Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Gen V episode 6!
Summary
Billy Butcher might emerge as the primary antagonist in Gen V, potentially laying the foundation for the new narrative in season 4 of The Boys.
Within Gen V's enigmatic establishment, known as The Woods, a virulent agent is being engineered with the aim of manipulating supes, mirroring Butcher's superhuman weapon depicted in the comics.
Butcher's desperation to rescue his son in The Boys season 3 could lead him to utilize the supe virus, unaware of the potential consequences it may bring.
One theory speculates that Billy Butcher, although not yet seen in the spin-off series, could emerge as the main antagonist in Gen V prior to The Boys season 4. Billy Butcher, a key character in The Boys, is responsible for recruiting Hughie and the rest of the team in their mission to eliminate Homelander and dismantle Vought. As the seasons progress, Billy Butcher's aggression intensifies, demonstrating his willingness to resort to extreme measures in order to eliminate supe beings. Although Billy Butcher has not made an appearance in Gen V, it is conceivable that he may be manipulating events behind the scenes, effectively establishing the foundation for an engaging narrative in The Boys season 4.
Gen V has arrived, marking the highly-anticipated spin-off of Amazon Prime Video's The Boys as season 1 continues to unfold. While Gen V exists within The Boys universe, its storyline largely stands on its own, centering around distinct characters and conflicts. Nonetheless, hints from those involved in the franchise suggest that Gen V will serve as a direct prelude to The Boys season 4, sparking various speculations. A prevailing theory posits that Gen V aims to develop Billy Butcher's character in alignment with one of his renowned comic book narratives.
Gen V's Virus Plan Is Very Similar To Butcher's Supe Weapon In The Comics
In Gen V episode 5, it is revealed that Vought's The Woods facility is engaged in developing a supe virus. Episode 6 further explores this plan, drawing parallels to Billy Butcher's supe weapon from the comics. The Woods, led by Dean Shetty and Dr. Cardosa, is working on a virus that can control supes and their powers, granting Vought complete dominance over them. However, an increased dosage of the virus can prove fatal for almost any supe, something that Shetty appears to be content with. The conclusion of episode 6 hints at Shetty having a more sinister intention for this virus.
Dean Shetty's plan for the supe virus bears resemblance to Billy Butcher's scheme to eliminate supes in the comics. Butcher's endgame in the comic involves using a biological weapon to exterminate 150 supes at once, fulfilling his long-standing aspiration. Although Butcher has not mentioned a biological weapon in The Boys season 3, it would be logical for him to pursue the virus if he becomes aware of its existence. Gen V's The Woods virus sets the stage perfectly for Billy Butcher's comic book endgame, as the biological weapon already exists.
Butcher Was Desperate After The Boys Season 3's Ending
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The use of a biological weapon to eliminate supes may appear extreme for Amazon Prime's portrayal of Billy Butcher, but it actually aligns with his current circumstances. Following the conclusion of The Boys season 3, Butcher finds himself in a desperate situation, necessitating swift action. The season concludes with Butcher's realization that the effects of Temp-V could potentially shorten his lifespan significantly. Aware of his limited time, Butcher becomes driven to urgently find a means to eliminate Homelander and Vought's other malevolent supes.
Even without considering his own mortality, Billy Butcher has additional reasons to feel a sense of desperation after the events of The Boys season 3. Despite the loss of his wife, Butcher remains deeply concerned for his son, Ryan. However, The Boys season 3 demonstrates that Ryan is becoming increasingly influenced by Homelander, culminating in the revelation that Homelander is indoctrinating Ryan into his extremist supe militia. If Butcher wishes to save his child, it becomes imperative to eliminate Homelander and regain Ryan's trust, even with the potential unintended consequences of the supe virus.
Shetty Could Be Working For Butcher In Gen V
The theory surrounding Billy Butcher as the true antagonist of Gen V revolves around Dean Shetty. Despite her position of authority at Godolkin University, it is plausible that she is working under Butcher's orders, developing the supe virus. While The Woods is undoubtedly a Vought facility, known to Ashley and other Vought representatives, its initial purpose was to create a virus capable of controlling supes, rather than eliminating them. Shetty's involvement in promoting a deadly virus may be justified if she is aligned with Butcher.
Shetty is keeping her true intentions for the virus hidden from Vought, instructing Cardosa to make it contagious while preventing him from sharing his findings with the company. By going behind Vought's back, Shetty appears to desire their downfall, as the company has no reason to eliminate their own supes. Her disdain for supes is evident when she mentions "she hates us," indicating a troubled relationship with the superpowered individuals. Shetty's negative opinions towards supes and Vought align perfectly with those of Billy Butcher, suggesting they may be allies in Gen V.
What Butcher Being Behind Gen V's Virus Would Mean For The Boys Season 4
Revealing Billy Butcher as the main antagonist in Gen V would add an exciting twist to The Boys season 4. His character development and the introduction of the supe virus would play a significant role in the storyline. If Butcher acquires the virus, it would become the primary focus of season 4, with Vought, Homelander, and other supes racing against time to thwart Butcher's dangerous plan. This revelation could also lead to Dean Shetty's appearance in season 4 as she may align herself with Butcher and the Boys. Having an ally in charge of Godolkin University would offer a valuable advantage, potentially aiding the team in season 4.
However, if Billy Butcher utilizes the supe virus, he would become a villain in The Boys season 4. The virus's indiscriminate nature means that it would kill both evil supes like Homelander and The Deep, as well as good supes like Starlight, Kimiko, and even Ryan. Characters like Hughie would strongly oppose this genocidal tactic, causing further division within the team. Nevertheless, Butcher's deep-seated hatred for supes would likely drive him to pursue this destructive course, potentially alienating even more characters after the events of Gen V.
New episodes of Gen V release Fridays on Amazon Prime Video.