Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Kimiko survives the Russian facility but discovers that Soldier Boy's blast has removed her powers. Mother's Milk confronts Butcher and Hughie over their use of Temp V, unwilling to accept superhero strength as the solution to superhero abuse. Soldier Boy returns to New York and causes a deadly explosion, bringing the Boys back together long enough to follow a lead through the Legend, a former Vought executive who knows where Crimson Countess lives.
Homelander takes charge at Vought, with Ashley becoming CEO and the Deep controlling Crime Analytics. Maeve is attacked by Black Noir after confronting Homelander, and Annie cannot persuade Ashley to challenge the story covering her disappearance. A-Train arranges a public apology from Blue Hawk, but the event becomes an attack on the community, leaving A-Train's brother seriously injured. Frenchie also faces Nina's demands while trying to care for Kimiko in hospital.
Butcher captures Crimson Countess as bait and drugs Mother's Milk so he cannot interfere with a bargain. Countess admits that Payback betrayed Soldier Boy because they hated him, and Soldier Boy kills her. Butcher offers to help him find the others in exchange for killing Homelander. Annie arrives and pleads with Hughie to reject the alliance, but he wants the strength Temp V gives him and leaves with Butcher. Their mission now depends on helping another violent Supe pursue revenge.