers: White House, Pentagon. Then, any domestic defense capabilities, and then critical infrastructure like cellular, Internet–that kind of thing. And then… Well, I think then I'll just wipe New York off the fucking map. For fun. I'll even throw in Des Moines and that little cousin-fucker hick town that Maeve's from, 'cause why not? See, Starlight, I'd prefer to be loved. I would. But if you take that away from me… Well, being feared is A-one okey-doke by me. So… go ahead, partner. Do it. [pause; Annie doesn't say anything] No? You don't wanna to do it? Well, then I would have to say that you have absolutely no fucking leverage because I am the Homelander… and I really can do whatever the fuck I want. Hughie: Hey, Annie. Annie/Starlight: Homelander's had a breakdown. He's lost his fucking mind. Hughie: Hey, hey, hey. Hey, slow down. Slow down. What? Annie/Starlight: He's bringing the Deep back into The Seven, so I brought up the video, and he said to go ahead and release it. You were right. Co-captain was a bad idea. I have to leave. Hughie: Look, I–I know I should tell you to run out of there like a house on fire, and I want to… [sighs] but you gotta stick it out. Annie/Starlight: I'm sorry? Hughie: Listen, I'm–I'm back with Butcher. Annie/Starlight: Why? Hughie: We're onto something that could kill Homelander. Annie/Starlight: What? What is it? Hughie: Some kind of weapon. Uh… I'm not sure, but you gotta buy us some time. Keep your eyes on him. Annie/Starlight: How much time? Hughie: Uh… Annie/Starlight: You don't know. So for God knows how long, I have to paste on a smile with Homelander growing more unstable by the hour, hoping that he doesn't kill me or worse. Hughie: If that's what it takes, then yeah. [pause; sighs] I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Just… Homelander and Vicky, they–they're running laps around us because… because we keep trying to do it the right way. The high road just doesn't work. We–We have to be as mean and fucked-up as they are. Annie/Starlight: Now you sound like… Hughie: Like Butcher, I know. But Annie, he's... he's right. He's been right all along. I'm just so… tired of losing. Annie/Starlight: [sighs] Okay. You better pull this off, Hughie, but… okay. [Homelander and Annie are filming the finale of their Vought reality show] Homelander: Well, this has been quite a long road for all of you. You've shown us the best of what heroes can be. Annie/Starlight: The first of the two selections, and the newest member of The Seven is… Supersonic. [Supersonic walks up to the centerstage and hugs Annie] Homelander: [shakes Supersonic's hand] Welcome. Supersonic: Thank you, sir. Homelander: [in Spanish] My friend, the honor is all mine, brother. [chuckles; Supersonic is weirded out] Well... this is it. The final new member of The Seven is… [beat] Lord of the Seven Seas, The Deep! [A spotlight shines on The Deep, who is standing behind them, far away from the stage. The other two female Supe finalists, Silver Kincaid and Moonshadow look disgusted and distraught.] Homelander: Get up here, you! The Deep: Alright! Homelander: Welcome back. The Deep: Good to see you. Homelander: You, too. The Deep: [to Supersonic] Congratulations, bro. Supersonic: You, too. Homelander: Alright. [to Silver Kincaid and Moonshadow] Well, unfortunately, it won't be either of you two. I'm sure you understand, you just can't put a price on experience. Annie/Starlight: Please hang up your capes and go. Homelander: Now Deep, I gotta say, I am… Well, frankly, I'm moved and inspired that Starlight here has chosen to forgive you. Annie/Starlight: I accept your apology, Deep. You deserve a second chance. The Deep: Thank you, Starlight. Looks like we've all grown. Homelander: Just to be clear, it wasn't my idea to bring you back, buster. Not at all. Starlight here insisted on it. But you keep your distance, pal, because… Well… [laughs] she's my girl now. [Annie laughs uncomfortably as Homelander wraps his arm around her] Homelander: [chuckles softly] Sorry, I–I can't keep it a secret anymore. It's time we let the world know. Starlight and I are in love. #HomeLight. "Glorious Five Year Plan" [3.04] [Hughie closes his laptop after seeing the Homelight clip] Hughie: When's it air? Annie/Starlight: Tonight. Hughie: #Homelight. You agreed to this? Annie/Starlight: It's like what you said, Hughie. Whatever it takes. This is… This is what it takes. Hughie: [pause] Hey… [takes Annie's hand] it's gonna be okay. Really. Let me save you for once. Annie/Starlight: [sighs] Hughie… This has to work. Hughie: It'll work. Homelander: [enters common room] What'll work? Annie/Starlight: Uh, my VoughtSonic speaker setup. I'm sorry, how did you get in? Homelander: I have a key. [pause] Yeah, I gotta keep an eye on my best girl, right? By the way, you're a sound sleeper, Starlight. [pause; Annie and Hughie look shocked] Oh, look at you two. I'm kidding. Come on, lighten up. I'm joking! But we gotta go. Running late. [to Hughie] Rolling Stone cover shoot, hot issue. We got "Hottest Ship." [Homelander takes out a Sharpie pen and signs an autograph with it on Hughie's cast] Homelander: Don't you worry, Hughie. This little love affair is strictly for the cameras. Although, that's how me and Maeve started out, and that… [inhales sharply] got quite spicy. [laughs] Yeah, I'm not kidding, man. Let's just say that Maeve can bend a steel pipe without using her hands. [pause; chuckles] What's she like? She a good fuck? [Annie's eyes start glowing and Hughie gradually inches up towards Homelander] Homelander: Whoa. Annie/Starlight: Touch him or anyone he cares about, and I'll walk. And I'll take my approval points with me. Homelander: [whispers to Hughie] Women. [to Annie] I'm kidding. You really need to lighten up, guys. Ashley: Victoria Neuman is doing a press conference tonight. Homelander: So? Ashley: It's about you. Homelander: …And you're just finding out about it now? Ashley: I'm sure it's a nothing burger. [chuckles] Homelander: Hey, come here for a sec. [Ashley approaches him] Is your idiot brain getting fucked by stupid? It's not rhetorical. Answer me. Ashley: No. My idiot brain is not getting fucked by stupid, sir. Homelander: [scoffs] Well, then go and do your only job and find out what the fuck is going on, Ashley! A-Train: Who asked you? Back there. Who the fuck asked you for your opinion? The Deep: [offended] I am a member of this team. A-Train: Please. [pause; looks around] Homelander's a great man, [lowers his voice] but the way that you kiss his ass is fuckin' gross. The Deep: Hey, man. Look, I get it, okay? This is tough. You know, me handpicked by Homelander to come back, and you on your way out again. And a rebrand? This late in the game? Ouch. The new A-Train… How'd that work out for Eagle the Archer when he became Eagle the Rapper? Oh, that's right; it fucking didn't. It's just sad, man. A-Train: You're like Ashton Kutcher fucked a clownfish. You're a joke. And you're so dumb, you don't even know it. The Deep: [gets in A-Train's face and whispers angrily in his ear] Oh, yeah? Well, how about I tell Homelander who really leaked all that Nazi shit on Stormfront? A-Train: How about I tell him you fished the Flight 37 video out of the Atlantic and gave it to Maeve? The Deep: [shoves A-Train] What, come on! Run at me, bro! I forgot your legs don't fuckin' work! [A-Train punches him hard in the chest] The Deep: [doubled over in pain] You gill-punched me! A-Train: Yeah! The Deep: Motherfucker! [The Deep tackles A-Train into the wall, but both collapse to the ground, groaning in pain. Homelander walks up to them] Homelander: Boys, boys, boys… [Homelander helps The Deep stand back up and pats him on the back, then looks down at A-Train still hunched on the ground] Homelander: A-Train… just stay there and rest those useless fuckin' legs. Mother's Milk: Butcher, what the fuck is wrong with you, man? Butcher: I'm sure you're gonna tell me. Mother's Milk: That shit you pulled with Ryan and now this cold-hearted shit you said to Kimiko? How could anybody be such a complete asshole? Butcher: Practice. Mother's Milk: You knocked on my doorstep, motherfucker. Now, I respect the chain of command, but this? I'm not gonna tolerate your bullshit anymore, man. Butcher: Do you remember when we met? Mother's Milk: Hard to forget. Butcher: Me and the colonel, we had our pick of officers. Some, uh… [chuckles softly] Some real haircuts. D'you ever wonder why we picked some grunt Marine stuck in the brig? Mother's Milk: Let's see. I knocked out my racist C.O. Sent him to the ICU with one punch, so you knew I was strong. And you read my file, so you knew I hated Vought. Butcher: Yeah, it weren't none of them. I mean, they didn't hurt, mind ya, but no. We spoke to the blokes that you went through basic with. And to the man, they said that you were the one that held that platoon together. A natural-born leader. Mother's Milk: You never told me that. Butcher: Mate, I'm under no illusions about who I am. And that's why we brought you in. 'Cause no matter how hard I gotta be… you're here to look after the Boys. Now, if I thought to do that, I can't be a complete arsehole, can I? Just mostly one. [Hughie enters the bathroom just as Butcher is about to inject himself with V24] Hughie: Butcher, can I uh… [Butcher breathes heavily] What are you doing? Butcher: Contingency. In case things go arse over tit at the lab. Hughie: [pause; closes the door] I wanna try some. Butcher: Don't be daft. This shit is poison, Hughie. A lad like you don't want no part of it. Hughie: What, you mean like a loser? A fuck-up? Butcher: Sooner or later, Homelander will find Ryan, okay? It's just a matter of time. I have to do this, alright? You don't. Hughie: Annie's in just as much danger. Homelander almost lasered me in half in front of her, and it was like... it was like I was back with every bully that I ever had, just taking it. And then she had to save me again! Butcher, please. Please. Please… because right now, I am so angry that I can't even breathe. Butcher: [sighs] Oh, Hughie… It's shittier. It's not power; it's punishment. You don't deserve none of it. Hughie: What, and you do? Butcher: Get ready to go. [closes the door on Hughie] Edgar: You do have a hell of a view from up here. I'll give you that. Homelander: You should see it from space. [pause; stares at Edgar] Unbelievable. 80 over 60. Your entire life is imploding and it's as if you're reading fuckin' John Grisham. I heard about your, uh, temporary leaves of absence by the way. Those things do have a nasty habit of becoming permanent, though, don't they? Don't blame Vicky, either– Edgar: I don't. If there's one thing I taught her, it was to play all sides. She's more like me than I ever imagined. But I am curious. What did you give her? Homelander: A little respect, Stan. Something you should've given me. Edgar: What good would that do? Where would it even go but to the bottomless, gaping pit of insecurity you call a soul? Homelander: [shudders playfully; laughs] Oh, God. You wanna know something? I used to be intimidated by you. I did. And now I look at you, I'm just… I–I have no idea why. Truly, you're not even pathetic. You're–You're just... nothing. Edgar: Then why are you still here, looking for my approval like I'm your daddy? And even if I were, what would there be to approve of? The company is yours. No one left to stand up to you. But I think you'll come to sorely regret that. Homelander: And why is that? Edgar: Because there's no one left to cover for you either. Eventually–probably soon–the world will recognize you for the pitiful disappointment you are. You are not worthy of my respect. You are not a god. You are simply bad product. Soldier Boy: I'm fucking with you. Get over yourself. You really think my grandmother's gonna let me marry the whitest girl in all of white? Homelander: I have a view I really wanna show you. It's gonna blow your mind. Hold on tight. [Homelander carries Annie and they fly up to the rooftop of the building they walked out of] Homelander: This really is a beautiful city. Annie/Starlight: You know, you don't need to do this. The cameras are gone. Homelander: [laughs] Yeah. But, see, that's the thing about me, Starlight. If I promise something, I deliver. [turns Annie around and points at something offscreen] Now, that is the view of a lifetime. [Annie is horrified to see the brutally beaten corpse of Supersonic] Annie/Starlight: Alex… Alex! Oh, my God! You fucking psycho! [her eyes start glowing] Homelander: Stop it! You know how that ends. [brief pause; Annie's eyes return to normal] And besides, this is your fault as much as it is mine. Annie/Starlight: What? Homelander: A-Train told me about you two mutineers and your little plot. You just don't get it, do you? I mean, you have no fucking grasp of the situation you're in at all, right? I'm gonna break it down one more time, and I'm gonna make it crystal clear so that even you can understand it, okay? There will be no more plotting, planning, playing around. That is over, okay? From here on out, there is only my dutiful, loving main squeeze Starlight, worshipping me and me alone. Because if you step one inch out of line–I mean, if you so much as fucking blink the wrong way–then [points at Supersonic's corpse] that, my love, will be Hughie. Do you understand this time? [pause; Annie just nods and cries] Good. Then, say it. So I know. "That'll be Hughie." Annie/Starlight: That'll be Hughie. Homelander: There it is. [sighs] Find your own way home. "The Last Time to Look on This World of Lies" [3.05] [The Boys take shelter after Kimiko is incapacitated from losing her powers to Soldier Boy] Butcher: [to M.M.] Listen, mate, we can't hang about here lookin' for him, right? He's Ivan's problem now. We gotta get Kimiko home to a proper doctor. Mother's Milk: You don't give a shit about Kimiko. Or anyone else. Butcher: Oh, come off it, mate. Look, I took a fuckin' drug. And in case you forgot, I just saved your life. Mother's Milk: [pause] You killed Gunpowder, didn't you? Did you use your little laser eyes? Butcher: You're too fuckin' right, I did. And it felt good. For once, I leveled the fuckin' playing field. Mother's Milk: Butcher, the whole point of what we do–the whole goddamn point–is that no one should have that kind of power. Butcher: Well, ain't that just fuckin' fairies and dancin' dildos, eh? I happen to live right down here, mate. On planet Earth. [Annie, who is grieving for Supersonic, arrives at her and Hughie's apartment] Hughie: Hey, come here. Come here. [hugs Annie] I'm sorry. I'm so fucking sorry. Annie/Starlight: I shouldn't be here. It's not safe for you. Hughie: I don't care. It's okay. Annie/Starlight: Hughie, Homelander killed Alex. He fucking murdered him, and it's all my fault. Hughie: Hey… It is not your fault. Come here, come here. Come here. [takes Annie to the kitchen] We got Charleston Chew. We got Almond Joy, Bit-O-Honey. There's White Claws in the fridge. Some of that gross lavender bath bomb shit in the tub. Look, I know this doesn't make this any better, but I just… Let me take care of you for a second. Annie/Starlight: Tell me you found it. Hughie: [sighs] Moscow was a dead end. I'm sorry. Annie/Starlight: No weapon or gun or anything? [pause] Fuck. Then what killed Soldier Boy? Hughie: You know what? I'm gonna get you a White Claw. [Annie notices that Hughie is no longer wearing his arm cast] Annie/Starlight: Uh, Hughie? Your arm is broken. Where the hell is your cast? Hughie: You're really gonna want a White Claw. [Cut to Annie sitting in their kitchen opening a third White Claw right after finishing two] Hughie: Wow. Alright. Gonna have another one. Um... I'm just trying to get a bead on what part you're most upset about. Is it the part where Soldier Boy's loose in Russia, or the part where I took some temporary Compound V? Annie/Starlight: Um… it could be both parts. Uh, all the parts. Hughie: I told you right away, though, right? That's–That's... No secrets. That's gotta be worth some points. Annie/Starlight: You want points for not lying to me? Hughie: I... would like to retract that statement. Um– Annie/Starlight: Hughie, you shot up an untested drug from Vought. You could've gotten yourself killed! Hughie: We don't have any more. And even if we did, I–I wouldn't take it. It was awful. Like, [groans] the hangover–all of it–just… absolutely hated it. [sighs] Annie/Starlight: …You loved it. Hughie: I really fucking loved it! It was awesome! I mean, you know me. If a guy in the car next to me gives me a dirty look, I'm like fucking Dom Torreto taking off, trying to get away from him. 'Cause I'm quick and I'm all about family. But in Russia… [chuckles] I wasn't scared. I–I... I saved M.M. Me! I could, like, teleport. Annie/Starlight: Teleport? Hughie: Yeah, I... I just–I knew how to do it. I just clenched my butt, and–and I jumped, and– Annie/Starlight: No. Hughie, that was stupid and dangerous. I can't lose you, too. Hughie: Oh, God, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. You're right. [sighs again] It's over. Annie/Starlight: So… what do we do now? Hughie: I don't know. But whatever it is, we'll figure it out together. You and me against the world, right? I love you. Annie/Starlight: I love you, too. [Butcher and Queen Maeve get drunk during their meet-up] Butcher: I done 'em all: Coke, E, meth, smack. [holds up V24 sample] Ain't nothing like this. Used to be months of leg work to take down a Supe. Gunpowder… not even a New York minute. Queen Maeve: Must've felt good. Butcher: I hated every second. [shakes his head] No. The V just made me more… me. With great power comes the absolute certainty that you'll turn into a right cunt. [sips from the bottle] I mean, that's the thing, right? You're all just people. All the V does is just amp up all that shit that's already inside. Your lot? Just a bunch of walkin' nuclear erections, y'know? And it's not just Homelander. I mean, you–you fuckin' all gotta go. Every fuckin' last… one of ya. Queen Maeve: Yeah. [Maeve drunkenly kisses Butcher. They simultaneously get up from the couch and stare at each other.] Queen Maeve: What? You still think you're too good for me? The Legend: I swear on my kids' lives. Butcher: You hate your fucking kids. The Legend: So would you, if you met them. Homelander: You think it really was Edgar and the mayor, maybe Jake Tapper? Just trying to fuck with me? Make me look ridiculous? Queen Maeve: Or maybe, you're just a paranoid malignant narcissist who thinks everything is about you. Homelander: [smiles slyly] Mmm, it's not paranoia if they're really out to get you, though. And you, Maeve... You're out to get me, aren't you? Queen Maeve: What are you talking about? Homelander: William Butcher. I can smell him all over you. You really will do anything to hurt me, won't you? So, what are you and William cooking up, hmm? Maybe you two brought that supervillain to town. Queen Maeve: Oh, John. John, come on! You're talking crazy. I'm not cooking anything up with Butcher. Let's talk about this. Homelander: Don't you dare fucking "John" me. You're not gonna weasel your way out of this. You know, the real tragic thing in all of this is that more than anyone, I knew what it was like for you. Swarmed everywhere we went. Every little mistake, front-page news. It is lonely at the top, yes. But at least we had each other. We were lonely together. And I loved you in my own... way. But you... what happened? Was anything about us ever real? Hmm? Queen Maeve: [beat; leans forward and whispers in his ear] From the start... I hated you. But what's more... I fucking pitied you. Homelander: You're completely and utterly alone. You're getting old and bitter. You pity me? [chuckles] That's actually kinda funny, don't you think? [leans into Maeve's face with a sinister smile] Hey… You wanna know something else that's funny? [Homelander looks over Maeve's shoulder and raises his eyebrows. When Maeve turns to look, Black Noir suddenly attacks her.] Ashley: [reads off card of gift flower basket] Congrats from Lindsey Graham. [to A-Train] He's such a gooch-licker. Anyway, I hope you know how much Homelander appreciates your loyalty. Now more than ever, he needs people he can trust. So, to thank you for being a team player, Homelander has agreed to a meeting with you and Blue Hawk. A-Train: Okay, great. Thanks. Ashley: Yeah. I'll just pop outside and get him. [walks over to door] A-Train: What? Like, right now? Ashley: [opens door] Hi. Blue Hawk: Hey. [walks in] Ashley: Thanks for coming on such short notice, Blue Hawk. Blue Hawk: Oh. [points and laughs heartily] A-Train, hey. Big fan. A-Train: Cool. Yeah. [Blue Hawk sits] Blue Hawk... Yeah. I wanted to talk to you about your patrols in Trenton. Little excessive. Blue Hawk: Hmm? Says who? A-Train: Well, a lot of black folks. Blue Hawk: No. No. This has nothing to do with... African Americans. You and me both trained with Coach Brink at school. We were taught to dominate totally. A-Train: Yeah, but you're mostly just doing it in–in black neighborhoods. And you don't want people to say that you're being racist, right? Blue Hawk: You know, it's actually racist to call somebody racist. What is this? Is this, like, a "cancel" thing? Am I being canceled? What can I do to make this right? A-Train: Wouldn't take much. [chuckles] I don't know. Make an apology or some shit. Ashley: What a great idea. Thank you for saying that. I'm sure Homelander would really, really appreciate that, Blue Hawk. Blue Hawk: Hey, name the time and place. Ashley: It is so important to do the work, to have the difficult conversations. This is so great, you guys. Soldier Boy: You're that asshole from the lab. Butcher: That's right. I'm the arsehole that let you out. Russian Porta-Loos, eh? You want the Countess' head on a spike, don't ya? Well, she's in there. Yours for the takin'. Consider it a gesture of good faith. Soldier Boy: Good faith for what? Butcher: [pause] I was thinkin' that you and I could come to a little arrangement. What you lot call… a team-up. [Soldier Boy enters the trailer of Crimson Countess, who is surprised to see him] Crimson Countess: Ben? Is that really you? You look so young. Soldier Boy: You don't. Crimson Countess: I'm so, so sorry. It wasn't my idea. God, you gotta believe me. I–I... Soldier Boy: How much did the Russians pay you? Hmm? Crimson Countess: They didn't. Soldier Boy: What? They didn't pay you anything? [pause] I loved you. All those years... that they burned me… and that they pumped me full of poison, I held onto the hope that you would come. That you would save me. Because I still loved you. Crimson Countess: I didn't love you. I hated you. We all did. "Herogasm" [3.06] Soldier Boy: Where's the Chop Socky Oriental sauce? Hughie: They don't… have that anymore? Soldier Boy: Why the fuck not? Hughie: Many… many good reasons. Soldier Boy: Did you get the other shit? Butcher: Here you go, guv. [Butcher hands Soldier Boy a bottle of whiskey and some pills] Soldier Boy: Oh… Man, I missed bennies. It's how we won D-Day, you know? We were wired to the fucking gills. Butcher: [as Soldier Boy crushes the pills with a jack knife] Listen, let's have a little chat about this team-up, yeah? Soldier Boy: What the hell do I need a team for? The last one handed me to the Reds. Butcher: And we got you outta that pickle. We wrapped up Crimson Countess and delivered her like a fuckin' Christmas turkey, and I even sorted Gunpowder for ya. Soldier Boy: What, am I supposed to be impressed with that? That's like killing Emmanuel Lewis. [laughs; snorts the crushed-up pills] Butcher: Yeah, well, he grew up a bit since you last saw him. Soldier Boy: [to Hughie, who is staring at his shield] Hands off the fucking shield. Butcher: Anyway, you want payback on Payback, don't ya? Well, it just so happens that we are experts at exterminatin' shitbag Supes. You see, it's a whole different world out there now, son. We're here to help you find your way. Soldier Boy: Well, I can find them on my own. Hughie: Are you sure? I mean, do you know what a GPS is? Or Bluetooth, or… [chuckles] the internet? Soldier Boy: … [smirks] You made those words up. Hughie: Nope. No, those are real words. And–And you need those to find them, alright? You need us. Butcher: Kid's right. All we ask in return is that you add one more name to the list. Soldier Boy: Who? Butcher: A right cunt named Homelander. Soldier Boy: I've seen pictures. Who is he? Butcher: He's the new you. Soldier Boy: No one's the new me, pal. [pause] But why him? Butcher: Let's just say, you're not the only one who wants payback. Soldier Boy: Alright. You help me find the rest of my team, and I'll help you with this Homelander. Mirror Homelander: Why the long face, tiger? Homelander: What if I can't handle him? I mean... If Noir ran– Mirror Homelander: Oh, you can handle him. You're the top of the food chain! Hey, hey... when we were kids, alone in the Bad Room, I got us through it, right? Don't I always? Homelander: [nods] Always. Mirror Homelander: No matter what. Homelander: No matter what. Mirror Homelander: And now, I'll get us through this, just as long as you and me stick together. Homelander: What if Edgar's right? What if it was a-- a mistake to take over Vought? And then... I am just talent, and they all know I'm a fraud? Mirror Homelander: Now, what do you care what a bunch of mud people think? C'mon. Tell me the real reason, I wanna hear you say it. [pause; Homelander hesitates] SAY IT! Homelander: I want them to... love me. Mirror Homelander: Yahtzee! Only it never seems to work out, does it? Madelyn, Maeve, Stormfront, even your own son. So why do you keep running headfirst into the same brick wall? Homelander: [looks down and shakes his head] I don't know. Mirror Homelander: Mmm, pants on fire! You know. It's because, deep down, there's a part of you that is still… human. Homelander: [on the verge of tears] No... Mirror Homelander: Mmm-hmm, part of you is. A dirty, shrivelled, anemic little part of you that still mewls for approval and love, and a mommy and a daddy and oh, boo-hoo-hoo! [As Mirror Homelander says this, the real Homelander cries in shame] Mirror Homelander: Look at me, tiger. Look at me. We gotta cut that part of you out like a cancer. And then? Well then, my boy, you can finally be who you were always meant to be: Pure. Clean. Like marble. [Soldier Boy and Hughie are watching TV when a commercial for baby carriers comes on] Soldier Boy: Do men really walk around like that? Hughie: Yeah. I mean, dads do. Soldier Boy: Okay, well... Bill Cosby is America's dad, and I'll tell you one thing: He wouldn't be caught dead in that pussy gear. Hughie: Lot to unpack there. Uh... Soldier Boy: The Cos... That's a real man. Holy shit, did he make some strong drinks. Hughie: [whispering quickly] Holy fucking shit. Soldier Boy: But seriously, what passes as a man today? Christ on a cross. I read that we were ass-up in Afghanistan. The fuck is up with that? Those were the good guys. I mean, when I left, it was… Hughie: Yeah, you know– Soldier Boy: I mean, goddammit. We–We were ten and one, you know? I lead the 116th onto Omaha Beach. I was in the fuckin' Eagle's Nest! I fought for this country! I fought for this country, and what did I get for it? Forgotten. Left to rot by my own team. [beat; chuckles] You know, I wanted some rugrats of my own with Countess. Yeah, ain't that a bitch. You know, a couple little boys. Raise them up to be men. Now… Now I got nothing. Neuman: Hey, so… where's Hughie? Annie/Starlight: Oh, he's just camping with his dad for a couple days. Neuman: [laughs] Okay. Okay, good. Great. I thought he was avoiding me or something, you know… 'cause he was scared I was gonna pop his head. Annie/Starlight: [beat; swallows hard] Hmm? Neuman: Come on, Annie. [sees Annie's eyes glowing] Put them away. I'm not gonna hurt you or Hughie or your families. [Annie blinks and her eyes return to normal] Besides, you'd lose. Annie/Starlight: Then, why are you here? Neuman: Because I wanna help you. Annie/Starlight: Huh. "Help". From the psycho who blew up Congress. Neuman: Look, most of those guys passed around deepfakes of me on the House floor blowing bin Laden, so I'm not exactly overwhelmed with sympathy. Annie, you need me. You're all alone. I mean, come on. That "#Homelight" shit? That looks like you're in a hostage video. Blink twice if I'm wrong. And what, you gotta play nice with the guy that throat-fucked you on your first day of work? And Maeve? They say Maeve is in rehab, but you and I both know she's probably dead. I'm all you got. Come on, Annie. You and I were friends. None of that has changed for me. Annie/Starlight: Are you ever gonna get to the point? Neuman: You have 193 million Instagram followers. Lend me your influence, and I'll lend you mine. I can protect you from Homelander. You'll finally be team captain for real. And in return, you help me goose my numbers. I can finally get my education reform bill passed. We can make things better, Annie. For my daughter. For a lot of daughters. Come on, what do you say? Annie/Starlight: [pause] You're right. This whole place… I'm so fucking tired… of listening to people tell me I need to be shitty in order to win. Fuck you. And fuck Homelander, and fuck Vought and this "whatever it takes" crap. You're just gonna end up sitting on top of the steaming pile of shit that you built. I'm done. I'm fucking done. I'm not doing it anymore. Neuman: You're not gonna be doing anything if Homelander kills you. Annie/Starlight: Yeah, maybe. But then I'll know I'm not working with a fucking nutjob. So, either pop my head or get the hell out. Neuman: [beat; gets up] Hey, keep this between us. It'd be really tough to take out America's sweetheart, but not impossible. [Annie realizes her nose is bleeding once Neuman leaves] Hughie: Oh, okay. So, this–this is an actual orgy. That's what this is. Butcher: Fuckin' Herogasm. Still a thing, eh? Soldier Boy: It's my thing. I founded it in '52. Me and this other Supe, Liberty. Man, was she a firecracker. Butcher: Frenchie's gonna be real heartbroken he missed this. [Hughie and A-Train bump into each other at Herogasm] A-Train: Sorry… [sees Hughie] Oh. Hey, I know you like fucking Supes, but I'm off the table. Hughie: That's not why I'm here, okay? You're here too, you know. A-Train: Whatever, Pornhub. I don't have time for you right now. [turns to walk away] Hughie: [pause] Hey. You never said you were sorry. A-Train: What? Hughie: For Robin. You never apologized for Robin. A-Train: Jesus. You wanna do this right now? Hughie: Yeah, I do. [pause; A-Train says nothing] You just get away with everything, don't you? Just running past all the people you leave behind. A-Train: Alright, you know what? Hughie: What? A-Train: [beat] I'm sorry. Is that what you wanna hear? 'Cause I am, okay? It's fucked up seeing somebody that you love get hurt like that. [pause] I'm sorry. I'm fucking sorry, Hughie. Homelander: William Butcher and Soldier Boy. Of course. You are behind this. This whole thing… it really is all about me. William, we made a deal to fight to the death. You and me. This is cheating. Deal's off. [Homelander knocks Butcher out with his laser eyes] Homelander: [to Soldier Boy] You were my hero growing up. I watched all your movies hundreds of times. You were the only one that was nearly as strong as me. Soldier Boy: Buddy, you think you look strong? You're wearing a cape. You're just a cheap fuckin' knockoff. Homelander: Oh, no, no, no… I'm the upgrade. [Annie and M.M. take in the aftermath of the massacre at Herogasm. She turns on the camera on her cell phone and offers it to M.M.] Mother's Milk: This is a bad idea. Annie/Starlight: Homelander helped make me America's sweetheart. He's gonna regret that. [M.M. takes Annie's cell phone while she takes a few steps back] Mother's Milk: You ready? [Annie nods. M.M. presses a button on Annie's phone to start recording an Instagram livestream] Annie/Starlight: I'm in Montpelier, Vermont. Twelve heroes and civilians are dead. A lot more are wounded. Now, Homelander and Vought are going to tell you that it was the supervillain, and that they have it handled. They don't. It was Soldier Boy. I know I sound insane, but Soldier Boy doesn't care about protecting Americans and he probably never has. Most heroes don't care about you. They only care about their image. And Homelander is the worst of them. He's hurt people. He's done something to Maeve. [beat] I don't know what they're gonna do to me for telling the truth… but I'm going to keep doing it, and I should have done it sooner, and I'm sorry. And one more thing: I'm not Starlight anymore. My name is Annie January… and I fucking quit. "Here Comes a Candle to Light You to Bed" [3.07] [Homelander visits a prisoner, revealed to be Queen Maeve, inside a Vought holding cell] Homelander: Hey, how you doing? Look, I–I'm sorry about all this. I wish I could say you get used to it, but you never do. So… where are they hiding? [beat; Maeve doesn't say anything] Butcher and Soldier Boy. Where are they? Queen Maeve: Wait, is… [gets up and walks up to Homelander] is that concealer? Do you have a bruise? Homelander: Yeah. Do you have any idea what you've set loose? Butcher has powers. I assume thanks to you. They've killed Crimson Countess and seven other heroes, Maeve. Seven. The ones that–that survived are done; they're powerless. Soldier Boy fried the V right out of their blood somehow. Maeve, do you understand that could happen to any one of us? Queen Maeve: Yeah. That's the difference between you and me. You need to be a Supe. I can't wait till that's over. Homelander: [sighs] Maeve– Queen Maeve: Why are you letting me live? Homelander: Maeve… You know, back when things were better between us… [sighs] I used to dream of having kids with you. [chuckles] No, I did. A family. Nesting, you know? I–I mean, can you imagine how perfect our kids would be? Sublime. Twice as strong as Ryan. No kid of mine would ever know a room like this, I'll tell you that. Queen Maeve: Just so you know, I'll fucking shatter whatever you try to stick up there. Homelander: Maeve, don't be so crass! We're not savages. I respect what you are, even if you don't. I would never force myself on you. [pause] But I am gonna harvest your eggs. That way, if… God forbid, you do die–whether by accident or choice–you'll die knowing that the very best of you carries on. With me. See, Maeve, I'm not letting you live. I'm keeping you alive. Queen Maeve: [smiles and snickers] This is still a top-three day in my life. Because today is the day I saw you scared. [Butcher has been put into deep sleep by Mindstorm and Hughie tries to rouse him. Soldier Boy, who is very stoned, looks for Mindstorm.] Hughie: Butcher, wake up! Wake up! Soldier Boy: Fucking freak slipped away. He's gonna pick us off… Hughie: Butcher, wake up. Soldier Boy: …one by one. Hughie: Come on, wake up, Butcher. Butcher! Wake up! Soldier Boy: No, you're wasting your time. He's gone. Hughie: What did Mindstorm do? Soldier Boy: Well, if it's his usual MO, trapped him in an endless nightmare until he dies of terminal dehydration. Hughie: No, there's gotta be a way we can wake him up. Soldier Boy: Mindstorm put him into this. He can snap him out. Hughie: Okay, great. Great. Soldier Boy: But he's about to be dead. Hughie: Wait. Wait, just hang on. If we–If we grab Mindstorm, we make him help Butcher… Soldier Boy: No way. Hughie: …and then–and then you can kill him. Then, you can go to town on him, man! I don't give a fuck! Soldier Boy: Hey! If you're gonna act hysterical, I'm gonna slap you like I'm Connery. Now, unless you wanna end up like your friend there, it ain't worth the risk. Look, chin up, okay? Deal's a deal. You help me finish this, I'll kill Homelander. Butcher would've given up his life for that in a heartbeat. [pause; Hughie looks down at Butcher] So, we doing this or not? [Hughie walks back to pick up his backpack] Soldier Boy: Leave it. We gotta move fast. [pause] Ah… Do you hear that? Hughie: Uh... You might wanna lay off the weed, huh? Soldier Boy: And you might wanna gargle my ballsack. [...] Soldier Boy: Still can't believe this shit is legal. I locked up so many assholes for it back in the day. [beat] What the fuck did you say? Hughie: Literally nothing. Soldier Boy: Jesus. How hard? Hughie: What? Soldier Boy: How hard did Butcher suck your dick that you miss him that much? His mouth must feel like a Hoover Deluxe. Hughie: God, every single thing you say is so gross. He saved me, okay? More than once. So I owe him. Soldier Boy: Oh, bullshit. You're on a mission. You get the job done, okay? I stormed Normandy. I fought the Nazis. You wanna know what I do when I'm sad or scared? Fucking nothing. 'Cause I'm not a fucking pussy. Hughie: [pause; chuckles] You didn't storm shit. Your whole Marlboro Man act? It's fucking crap, and I– [Soldier Boy punches Hughie hard in the jaw] Soldier Boy: I warned you. [Hughie and Soldier Boy come across a priest and a nun stranded on the road when they make it out of the woods] Priest: Son, are–are you a superhero? Soldier Boy: Yes, Father. You folks need some help? Nun: Yes. Yes, please. Soldier Boy: Okay, well, it's not safe. There's a fugitive in the area. You should get out of here before you get hurt. Priest: Uh, well, we can't. I don't suppose either of you know engines? Soldier Boy: I'll have a look. Priest: Oh, I'd appreciate that very much. Hughie: Uh, so, where you guys headed? Priest: We're just on our way to a Samaritan's Embrace retreat over there in Danville. [Soldier Boy shoots the priest in the head, killing him instantly. The nun screams in horror.] Hughie: Oh! Oh, my God! Oh, my God! What the fuck?! Soldier Boy: This is Mindstorm's MO; he brainwashed them. That priest was gonna shank us, and she will, too. [Hughie gets in front of Soldier Boy when he aims his gun at the nun] Hughie: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Nun: [kneels down over the priest's dead body] Father Wallace, no! Hughie: Hey! Hey, she doesn't look brainwashed to me. Soldier Boy: Take my word for it. Everyone's coming for us. Everyone, every day. Hughie: Whoa! No, no, no! You have PTSD! You have PTSD, and you are super fucking stoned, alright?! Maybe this isn't what you think it is! Soldier Boy: Move! Move! Hughie: She's a human being! A nun! And if there's one thing I know– Nun: [tackles Hughie from behind and bites him] DIE, YOU FUCKING COCKSUCKERS! Hughie: Oh, my God! Do something! Soldier Boy: If you stay still, I… Hughie: Fuck you! Get her off me! [Soldier Boy shoots the nun in the head. Hughie pants as she falls to the ground.] Hughie: OH! FUCK! ME! NO! Hard pass on this Exorcist shit! Soldier Boy: [looks down at the dead nun and priest] What's black and white and red all over? [pause] Okay, first off, I don't have shellshock. Fuck you. Second, this is what I'm talking about. This is being a soldier! [Annie is waiting for an elevator at Vought Tower after stealing several Compound V samples. Homelander sees her standing by the elevators.] Homelander: Here she is. Did you think I wouldn't know the second you walked through the door? Annie: Well, we broke up. It was time to pack my shit and go. Homelander: [chuckles and smiles] Okay. So, here's what happens now. You're gonna march into VNN Studios, and you're gonna recant everything you said. It was a tragic cocktail of heartbreak, Zoloft and despair. You regret any harm that your lies have caused Vought or me, but… me in particular. Annie: Mmm. Homelander: Good. Annie: Okay, but you wanna hear my counter? I stop Soldier Boy before he murders more people, and I find Maeve. If she's still alive. Homelander: Maeve's just learning her manners. And you should do the same. Seriously, before you throw away everything you've worked so hard for. Annie: You know what? I could give a shit. Homelander: Really? You sure about that? Your fame is the only thing protecting you. Annie: Here's the thing: I'm not scared of you anymore. I'm not. I see who you are. I see how small you are. I saw it. [pause] I saw it the night that you killed Supersonic. Homelander: You know what I remember from that night? I remember I told you what would happen to Hughie. You walk, that's next. Annie: …Good luck with that. [Annie pulls out her cell phone, which is recording a livestream for her Instagram followers] Annie: Now that you've told my 190 million followers. I'm still pretty famous. Homelander: [laughing] Hey, everybody! Annie: [hears elevator doors open] Oh, that's me. I gotta go. [Annie walks backwards into the elevator while still recording Homelander] Homelander: Starlight, wait. You're not supposed to record us when we're running lines! [Homelander's cheery demeanor quickly changes to one of sheer anger and he glares at Annie as the elevator doors close] Annie: I need to talk to Hughie. Where is he? Butcher: Oh, Starlight. How delightful. He's just popped out for a bit. Annie: Okay, well, he's not answering his phone. Butcher: Bit hard to keep a phone when you're teleportin' all day, innit, love? How can I help? Annie: Temp V is gonna kill you both. Butcher: Well, it's gonna have to join the queue. Annie: I was just in the lab. It causes lesions, okay? It turns your brain into fucking Swiss cheese! So please be honest with me, and tell me how many doses have you taken. Butcher: Just a couple. Annie: Jesus Christ. Butcher, three to five doses kills you. You need to tell Hughie. Butcher: Yeah. Yeah, I will. I will. I promise. Annie: Okay, but I'm calling back every five minutes until… [Butcher hangs up on her] Butcher? Goddammit. [Hughie comes back with food for himself and Butcher] Hughie: Okay, hi. Only thing open was Long John Silver's, so... I guess that's kind of fish and chips, right? Butcher: Yeah. Nice one. Hughie: Everything alright? Butcher: It's, uh… It's the Temp V. Hughie: What about it? Butcher: [beat] We gotta swing by the office and get some more. [pause] And then you, me, and Granny Fucker are gonna finish this fuckin' job. Hughie: Yeah. [chuckles] Fuck, yeah. Homelander: [to Ashley on the phone] Obviously, I didn't realize the little bitch was recording me, did I? [pause] No, no! Ashley, I don't fucking care! You're the spin doctor, go fucking spin it! [hears phone line beeping; to operator] What?! Operator: Sir, I apologize for disturbing you… but you have a call. He says he's… Well, he's claiming to be Soldier Boy. Homelander: [stammers] Put him through. [Homelander presses a button to accept the other call] Homelander: [to Soldier Boy] This really you? Soldier Boy: The situation's changed. I thought we should have a conversation. Homelander: I don't know who the fuck you think you are, but you got lucky once because you fucking ambushed me. Soldier Boy: Fall 1980, I get called into Vogelbaum's lab for an experiment. Some shit about genetics. I still remember the Penthouse I used: June. Danielle Deneux, bush like a Pomeranian. Homelander: What? Soldier Boy: I beat my meat into a cup. Turns out… Vogelbaum made a kid. Born in spring 1981: A boy. You know what the bitch of it is? If they'd have just kept me around, I'd have let you take the spotlight. What father wouldn't want that for his son? "The Instant White-Hot Wild" [3.08] Homelander: Listen, Ryan. Your mom, she wanted what's best for you. And so do I. You have a real family. Ryan: But aren't you mad at me? For what I did? Homelander: You know it wasn't your fault, right? Son, when you're as strong as we are, accidents happen, things break… and sometimes they are the things that you love the most. But- but that's all it is: An accident. And nobody on this earth knows that better than me. Nobody. That's why I'm always gonna love you. No matter what happens, no matter... what you do. I'm not going anywhere. I will always be here. [Hughie has Annie pick him up at the gas station where Butcher abandoned him] Hughie: Thanks for picking me up. I'm sure you wanna tell me to go fuck myself. Annie: I'm not saying anything. Hughie: 'Cause if you did wanna say that, I mean, you could. [sighs] Annie: What happened? Hughie: Uh... Butcher. Just out of nowhere, knocked me out. Annie: Did he tell you? Hughie: Tell me what? Annie: That Temp V is fatal. If you shot up any more, you'd probably be dead right now. [Hughie stares at her] Oh, my fucking God, he didn't tell you! That asshole! Hughie: Saved my life. Annie: Saved your life? It looks like he gave you a concussion. Hughie: He stopped me from taking more V. [pause] Have you ever had pizza rolls? Annie: Like… middle school sleepover pizza rolls? Hughie: Yeah. Dad bought them in bulk after Mom left. Every night, we'd have pizza rolls, watch Remington Steele, try not to touch her spot on the couch. And he never fought back for her or anything. Just sat there eating pizza rolls. I spent so much time thinking he was… sad and–and weak. Just a loser. But you know what? Dad… was there. Taking care of me during the worst days of his life, just trying to keep the lights on and a… and a roof above our heads. He wasn't weak. I just, I–I didn't know what strength was. Annie, I'm–I'm so sorry. I've been an asshole. I never should have… I–I never should've put any of this onto you. Annie: Thank you for saying that. Hughie: Literally every neuron in your brain is screaming "I told you so", so why don't you just say it before your head explodes? Annie: Oh, my God! I fucking told you so! Hughie: Feel good to get that out? Annie: So satisfying. Soldier Boy: [sniffs whiskey] Whoa. That brings me back. Used to sneak my dad's Manhattans when I was a kid. Butcher: I didn't have to nick nothin' from my old man. He used to get me and me little brother lagered just for the hell of it. Soldier Boy: Well, I gotta admit, that does sound funny. The old man still around? Butcher: Arse cancer. [pause; sees Mallory calling him and shuts his phone off] Shittin' his guts out as we speak, one hopes. Soldier Boy: You ever see The Soldier Boy Story? Butcher: Must've missed it. Soldier Boy: It's a classic. We lost Best Picture to An American in Paris that year. At least I got to ass-fuck Jane Wyman in the coat check. It's about a poor kid from the streets of South Philly, discovers he's got incredible powers to match his heart of gold. It was all bullshit. Butcher: [sarcastically] Blimey, you don't say. Soldier Boy: Actually, my father owned half the steel mills in the state. I went to boarding school. Got kicked out of boarding school because I was a fuck-up… but he made sure I knew it. Butcher: Used the belt, did he? Soldier Boy: Never laid a hand on me. He couldn't be bothered. He said I was a disappointment. Not good enough to carry his name. So I went to his golf buddies in the War Department, and they got me into Dr. Vought's Compound V trials. I became a superhero. Strongest man alive, fuckin' ticker-tape parades when I came home. Butcher: And what did the old man say then? Soldier Boy: Ah… he said I took a shortcut. [pause] That a real man wouldn't have cheated. [beat; clears throat] How 'bout you? You got kids? Butcher: It's complicated. Soldier Boy: I always assumed I had a few out there… somewhere. I always wanted 'em, 'cause I thought I could do it better than my father did. Butcher: Homelander ain't yours. Not really. Soldier Boy: He's the only blood I've got left. Butcher: It don't matter. You didn't name him, didn't raise him. Vought grew him in a fuckin' test tube to take your place. He's the fuckin' reason they left you to rot with the Ivans. Look, mate… we had a deal. [Soldier Boy finishes his glass of whiskey, stands up, and walks out] Soldier Boy: I'm gonna get some air. [The Deep plays a voice recording of Annie calling Vought security for Ashley, A-Train and Homelander] Annie: [over the recording] I'm Starlight, and I'm telling you that you need to evacuate the Tower now. Vought Guard: [over the recording] Why? Annie: [over the recording] Because Soldier Boy is alive, and he– The Deep: We ran it through the voice thingamabob. It's really her, so… you know, I think we should probably evacuate. Homelander: Nobody's evacuating anything. We have to project strength. The Deep: Right. No, that's smart. Strength. Okay, so my Angel Fish–that's what I call Analytics–we think Soldier Boy's coming for Noir. Last member of Payback, right? So we should use Noir as bait. And that way it draws Soldier Boy directly to the… [Homelander lays Black Noir's face mask on the table] The Deep: …Hey, is everything–Is everything okay with Noir? Homelander: He was keeping secrets from me. You know, when the company first rolled me out in front of the cameras, they told me I was gonna get my very own team. I wanted so badly for that team to be the family that I never got. And then, I got you. The Deep: I've–I've always tried to help, sir. Homelander: What, like when you ran away from Herogasm? Or maybe when you fucked an octopus? [pause; A-Train looks at The Deep with disgust] You really wanna help? [Homelander motions for The Deep to come closer to him. He whispers something in The Deep's ear.] The Deep: Sir… [chuckles] That's sort of treason. Homelander: Big word. The Deep: Anything you need, Homelander. Sir. Homelander: Ashley, take off that wig. Ashley: What wig? [Homelander just glares at her. Ashley reluctantly reaches above her head, and takes off her red-headed wig, revealing that she is mostly bald from pulling her hair out. A-Train and The Deep look shocked.] Homelander: Hmmm. [to A-Train] And then, there's you. How could you kill one of your own kind in cold blood? You are gonna tell the world that we are the one and only true justice. Noir was worth more than all of you put together. You're not my family. I don't need any of you. Remember that. [Homelander is inside a Vought lab watching an archival video of Soldier Boy when Butcher appears behind him] Homelander: Scorched earth, eh, William? Butcher: Scorched earth. [Butcher walks into the Vought lab. Soldier Boy and Queen Maeve follow him inside.] Soldier Boy: Where's Noir? Homelander: [pause] He's dead. I killed him. Soldier Boy: Why? Homelander: Because he didn't tell me about you. I'm alone. I just wanna talk. I know what it's like to have your team betray you. But with you and I together… they wouldn't stand a chance. Nobody would. Soldier Boy: Unless we kill each other first. Homelander: That's true, but why? What, because he says so? [chuckling] He's nothing. He's a human. Butcher: [to Soldier Boy] Don't you listen to this fuckin' twat. He ain't your kid. Homelander: YES, I AM! I AM YOUR SON! I am your blood. That's all that matters. Soldier Boy: Maybe. [Homelander opens a door and brings Ryan out] Butcher: Ryan… Homelander: [to Soldier Boy] This is my son, Ryan. Your grandson. Ryan: Hi, Grandpa. Homelander: You see? You have a family. You have him… [tearfully] and you have me. Soldier Boy: [pause] It's a shame that I've missed… so much. I wish I could've raised you and taught you, father to son. Homelander: Me, too. That's okay. We're not alone anymore. We have each other. Soldier Boy: Maybe if I'd raised you, I could've made you better… and not some weak, sniveling pussy starved for attention. But there's no fixing that now. Homelander: Weak? I'm you. Soldier Boy: I know. You're a fucking disappointment. Soldier Boy: What the fuck are you doing? Butcher: Not the kid. Soldier Boy: Oh, I thought you said blood didn't matter. I thought that was the whole fuckin' point! Butcher: He's my wife's son. Soldier Boy: Wait, Homelander fucked your wife? And you wanna save the brat? The hell's wrong with you? Butcher: I made a promise. Soldier Boy: So this is it. Everything you wanted–He's right fuckin' there, and now you blink? Butcher: Stand down. Soldier Boy: Fuck you! You're weaker than he is. Annie: Hello? It's me. Are you there? [Queen Maeve walks out Annie's bedroom with an arm cast, wearing gauze over her right eye while her other eye is black and blue] Annie: Oh, God. Well, you, uh… You look like shit. Queen Maeve: [grins] Fuck off, Smurfette. Annie: [chuckles] You gonna be okay? Queen Maeve: Yeah, slowly. Painfully, like every other powerless schmuck in America, thanks to Soldier Boy. Question: Should I get a pirate patch or the Sammy Davis glass eye? Annie: Oh, the pirate patch. No question. [Maeve's girlfriend, Elena, comes out to join her] Elena: [to Maeve] You ready? [to Annie] Hey. Annie: Hey, Elena. Where will you guys go? Queen Maeve: I don't know, somewhere Homelander won't find me. Elena: A farm, ideally. She's from Modesto. She was a Future Farmer of America. Queen Maeve: [smirks] Great. Annie: [to Maeve] Thank you. For everything. Queen Maeve: First time your prissy ass showed up at the Tower, crying in that bathroom… You saved me. Truth is, you… you don't need me anymore. I could jump… but you can fucking fly. [beat; chuckles when Annie hugs her] You're like a walking Hallmark card. Enough. [Hughie sees Annie holding her old Starlight uniform] Hughie: You sure you wanna do this? [Annie thinks for a moment, then shoves the uniform into a trash chute] Annie: I don't need it. [shakes her head] I don't. The suit never gave me any power. And Vought sure as shit didn't. [Hughie gives Annie her old boots to throw away] It's always just been me. Mother's Milk: [pause; clears his throat] Uh, Annie? Annie: Mm-hmm? Mother's Milk: You know, we're in a historic building. You need to double-knot... Annie: Okay. Mother's Milk: … and bag your trash if you're gonna be working here. Annie: Butcher isn't gonna like it. Frenchie: Butcher can suck my shit. From now on, this is a democracy, huh? I say you're one of The Boys. Mother's Milk: Me, too. [Kimiko and Hughie raise their hands in approval. Butcher suddenly appears and interrupts by sipping from a Vought cup. Hughie watches TV and notices something on the news while everyone stares coldly at Butcher.] Hughie: Oh, fuck. Female Reporter: [on TV] After the tragic drowning of presumptive VP candidate Lamar Bishop, we go live to the Singer campaign in Sioux Falls, where Dakota Bob just announced his new running mate. [The news cuts to Victoria Neuman walking behind Singer] Male Reporter: [on TV] What would you like to say to the American people? Neuman: [on TV] As the next Vice President, I will work hard to provide a safe and secure future for all citizens on both sides of the political divide. Singer: [on TV] And that's why I am so proud to have her on my team. [All of the Boys, except for Butcher, watch the cheering crowd in shock] Butcher: Well… That bitch has definitely gotta go. Homelander: [to a crowd of his fans] Hey, good to see ya! I love you guys. You ARE America. True patriots. Hey, do you wanna meet someone–someone very special to me? Yeah? All right, come on down here, buddy. [Ryan floats down] All right, everyone. This little guy here… is my son, Ryan. [The crowd cheers and claps, except for a Starlighter with a water bottle] Water Bottle Guy: FUCK YOU, FASCIST! [He throws the bottle at Ryan, much to the crowd's shock and disgust. Homelander blows his head apart on the spot, leaving everyone in stunned silence for a moment.] Todd: Yeah… YEAH! YEAH!! [laughs] [The rest of the crowd joins him in cheering. Homelander looks genuinely surprised, but then grins and laughs.] Homelander: All right! External links The Boys season 3 Category:The Boys (TV series) seasons