HomeTV Show'The Boys' Season 4: Billy Butcher's Parasite Explained

‘The Boys’ Season 4: Billy Butcher’s Parasite Explained

Billy Butcher, the foul-mouthed, rage-fueled Butcher we know and (sort of) love, has a new problem in The Boys season 4: a mysterious parasite squirming around in his head.  

Additionally, this slimy surprise has left fans scratching their heads, wondering what is going on with Butcher. So, let’s dissect this creepy critter and explore what it might mean for Billy’s future.

Related: ‘The Boys’ Season 4: Is The Deep’s Love Interest Ambrosius The Octopus Dead?

The Rise Of The Parasite On ‘The Boys’

Billy Butcher with the visible parasite in his forehead
Billy Butcher with the visible parasite in his forehead

Since season 3, we’ve seen glimpses of something…off with Billy. Headaches, nosebleeds, and blackouts are not exactly the picture of peak health. Then, in season 4, episode 4, things take a turn for the grotesque. We get a good look at the culprit: a pulsating, black mass wriggling around inside Butcher’s skull.  

This parasite’s origins are shrouded in mystery. Was it a nasty side effect of Butcher’s Compound V abuse? Or something else. The Boys isn’t exactly forthcoming with answers (yet). However, one thing’s clear: this parasite is no friend to Billy. It’s messing with his mind and body, making him even more unpredictable than usual.

What Could The Parasite Be And Can It Be Removed?

Billy Butcher
Billy Butcher

Vought is known for its shady experiments, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the parasite is an unintended consequence of their super soldier serum. Moreover, if Billy wants to survive (and maybe even become a decent human being), he’ll need to find a way to get rid of this unwelcome guest.  

However, with the doctors giving up and the Compound V not being of any help it remains a full-blown mystery. Additionally, it can be said Billy Butcher’s internal struggle with the parasite is one of the most intriguing aspects of ‘The Boys’ season 4. It adds a new layer of complexity to his character and raises the stakes for his fight against Homelander

In case you missed it: “Does He Have Blonde Hair?”: ‘The Boys’ Actor Anthony Starr Is Clueless About DCU’s Booster Gold

The Parasite’s Impact On Billy

Kessler and Billy Butcher
Kessler and Billy Butcher

The parasite’s influence on Billy is undeniable. He’s experiencing hallucinations, most notably seeing a hallucination of Becca and Kesler, who was his CIA colleague. These visions seem to be fueling his rage, making him even more ruthless in his pursuit of Homelander. Is the parasite manipulating Billy, or is it simply amplifying his darkest desires?

Additionally, something that can also be noted is Billy’s interaction with the rabbit kept in Neuman’s lab. The bunny, while seemingly innocent, burst open from the inside with tentacles after being let out by Butcher. This might have hinted at Butcher’s Fate.

There’s also the question of Billy’s newfound…abilities. Remember that brutal takedown of Ezekiel? Yeah, that wasn’t pure Butcher strength. Theories abound that the parasite is granting Billy temporary power boosts, explaining his inhuman feats.

Moreover, what makes this theory even more believable is Billy asking for the power to take over him after being attacked by The Deep and Black Noir in the latest episode. Additionally, the episode also hinted at Billy’s dark side (Kessler) being associated with the powers. So, Is this a symbiotic relationship, or is the parasite slowly taking over? 

The Boys is known for its dark humor and shocking twists, so it’s anyone’s guess where this parasite plotline is headed. So, will Billy become a full-blown monster, controlled by this creepy critter? Or will he just burst open?  Only time and maybe a whole lot of violence will tell.

Becca And Kessler Wage War For Billy’s Soul On ‘The Boys’

Kessler, Butcher, and Becca
Kessler, Butcher, and Becca

Billy Butcher’s descent into rage takes a terrifying turn in The Boys season 4 with the introduction of the parasite. However, what if this internal battle isn’t just biological? What if the parasite represents a darker force, whispering twisted desires, while a faint echo of Becca acts as Billy’s moral compass?

Billy’s hallucinations of Becca are a constant presence. Unlike the parasite’s horrific visions, these hallucinations urge Billy to be more rational. Moreover, they remind him of the life they could have had, the good man he once tried to be. Becca’s presence, however faint, might be the last thread keeping Billy’s humanity.

However, the parasite’s grotesque form is a fitting representation of the rage and bloodlust. Kessler might be a physical manifestation of Billy’s own inner demons. Additionally, the parasite’s influence coincides with Billy’s newfound bursts of strength.  

Is this just a random side effect, or is there a more sinister connection? Perhaps Kessler, by feeding on Billy’s rage, grants him temporary super-soldier-like abilities. Moreover, this dark power could be a twisted reflection of Compound V, a horrifying bargain that grants Billy strength at the cost of his soul.

Additionally, the battle between Becca and Kessler isn’t just a fight for Billy’s sanity; it’s a war for his very identity. Will Becca’s memory be enough to pull him back from the brink, or will Kessler succeed in turning Billy into a monster? This internal conflict adds a layer of tragic complexity to Billy’s character, making us wonder if redemption is even a possibility for a man so consumed by rage. 

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Vanshika Minakshi
Vanshika Minakshihttps://firstcuriosity.com/
Vanshika is a content writer at FirstCuriosity, diving into the vibrant universe of celebrities, movies, and TV shows with fervor. Her passion extends beyond her professional endeavors, as she immerses herself in the realms of rap music and video games, constantly seeking inspiration from diverse sources. She is a business student with a knack for marketing blending analytical insights with creative instincts to craft compelling narratives. When not working you can find her spending times with her beloved pet dogs or watching true crime documentaries.

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