Eric Kripke Breaks Down That ‘Excruciating’ Scene in ‘The Boys’ Season 5 Episode 7

Eric Kripke recently explained the reasoning behind Homelander’s decision to choke out Soldier Boy in Episode 7 of The Boys. Speaking with Collider, Kripke broke down how the moment reflects Homelander’s growing need for control, dominance, and emotional detachment, even toward allies like Soldier Boy.

The discussion with journalist Christina Radish looked at how Soldier Boy’s presence affects Homelander on a deeper level, not just as a powerful ally or enemy, but as someone tied to his identity. Kripke explained that even though Homelander acts dominant and in control, there is still an emotional dependency underneath his behavior when it comes to Soldier Boy.

The dynamic between them is shaped by abandonment and rejection. Soldier Boy represents a version of “family” that Homelander cannot fully accept or hold onto. That tension drives much of how Homelander reacts in their scenes together.

“He just couldn’t let his dad leave again or be without his father again because the last time, it wasn’t Soldier Boy’s fault that he left. So much of Homelander’s issues are wrapped up in daddy issues and issues with Ryan. His son abandoned him, and I just don’t think he could handle being abandoned by his father.” He said.

Kripke pointed out that Homelander’s actions are not just about power, but also about fear of being left behind again. Even when he tries to assert dominance, it is tied to the idea that he does not want to lose the closest thing he has to a father.

This emotional conflict shows up in the way Homelander handles Soldier Boy in Episode 7 of The Boys. Kripke explained that the character’s behavior is shaped by insecurity, even if it is hidden behind violence and control.

At the same time, Kripke noted that Soldier Boy’s return is not about fixing that relationship. Instead, it highlights how broken it already is. Homelander wants connection, but only on his terms, and that makes any real bond impossible.

The interview also touched on how small creative choices in the episode help underline these themes. One line referencing “the old Impala” was added during post-production as a nod to Jensen Ackles’ earlier role in Supernatural. Kripke said the team wanted to include one final reference for Ackles’ character before his arc ended.

He explained, “We wanted to put in one last reference.”

The original line was changed late in editing, going from a different vehicle reference to “Impala” after discussion between Kripke and director Phil Sgriccia. The change was small, but intentional, meant as a final nod rather than a major plot shift.

Alongside that, the episode also expands on the idea of Homelander’s growing influence over everything around him. Kripke mentioned the concept of a Homelander-themed park, showing how far his image and control have spread inside the world of the show.

But underneath all of that scale and power, the emotional core remains the same. Homelander still reacts strongly to rejection, especially from figures tied to his past like Soldier Boy. Kripke explained that this is part of what makes the character dangerous, because his need for control is connected to his fear of being abandoned again.

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