Warning: This article contains SPOILERS forThe Boysseason 4, andThe Boyscomic books.
Summary
Frenchie has featured heavily inThe Boysseason 4, and I think I’ve figured out where the show is going with his story. After theconfirmation thatThe Boysseason 5will end the show, the ongoing season has even bigger stakes which has made the action far more compelling. Despite some initial shaky reviews, season 4 has found its form, and it has continued the franchise’s high expectations with some engaging storylines.One of season 4’s most prominent narratives has involved Frenchie facing his past mistakes, and I know exactly whatThe Boysis doing with his story.
After his lack of screen time in the trailer,Frenchie’s death looked likely inThe Boysseason 4; however, he has appeared for more than I anticipated, and his story has been great. Tomer Capone has perfectly captured Frenchie’s distress and remorse about the awful things he’s done in the past, and watching him trying to confront his demons has been one of my favorite aspects of season 4. With the character finally facing up to his sins after four seasons,it seems like the show is making a big change to Frenchie that will set up the final installment.
The Boys Season 4 Is Making Frenchie & Kimiko Heroes, Not Antiheroes
Kimiko & Frenchie Are Finally Confronting Their Past Mistakes
Although the audience is clearly supposed to root for The Boys, they are still more antiheroes than heroes. The group frequently kills and kidnaps people for information, and despite most of their targets being morally corrupt, they have also hurt innocent people in their pursuit of justice. This may not compare to the actions ofThe Boys' biggest villains, but it is clear thatthe entire group has some morally questionable moments, including Kimiko and Frenchie. The duo may be two of the more compassionate members, but they each have an incredibly dark history.
Kimiko’s origin story inThe Boyspaints her as a sympathetic character as she was forced to join the Shinning Light Liberation after they killed her parents. However, although she has a traumatic past, season 4 revealed Kimiko forced the same fate onto Tala, who she kidnapped and recruited.Kimiko also forced Tala to fight her and left her face scarred, highlighting the character’s complex past. The show has also already explored some of Frenchie’s biggest regrets, such as being responsible for Mallory’s grandchildren dying.
Despite his romantic feelings towards Colin, Frenchie was unable to fully develop a relationship with him, having killed his family years ago.
The Boysseason 4 is repeating the same Frenchie storyas previous installments by once again showcasing one of his darkest moments. Despite his romantic feelings towards Colin, Frenchie was unable to fully develop a relationship with him, having killed his family years ago. When Frenchie finally admitted to his sins, Colin was naturally distraught and almost killed him. In the latest episode,Frenchie decided to turn himself in to the police and confessed to multiple murderswhich shows he is finally trying to face the terrible things he has done, setting up a more heroic future.
While both Kimiko and Frenchie will likely still hurt people again in the future, I thinkThe Boysis having them face their pasts to make them more sympathetic. They are clearly part of the group for the right reasons, but until they truly address the awful things they’ve done, it will continue to consume them.With Kimiko going to therapy and confronting Tala alongside Frenchie confessing his sins to both Colin and the police, they are heading down a more honest path, and I believeThe Boysis trying to make them real heroes.
Previously, they were good characters who did bad things which gave them a more antihero feel, but with both of them having good hearts and dealing with their pasts, they may become more traditional heroes who fight their enemies in more humane ways.
Episode 4 - Wisdom of the Ages
The Boys Season 4’s Frenchie Story Sets Up The Story’s Comic Ending
Frenchie’s Needs To Become A Hero To Set Up The Comic Ending
With season 4 making Frenchie more heroic, it is setting up the comic ending. Although Prime Video’sThe Boyshas deviated massively from the comics, it is possible the series still adopts the comic book ending, and season 4 makes this look more likely with Frenchie’s story. GivenButcher has supe powers inThe Boysseason 4,season 5 could tell the story of Butcher vs The Boys, just like the comics did. An evil Butcher taking on his former allies would be heartbreaking and a plot I’m not quite ready for, but Frenchie’s story suggests we’re heading there.
WithThe Boysslowly turning Butcher evil, it seems logical to make the other characters more heroic; therefore, Frenchie and Kimiko’s current storylines are fitting.
Episode 5’s sinister ending suggests Butcher is as ruthless as ever and is still willing to go to any length to kill Homelander. His hatred for supes hasn’t slowed down even though he has taken Compound V, and this could put the likes of Starlight and Kimiko in danger. WithThe Boysslowly turning Butcher evil, it seems logical to make the other characters more heroic; therefore, Frenchie and Kimiko’s current storylines are fitting. Both admit to their mistakes and are trying to make amends, giving them the moral high ground against Butcher.
While it could be nice for the show to go in a different direction from the comics, Butcher’s trajectory suggests he could become an unhinged villain. As a result, The Boys standing up to him as true heroes seems like the next direction for the characters, provingFrenchie and Kimiko’s search for redemption is the perfect setup for the final season.
Frenchie & Kimiko’s Similar Stories Will Bring Them Back Together Eventually
The Duo Will Eventually Make Amends In The Boys
Frenchie and Kimiko have had one of the most wholesome friendships inThe Boys, and their similar stories will eventually bring them back together. Although their relationship has never gotten romantic,Frenchie and Kimiko clearly love each otherand remain one of the best duos on the show, making their drift apart more painful. The more they try to face their demons alone, the more they push the other away which is hard to watch, but I still believe they will end up closer than ever in the show’s final season.
Butcher’s Supe Power Gets A Disturbing Clue In The Boys Season 4, Episode 5
The Boys season 4 hints that Butcher is secretly a Supe, and a disturbing scene from episode 5 may contain a clue about his new powers.
There is almost no chance Frenchie’s story finishes with him in jail, and with both characters finally dealing with their past, they seem likely to be stronger as a result. They have often helped each other through tough times, but their trauma is something they have to face on their own. However, after they have overcome it, the duo will likely grow closer once again.With Butcher potentially becoming season 5’s biggest threat, Frenchie and Kimiko seem destined to reignite their friendshipand help take down their former ally inThe Boys' big conclusion.
The Boys
The Boys is a gritty and subversive take on the superhero genre, focusing on a group of vigilantes who confront powerful superheroes abusing their abilities, exploring themes of corruption and moral ambiguity in a world where heroes are not always what they seem.
