Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Soldier Boy's survival turns V1, the original form of Compound V, into the next object of the fight. Sage explains that it gives him the protection Homelander now wants for himself. The Boys seek records through Stan Edgar, hoping to locate another supply before their enemy gains the same advantage. Butcher instead presses Ryan to lure Homelander into the virus's reach, even though the plan would kill the boy too.
Zoe finds Sameer in Butcher's laboratory. Father and daughter destroy the virus samples and flee, leaving the Boys without the weapon Butcher wanted Ryan to use. At Edgar's bunker, Supes arrive to capture him and search for V1. Maverick is initially willing to help the Boys, believing Homelander killed his father Translucent, but the Deep reveals that Hughie was responsible. Maverick turns against Hughie and lets the attackers inside.
Cindy accidentally kills Maverick during the pursuit, and Annie kills Cindy before she can finish Hughie. Edgar is captured, while Annie leaves in frustration over Hughie's willingness to risk himself. Ryan also rejects Butcher's manipulation and confronts Homelander about Becca's assault. His father beats him when the confrontation becomes a fight. Butcher finds the injured boy afterward. The search continues, but both men's attempts to control Ryan have left him with fewer places to feel safe.