What happened to Soldier Boy in The Boys? Find out the fate of America’s first superhero, from his explosive entrance in season 3 to his uncertain future in season 4.
What happened to Soldier Boy in The Boys? This question has been on the minds of fans since the explosive season 3 finale. Soldier Boy, portrayed by Jensen Ackles, made a significant impact with his debut, and his fate remains a crucial plot point as we move into season 4.
Soldier Boy’s Journey in Season 3
Introduction and Background
Soldier Boy, whose real name is Benjamin, was introduced in The Boys season 3 as America’s first superhero. Given Compound V while serving in the US Army during World War II, he became the leader of Payback, a team of supes including Crimson Countess, Gunpowder, Swatto, Mindstorm, Black Noir, and the TNT Twins. However, internal conflicts within the team led to Vought deciding to ‘retire’ Soldier Boy.
The team ambushed him and handed him over to the Russians, who chose to experiment on him instead of killing him. Soldier Boy was put into a regulated coma after undergoing various experiments.
Awakening and Rampage
In the present day, The Boys discovered Soldier Boy during a mission in Russia and inadvertently woke him up. It became apparent that he had developed new powers, including generating explosive radiation when emotionally overwhelmed. Upon escaping, he returned to the US and embarked on a mission of vengeance against the members of Payback for their betrayal. Soldier Boy struck a deal with The Boys to kill Homelander in exchange for information on the Payback team members.
The climax of season 3 saw Soldier Boy confronting Homelander, discovering he was his father, and expressing his disgust at Homelander’s “weakness.” A confrontation at Vought Tower ensued, where Soldier Boy activated his nuclear ability. Queen Maeve intervened, leading to both of them falling out of a window and seemingly dying in an explosion. However, they both survived; Maeve lost her powers and went into hiding, while Soldier Boy was captured and put back into a regulated coma.
Soldier Boy in Gen V and Season 4 Speculations
Cameo in Gen V
Following his prominent role in season 3, Jensen Ackles made a cameo as Soldier Boy in the spin-off series Gen V. This appearance was not as the real Soldier Boy but as a manifestation in Cate Dunlap’s subconscious, encountered by Marie, Andre, and Jordan. This cameo, while entertaining, did not advance the Soldier Boy storyline.
Potential Return in Season 4
As The Boys season 4 unfolds, Soldier Boy has not appeared in the first three episodes. However, showrunner Eric Kripke has hinted at the character’s potential return, suggesting that the series might not conclude without another appearance from Soldier Boy. With the series already confirmed for a fifth and final season, fans are left speculating about when and how Soldier Boy might re-emerge.
Narrative Summary
What happened to Soldier Boy in The Boys? As a dedicated fan, I find myself intrigued by the complex journey of Soldier Boy. Introduced as a formidable and flawed character, his narrative arc added significant depth to the series.
Season 3 portrayed him as a powerful yet conflicted figure, grappling with betrayal and familial revelations. The ambiguous ending left us with more questions than answers, heightening anticipation for his potential return. As we dive into season 4, the absence of Soldier Boy only fuels the excitement for his possible comeback.
Just like you, I eagerly await the next twist in this gripping storyline, hoping for a satisfying resolution to Soldier Boy’s saga.