Billy Butcher is the head of the titular team in The Boys seasons 1-3, but MM replaces him as the group’s leader in season 4 — and viewers might be wondering why. The Boys season 4 premiered with three episodes on June 13, and these showcase the new dynamics of the main characters. With Annie joining the group, Butcher preoccupied with his own issues, and MM leading the charge, The Boys team has a significantly different feel as the fourth outing opens.
Robert Singer and the CIA are on MM’s case as the tensions between Supes and humans rise, and even his own team isn’t helping him adjust to this leadership position. It’s clear The Boys are used to coming and going as they please, and Marvin tries to curb this — and their willingness to challenge him — at the beginning of season 4. With each member of the group distracted by their own personal problems, his efforts seem futile. And the fact that MM seems so frustrated as The Boys’ leader may leave viewers wondering why he’s in this position in the first place.
Butcher Was Demoted After The Boys Season 3’s Final Mission Failed
He Failed To Eliminate Homelander & Pushed Ryan Into Vought’s Arms
MM is leading the titular team in season 4 because Butcher is demoted after the ending of The Boys season 3. Butcher’s actions are questionable throughout the show’s third season, and he loses the support of Grace Mallory and the CIA after he messes up with Ryan. Butcher’s temper sends Ryan right into Homelander’s arms, putting another threat on the government’s radar. Ryan has the capacity to become just like his father, and keeping him away from Vought is crucial to preventing this. Unfortunately, Butcher’s actions have the opposite effect.
The Seven’s leader walks away from season 3’s final battle with Ryan, making Butcher’s mission a failure.
Butcher doesn’t just lose Ryan in The Boys season 3, either. Despite enlisting the help of Soldier Boy — another dangerous Supe, who wreaks havoc on the world once he’s taken out of cryosleep — Butcher fails to eliminate Homelander. When Soldier Boy makes his move, Butcher lets his relationship with Ryan get in the way. Not wanting Soldier Boy to kill Becca’s son, Butcher and The Boys wind up fighting Soldier Boy rather than Homelander. The Seven’s leader walks away from season 3’s final battle with Ryan, making Butcher’s mission a failure.
MM Is Butcher’s Obvious Replacement As The Boys’ Leader
None Of The Other Characters Are Suited For The Job
With Butcher losing his role as leader of The Boys, it makes sense that MM takes over in season 4. Marvin is the obvious replacement for Butcher, and he’s the only other member of the team who’s suited for the job. Hughie and Annie don’t have enough experience running missions, and both would be unwilling to compromise their morals to get the job done. Frenchie is a great chemist, and Kimiko serves as the team’s muscle, but neither of them showcase skills when it comes to planning or communication. They’re better at following orders than giving them. MM can do both.
Marvin is the most obvious replacement for Butcher, and he’s the only other member of the team who’s suited for the job.
MM is capable of holding the team together, and he does so even when Butcher is in charge. He’s the more level-headed of the two characters, and he’s able to make difficult decisions while also prioritizing the team’s safety. Marvin may be anxious about being a leader, but there’s no one else who could follow Butcher. He also knows Butcher well enough that he can model his choices after The Boys’ former leader — and take note of what not to repeat.
Butcher’s Leadership Role Was Already Under Question Before The Boys Season 3’s Finale
Mallory & The CIA Were Already Frustrated With Him
Butcher’s failures in The Boys season 3 are what push MM firmly into a leadership role. However, Butcher’s position is already under scrutiny before The Boys season 3’s finale. Butcher constantly flouts the rules, whether he’s in charge of the team or not. This makes him a difficult person for the CIA to work with, and it’s clear Mallory is frustrated with him well before the third season. She’s hopeful that he’s changing when season 3 opens, but Butcher proves her wrong when he snaps at Ryan.
For Mallory, Butcher’s regression in The Boys season 3 appears to be the final straw. It takes a while to get there, though, and it’s due to Butcher’s other mistakes that the CIA is so willing to cut him loose. Although the government isn’t thrilled with MM or the team in The Boys season 4, he’s easier to work with. He also has fewer failures on his record, making him the better person to take a chance on.
