The Untold Journey of Billy Butcher: Unveiling the Dark Secrets of The Boys

Billy Butcher (played by Karl Urban) is consumed by his sadistic need for revenge, caring about nothing else. However, occasionally, The Boys catch glimpses of his softer side. His past is filled with traumatizing events that would push most people into deep despair. Growing up, he endured an abusive childhood, and his marriage to Becca (played by Shantel VanSanten) was both passionate and tumultuous before her mysterious disappearance prior to the events of the Amazon Prime show. Throughout his adult life, Billy has dedicated himself to dismantling Vought's empire of superheroes, known as Supes.

His motivation stems from his frustration at witnessing these so-called "good guys" getting away with mistreating others. Furthermore, his relentless pursuit is driven by his burning desire for revenge against Homelander (played by Antony Starr) for the harm inflicted upon his wife. Despite enduring immense hardships, Billy continues to persevere and fight for his beliefs. It is almost inspiring, if one can overlook the dark aspects of his character that he has nurtured along the way. Undoubtedly, his past has deeply scarred him, impacting him as an individual. Although one might argue that anyone in his position would have been affected similarly, ultimately, Billy is accountable for his own choices. No amount of trauma can justify his mistreatment of others. Or can it?

What did Billy Butcher do before The Boys?

Before The Boys, Billy was happily married to Becca. However, their relationship was strained due to his persistent anger issues. Despite this, they were creating a loving home for themselves. Unfortunately, Becca was offered a rare opportunity to work for Vought International as the senior director in digital marketing, which brought her into contact with the Supes employed by Vought. Tragically, she was assaulted by Homelander and silenced by Madelyn Stillwell. Billy only discovered the truth after Becca had already disappeared.

His alliance with Grace Mallory began when she showed him video footage of Becca leaving Homelander's office distraught one night and never returning home. Initially, Billy was unaware of the assault or the superpowered child it left Becca with, and this revelation only came to light in Season 2. When Billy believed that Homelander may have assaulted and killed his wife, he dedicated his life to seeking revenge and destroying the flag-covered demon. Once he discovered the horrifying truth, his thirst for vengeance knew no bounds. Billy went on a rampage, willing to sacrifice his own soul to make Homelander suffer. However, this unwavering desire for vengeance is part of the underlying issue.

Prior to his life being undone by Supes, Billy's deep-seated anger issues and propensity for violence had already been established. These troubling traits originated even before he departed the United Kingdom. In episode 7 of season 3 titled "Here Comes a Candle to Light You to Bed," The Boys finally expound upon what had been alluded to from the very beginning. Billy's father, Sam (portrayed by John Noble), was a perpetrator of abuse who subjected both Billy and his younger brother Lenny (played by Jack Fulton) to physical violence. Billy tirelessly endeavored to shield his brother from harm until the immense strain broke him, leading him to join the Royal Marines in search of a way out. However, upon his return, Billy was devastated to discover that Lenny had succumbed to suicide. The overwhelming sense of helplessness resulting from this tragedy propelled Billy to make his way to the United States.

Perhaps experiencing the helplessness of losing his wife and witnessing Vought's triumphant defiance against all odds prompted him to pursue his own superpowers. Nevertheless, The Boys has never portrayed Billy as a virtuous individual. He possesses a volatile temperament and unresolved childhood traumas. Taking on the role of protector for Lenny and later for Hughie Campbell (Jack Quaid) has not mellowed his temper. His relationship with Becca briefly slowed him down, but he remains unyielding in his nature. However, it appears that immersing himself in his worst behaviors and witnessing them mirrored in Soldier Boy (Jensen Ackles) during Season 3 has managed to make an impact on him.

Is Billy Butcher's story different in The Boys comics?

In the comic version of The Boys, Billy is both similar and different from his TV show counterpart. He remains a cantankerous individual whom his teammates Mother's Milk, Frenchie, and Kimiko Miyashiro find challenging to handle. Additionally, he maintains a deep-seated resentment. However, in season 3, episode 2, titled "The Only Man in the Sky," Billy acquires his own superpowers. In contrast, he has possessed super strength and durability since his inception in the comics. While Billy's father remains abusive, his target is solely his mother Connie, portrayed by Lesley Nicol in the show.

It’s Becca who convinces her to permanently leave Sam and begin a new life with someone who truly loves her. In the comics, his brother still passes away, but it is through a tragic car accident rather than suicide. The most notable difference, however, is that Billy is depicted without a beard in the comic version. He is clean-shaven, which is unexpected since most fans of The Boys TV show assumed he always sported facial hair. While not the most significant departure from the source material, it can be visually striking for those anticipating Karl Urban's portrayal in illustrated form.

Billy's character in The Boys is undeniably going through a significant transformation. While many fans believe that A-Train is the most complex character in the show, Billy took longer to reach a breaking point where he realized that he can't continue to manipulate those around him to achieve his goals without considering their own aspirations. If he wants to lead The Boys, he can't employ his father's selfish methods of doing things his way without compromising the team's trust.

Ryan has now become swayed by Homelander's influence after being let down by Billy too many times. Will Billy maintain his new demeanor? Only when The Boys returns for Season 4 will we know for certain. However, unpredictable events in Gen V could potentially disrupt Billy's growth and alter his entire path. Billy's future is as uncertain and unstable as his past. Regardless, The Boys will undoubtedly continue to captivate and shock fans.