Surprisingly, the man who regularly pens unspeakable horrors for this series also offered some comfort to those rightfully worried about Homelander’s latest victory. “The story’s not over,” Kripke said, adding:
“Hang out, folks. There’s more story to tell and I’ll make a pledge to you right now that I will not end this series with Homelander winning. So, you can hold me to that.”
The bleak finale cliffhanger is meant to set the stage for big themes that’ll play into season 4. Kripke explained that ending on that chilling note was the show’s way of “really lining up what the Boys are gonna be up against next year.”
After an entire season spent approaching the edge of madness — spurred on by his dwindling popularity, the loss of Stormfront, and life-changing revelations about Soldier Boy — it was inevitable that Homelander would finally snap. The final scene sees him triumphantly descending on a rally filled with supporters and protestors alike, only to be attacked by someone throwing a can and screaming, “F*** you, fascist.” Homelander reacts by murdering the protestor with his laser beams, an act that’s ultimately met with cheers. The idea that he can get away with that — and, in fact, gain support for it — is exactly what the fourth season will grapple with. In the same chat with Insider, Kripke explained:
“Homelander is getting his followers so whipped up into a frenzy that, as we said in the writer’s room, he literally kills someone on 5th Avenue and people cheer for him, it’s a sign of the devotion of his followers and it’s not an accident that there’s also a bunch of these well-meaning, lefty Starlighters.”
