‘The Boys’ season 5 episode 7 shocks with major death as Homelander tightens control

‘The Boys’ just killed off a major character one episode before the finale

Episode 7 of The Boys begins in the aftermath of Soldier Boy handing the V1 virus over to Homelander, effectively making him unstoppable.

With Homelander now embracing his role as a god-like ruler, he murders the president and begins tightening his control over the country through Vought propaganda and fear.

As Homelander pushes forward with his plans, Butcher comes up with a dangerous backup strategy. Using uranium and research connected to the Russians’ experiments on Soldier Boy, he hopes to turn Kimiko into a weapon capable of neutralizing Homelander’s powers. Despite the risks, Kimiko agrees to undergo the procedure, while Frenchie stays by her side throughout the process.

Meanwhile, Sage reluctantly joins the Boys’ efforts after Frenchie convinces her to help. The team splits up to investigate Oh Father’s activities at Vought Studios, where bizarre propaganda productions and religious-themed content are being developed to support Homelander’s growing cult of personality.

Elsewhere, Soldier Boy decides he wants out and tells Homelander he plans to leave everything behind. However, the reunion between father and son quickly falls apart, and Homelander ultimately places Soldier Boy back into cryogenic captivity.

The episode also follows The Deep after Homelander abruptly cuts ties with him. Having sacrificed everything for Vought, The Deep is left isolated and disgraced, fleeing with nowhere left to go.

At the same time, Hughie learns more about Butcher’s increasingly dangerous mindset through visions involving Joe Kessler. The revelations deepen fears that Butcher himself may become as dangerous as the enemies the team is fighting.

The episode’s climax centers on Kimiko’s transformation and a violent confrontation involving Homelander. As Kimiko struggles to recover, Frenchie sacrifices himself to protect her, dying in her arms after shielding her from harm.

The episode ends with the team devastated by Frenchie’s death while Homelander stands closer than ever to complete domination, setting up the final battle in the series finale.