Episode 4 of The Boys Season 5, titled “Though the Heavens Fall“ (also appearing as “King of Hell”), serves as a midpoint transition focusing on the desperate search for V1, the original and highly potent prototype of Compound V. Following the destruction of the Supe-killing virus, both the Boys and Homelander’s faction race to Fort Harmony, an abandoned Vought facility, to secure the serum—Homelander seeks it to achieve biological immortality, while the Boys hope to find a new strategic equalizer.
At Fort Harmony, the episode delves into the traumatic past of Soldier Boy, revealing that his heroic origin story was a fabrication and that the facility was actually a site of his brutal conditioning and exploitation. The team encounters Quinn, a former Vought scientist fused to a wall by mutated vines who projects an aura of “pure hate,” causing the Boys to turn on one another with uncharacteristic aggression. The sequence concludes when Soldier Boy incinerates Quinn at the scientist’s own request.
Key subplots and developments in the episode include:
Homelander’s Religious Apotheosis: Under the guidance of Firecracker and the new antagonist Oh-Father (played by Daveed Diggs), the Samaritan’s Embrace church is rebranded as the “Diplomatic Church of America.” Homelander is presented as a living messiah to radicalized supporters.
The Introduction of Oh-Father: A charismatic religious Supe and the Second Gentleman of the United States (married to Ashley Barrett), Oh-Father uses his “Sonic Scream” and oratory skills to frame the late A-Train as a martyr and incite the public against Starlight’s resistance.
Stan Edgar’s Return: Edgar delivers a cold analysis of the conflict, arguing that superheroes are merely a commodity of capitalism. He reveals his intention to wait for the Supes to eliminate each other so he can reclaim control of a reformed Vought International.
Black Noir Revelation: The theory that the current Black Noir is a Homelander clone is debunked; he unmasks as the same actor from Season 4, who has simply been “going method” by remaining silent in the role.
Annie’s Emotional Arc: Annie January reconnects with her biological father and discovers she has a brother who has been radicalized by “manosphere” ideologies.
The episode ends in a stalemate, with neither side securing the V1 at Fort Harmony. It is revealed that the vials were already stolen by the Supe Bombsight, a legendary figure from Soldier Boy’s generation.
