Billy Butcher with blood-stained face glancing sideways and Homelander surveying a room with a sideways smile in The Boys season 4

The first clip from The Boys season 4 has been released, revealing Butcher trying to save Ryan from Homelander’s influence, leading to a tense confrontation. The next batch of episodes will feature the fallout from the previous season, which included Homelander’s son finally joining his father’s side. This set the stage for Butcher’s arc in The Boys season 4, especially now that he hasn’t been given that much time to live after using so much Temp V.

Now, The Boys has released the first clip from season 4, featuring Butcher trying to save Ryan from Homelander’s influence.

The Boys’ leader tries to convince Ryan that Homelander is dangerous, but learns Homelander has already started to influence his mindset. Then, the Supe himself arrives, belittling Butcher for thinking he can win when he doesn’t have much time left. He leaves with his son, but it’s clear their conflict has only just started.

Butcher & Homelander’s Fight Is More Personal Than Ever

It’s A Race Against Time For Butcher, While Homelander Faces Trial

Homelander and Billy Butcher in The Boys

Antony Starr as Homelander and Karl Urban as Billy Butcher and Compound V in The Boys

Homelander and Butcher both with laser eyes in The Boys

The Boys season 3 ended not only with Ryan choosing his super-powered father over Butcher, but also Homelander killing someone in front of a crowd after his son was attacked. This action brought a chorus of cheers their way, with Ryan seemingly happy that his father killed someone that tried to hurt him. Because of this, he seems to have more respect for Homelander than ever before, something that will make it difficult to keep him from turning into a villain. However, his other father figure is still determined to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Even though he wants to save his wife’s son, Butcher also has to contend with how he only has a year left to live by the time season 4 begins. This puts a ticking clock on how long he has to stop Homelander’s influence, something he seems willing to combat by any means necessary. This could tie into the end of Gen V season 1, with the spinoff’s final moment showing him discovering the virus made beneath Godolkin. While this can take out Supes overall, he might try utilizing it specifically for the Seven’s leader.

Homelander is also facing his own challenges, with Gen V confirming he’ll be on trial for murdering the Starlight supporter at the end of season 3. The combined weight of their personal struggles will likely influence how they clash with one another, making for a desperate struggle as they contend for Ryan. While it’s unclear how season 4 will resolve this difficult scenario, The Boys‘ latest clip is promising it will be a key component of the series moving forward.