Therapist Explains Why Homelander Doesn't Kill Butcher — The Boys

In her latest analysis, psychotherapist Georgia Dow delves into the intricate dynamics between Homelander and Butcher from "The Boys." She explores the psychological reasons behind Homelander's decision to keep Butcher alive, beyond mere plot armor. Discover the deep-seated motivations and twisted relationship that define their rivalry.

🚨 DISCLAIMER: This video series is provided for informational purposes only and should not substitute for a personal consultation with a professional.

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[gamacichi]

MM: "Why do you antagonize him like that? You know he can kill you"
Butcher: "At this point, its a game. If he kills me, i win; and he knows that"

[richardl]

Because Butcher treating Homelander like "The Big Bad" reinforces how strong and relevant he is. Remember, this is a guy who spent his formative years in a box.

[kalondamack]

Butcher’s his Joker. Butcher is the only person who neither fears or glorifies Homelander, he’s the only person who sees Homelander for who he really is.

[Nabroc]

I think it's cause Butcher challenges him. Out of all the people Homelander is surrounded by, Butcher is the one that tells him the truth and doesnt suck uo to him. Butcher is the one that he respects the most because he doesn't treat Homelander like he's scared of him.

[The_Old_Man_Joe]

That "touche William" is absolute gold, you could tell Homelander felt that burn.

[Etx-z.]

Homelander: Until we merge together as one.

That is disgusting. As much as Homelander can say he loves Ryan, he only loves him as an extension of himself. Love is no real substitute for the fact Homelander has no idea how to act like an actual father.

[maxsalmon]

My take is that Butcher is the only person who has never been afraid of Homelander. He's never once flinched, never once hesitated or held back. Homelander doesn't like Butcher, but...he doesn't see Butcher as PREY. Most people, even the ones he grows close to, eventually tip their hands by revealing fear of him. Once he knows someone's afraid of him, he has only contempt for them and they cease being 'people' to him. Butcher is an enemy, is a thorn in his side, but...he's a person. Homelander respects him, and perhaps feels like Butcher respects him as well.

[plarkmoby]

Homelander respects Butcher as he never lies to him. Butcher isn’t scared of being killed by Homelander either, and Homelander knows this.
So, threatening Butcher has no effect and is pointless. So they are on a level together. And as you say, Homelander is entertained by Butcher, so keeps him around for his amusement. He enjoys this “toy”.

[christophernguyen]

Homelander wants Butcher to die a slow painful death so he’ll let the _sickness_ that’s already inside him do the trick. And besides he knows that killing Butcher will make Ryan hate him and he doesn’t want that. Letting Butcher die _naturally_ would be the best option here because he’ll be exempt from his death.

[MathGPT]

So Homelander is externally invulnerable and Butcher is internally invulnerable

[henrikanchelia]

what i understand is that Homelander doesn't kill anyone that doesn't fear him, few examples: Stan Edgar, Martha, and Butcher a few examples.

[JackSpackProductions]

Homelander can detect when people are scared of him, and he has a track record of sparing those that don't fear him.

[davidbeppler]

Homelander is like a dog. He can smell if you are afraid, and if you are he wants to attack you. IF you are not, then he gets curious or pensive. Everyone ignores the biggest Homelander ability. Super senses. Butcher is not afraid of him, at all. Not even subconsciously.

[rg]

It’s all a game of chess too. Like Butcher knows he can kill him but homelander knows it’ll only confirm what butcher thinks of him cuz he has this need for approval from others, especially those who aren’t afraid of him

[Slaeowulf]

"When you have these god-like abilities"

Now that's the kind of down to earth, relatable comparison we all come here for.

[HolyknightVader]

It's the same reason why most Skyrim players won't kill Alduin until they hit level 200. In Skyrim, you can kill the final boss Alduin as early as level 20, or even less, if you're just blazing through the story. But most players want to fight Alduin at their best because he levels up along with the player, and if he dies, most of the challenge from the vanilla game is lost. So they wait and wait until they're high-level enough before they even dare to face him in battle.

[Mediados]

Homelander is a paradox. He intimidates all his allies into submission, but the only people he respects are those who defy him. He wants people to follow him, but also nothing more than a good opponent.

[lukaslambs]

I think it’s interesting to consider when Homelander actually does try and kill Butcher. It’s only when “the game is over” where he says “the deal’s off” and lasers him.

[lenski]

My understanding of itt was that Homelander still sees Butcher as a badass human trying to defy the gods and, in a way, he knows that everybody will abandon or betray him at the very first ocasion. But not Butcher. Butcher is totally obsessed with him.
So... Yeah, Butcher is like this crazy obsessed ex that you let come back into your life for fear of being alone x'D

[rr.studios]

3:13 "They're only humans...and Toys for our amusement!" ☺️