The Boys Season 5 Episode 3 Ending Explained: What Is the Compound V1 Plan?

The Boys Season 5 Episode 3 took us on a wild journey into Homelander’s father-son dynamic with Soldier Boy, along with the revelation that the Boys will need something stronger than a supe-killing virus to stop them. Bringing Ryan back into the picture created a complicated setting for Butcher to repair relations while continuing to manipulate the kid.

Compound V1 was revealed to be the reason why The Boys’ Soldier Boy survived the virus, throwing things into further disarray. Rendering supes virtually immortal, it became time for everyone to get their hands on the chemical by forming uneasy alliances with Stan Edgar before Homelander got his hands on V1. So what actually happened during this escapade?

Everybody’s Plan to Secure Compound V1 Explained

Frederick Vought had tested out the first iteration of Compound V (V-One) that made Thomas Godolkin near-immortal in Gen V. Once it was understood that Soldier Boy was immune to the virus, the Boys decided that they obtain all remaining supplies of Compound V1 to either secure or destroy it before Homelander injects it into his system.

The Boys reviewed classified documents at Stan Edgar’s bunker that were redacted. Upon decrypting the files, they figured out the next step was to head to Fort Harmony, a medical department set in an abandoned military establishment.

The tyrannical villain of The Boys has made it his ultimate mission, and by extension, Vought’s mission, to find this compound. Homelander will do anything to ensure the virus does not touch him, including sending Soldier Boy to his possible death at the end of The Boys Season 5 Episode 2.

He has been wary of it ever since he found out that he wasn’t immune to said virus, and in the process, we got to see his psyche unravelling to freaky heights. Calling back to the previous episode where a light shone upon him during A-Train’s funeral, Homelander now thinks he’s the next messiah who will rid the world of anybody who does not love him.

The Boys S5E3: Homelander Becomes “Enlightened” Messiah

The Boys Season 5 Poster | Image via Prime Video

As the light shone upon him in The Boys Season 5 Episode 3, Madelyn Stillwell appears like a holy mother figure to deliver the “news” that Homelander is the miracle that will change the world. As if he didn’t need any more of a reason to commit genocidal acts, Homelander’s opinion of people fearing him has twisted into a new version where it will be perceived as love.

The god complex is no longer subtle as Madelyn tells him to “become God and skin parents in front of their children.” Insecurities galore, the dictator of America feels validated in continuing life without the love and appreciation he wants from Soldier Boy.

Upon seeing Ryan, he frames it as a miracle and absolutely pummels his son into a pulpy mess of blood and swelling. The focus on his face while bashing his son looks like he’s reveling in his new god-like “ascension.”

V1 precisely offers this to Homelander, giving him the final boost he needs physically to be immortal. Before his plans are actualized, will the Boys be able to stop him? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

The Boys Season 5 Episode 3 is currently streaming on Prime Video.