In the world of Amazon Prime’s “The Boys,” a single tragic event sets the entire story in motion: the assault of Billy Butcher’s wife, Becca, by the superhero Homelander. This act of violence is the core reason for Butcher’s burning hatred and his relentless crusade against Vought and its corrupt superheroes. For viewers who find the plot complex, here is a simple breakdown of what happened and its devastating consequences.
What Exactly Happened to Becca Butcher?
Becca Butcher, whose maiden name was Rebecca Saunders, was a successful Senior Director of Digital Marketing at Vought International. Her life changed forever after a Vought Christmas party in 2011, where she was introduced to Homelander. Shortly after this event, Homelander assaulted Becca in a private room.
In the television series, this act was a sexual assault that left Becca pregnant. She later went to Vought for help, confirming her pregnancy. The company, led by Madelyn Stillwell and scientist Jonah Vogelbaum, made her sign a confidentiality agreement and then hid her away in a secret facility. There, she gave birth to and raised her son, Ryan, away from the public eye, leading everyone, including her husband Billy, to believe she had died.
“I need you to promise me something. I need you to promise me that you will save him no matter what and you will get him back to me… You realize this isn’t just about me, right? Like, h-he can’t grow up like Homelander.” — Becca Butcher’s final words to Billy about their son Ryan.
This storyline differs significantly from the original comic books. In the source material, the character Becky Butcher was assaulted by Black Noir, who was disguised as Homelander. She died when her super-powered fetus violently ripped itself from her womb, an event Billy was forced to witness. The TV adaptation chose a different path, keeping Becca alive for several seasons to explore her relationship with her son and her conflicted feelings about Homelander.
How Billy Butcher Discovered the Truth
Billy Butcher spent years believing his wife had simply disappeared and was likely dead. His default assumption was that Homelander was responsible for her death, fueling his vendetta. The truth was revealed in the Season 1 finale, “You Found Me.”
Butcher learned that Becca was not only alive but living in a secret Vought compound, raising Homelander’s child. This revelation came as a massive shock, completely changing the dynamic of his quest. It was no longer just about revenge for a past wrong; it became a desperate mission to rescue his wife from the corporation that had kidnapped her and to confront the reality that she had raised a child with his worst enemy.
The Tragic End of Becca Butcher
Becca’s story reached its tragic conclusion in the Season 2 finale. After being rescued by Butcher, their escape was thwarted by the Supe terrorist Stormfront. During a confrontation in a forest, Stormfront began to strangle Becca. In a desperate attempt to save his mother, Ryan used his heat vision for the first time.
Although his blast severely injured Stormfront, it also accidentally struck Becca in the neck, causing a fatal wound. She died in Butcher’s arms, but not before making him promise to protect Ryan and assure the boy that her death was not his fault. Her passing left Butcher and Ryan devastated and further hardened Butcher’s resolve against Homelander and Vought.
Homelander’s Motive and Lasting Impact
Homelander’s attack on Becca was a ultimate demonstration of his power and entitlement. As the most powerful Supe in the world, he believes he can do whatever he wants without consequence. The assault was not driven by emotion or connection but was a violent act of possession and control.
The aftermath of this event created the central conflict of the entire series. Butcher’s life mission became the destruction of Homelander, shaping every decision he makes and forming the foundation of “The Boys.” The existence of Ryan, a child born of violence but raised with love, continues to be a pivotal element in the ongoing struggle between Butcher and Homelander, representing a potential future that is either better or far worse than the present.
Even after her death, Becca continues to influence the story. In Season 4, Butcher begins to experience hallucinations of her due to his use of the temporary Compound V. These visions show his deep guilt and lasting trauma, with Becca’s memory warning him about the apocalyptic danger of Ryan turning out like his father.
Also Read: Gen V Season 2 Brings Back Major The Boys Characters in Explosive Crossover
