Starlight’s powers seem to be on the fritz in The Boys season 4, and viewers might be wondering why she’s having trouble using them. The Boys season 4 shows Starllight as an official member of the titular team, and she even has an organized group of supporters backing her in the fight against Homelander and Vought. But despite being free of the company and The Seven, Starlight is still struggling with her identity. And The Boys season 4, episode 5 sees her facing another problem: her powers not working when she tries to use them.

When The Boys accompany Victoria Neuman to her secret laboratory, they find themselves facing off against animals that have been turned into Supes. Unfortunately, Starlight isn’t much use against them, as her light flickers out as soon as she calls upon it. This doesn’t get a proper explanation in “Beware the Jabberwock, My Son,” though Neuman does note Starlight’s “dysfunction.” And while The Boys isn’t explicit about the reasons for Starlight’s problems, the series does present an obvious reason for them to malfunction.

Starlight’s Powers Are Likely Affected By Her Emotional State In The Boys Season 4

Firecracker’s Actions Are Probably Getting To Her

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Starlight’s powers are likely acting up in The Boys season 4 because they’re affected by her emotional state. During The Boys seasons 1-3, Starlight is typically the voice of reason, and she can be counted on to use her abilities in a pinch. But while Starlight faces trouble with Homelander and other members of The Seven in the prior seasons, it’s nothing compared to Firecracker’s crusade against her. Firecracker is directly attacking Starlight in The Boys season 4, and she even reveals her personal medical records in episode 4, pushing Starlight to attack her on live TV.

It’s clear that Starlight isn’t handling her problems well in The Boys season 4, and all the stress seems to be manifesting physically.

Vought is using all of this against Starlight, and it’s most likely getting to her. This explains why she tries and fails to use her powers in The Boys season 4, episode 5. It probably doesn’t help that she’s struggling with her identity, and it’s a sore enough subject that she punches Neuman over it in the latest installment. It’s clear that Starlight isn’t handling her problems well in The Boys season 4, and all the stress seems to be manifesting physically. That’s the most likely explanation for her inability to properly call upon her light.

Starlight Having No Powers Makes Her The Boys Season 4 Story More Interesting

It Changes The Stakes For The Supe & The Boys Team

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Starlight’s inability to use her powers may seem disappointing at first, but it actually makes her story in The Boys season 4 more interesting. With her abilities malfunctioning, the Supe can’t rely on her greatest asset — and it puts her at a significant disadvantage against enemies like Firecracker and Homelander. It also ensures that The Boys team isn’t leaning too heavily on her, continuing their role as the underdogs of this story. The Boys wouldn’t be as interesting if Starlight joined the team and made everything easier for them, and this storyline ensures that doesn’t happen.

The Boys Season 4 Official Trailer (Trailer)

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Starlight’s Powers Are Likely Affected By Her Emotional State In The Boys Season 4

Firecracker’s Actions Are Probably Getting To Her

Image via Prime Video

Starlight’s powers are likely acting up in The Boys season 4 because they’re affected by her emotional state. During The Boys seasons 1-3, Starlight is typically the voice of reason, and she can be counted on to use her abilities in a pinch. But while Starlight faces trouble with Homelander and other members of The Seven in the prior seasons, it’s nothing compared to Firecracker’s crusade against her. Firecracker is directly attacking Starlight in The Boys season 4, and she even reveals her personal medical records in episode 4, pushing Starlight to attack her on live TV.