Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Homelander finds Ryan and offers the unconditional acceptance Butcher denied him. Butcher, meanwhile, knocks Hughie unconscious rather than let him take more Temp V and goes ahead with Soldier Boy. At Vought, Homelander kills Black Noir after discovering he knew the truth about Soldier Boy. Maeve escapes captivity and remains determined to confront Homelander, while the others prepare a nerve toxin to stop Soldier Boy before his blast kills people in the tower.
Homelander introduces Ryan during the confrontation, hoping their shared family will change Soldier Boy's mind. Soldier Boy instead attacks, and Butcher turns against him to protect Becca's son. Maeve fights Homelander as the others attempt to subdue Soldier Boy. Hughie chooses to increase the electrical supply for Annie rather than take another dose himself. When Soldier Boy prepares to explode, Maeve tackles him through a window, carrying the blast away from the people inside.
Soldier Boy is contained by the CIA, and Maeve survives without her powers, leaving with Elena under cover of her supposed death. Annie joins the Boys. Butcher learns that Temp V has left him terminally ill, while Neuman becomes Singer's running mate after the removal of his previous choice. Homelander presents Ryan to supporters and kills a protester in front of them. Their cheers turn his fear of public exposure into permission, and Ryan watches beside him.