Why Homelander Killed Black Noir In The Boys Season 3

From exploring the validity of the Thanus theory to the entirety of Herogasm, The Boys has never failed to shock audiences since its start in 2019. And the sudden death of Black Noir was one of the most shocking moments in Season 3.

Black Noir, the most mysterious member of The Seven, was given some depth in the episode prior to his death, signalling an increased role in the future. In Season 3, Episode 7, it was revealed through Black Noir’s imaginary animals that he was part of the team that helped lead to the incarceration of Soldier Boy. Given that Soldier Boy was actively searching for the ones who wronged him, many believed that Black Noir would play an integral part in the final part of the season. However, after Homelander discovered the Black Noir knew that Soldier Boy’s DNA was used to create him, he snapped and murdered Black Noir. But why did Homelander really kill him?

The answer is clear: To show how Homelander is just an egotistical man-child. Running low on allies, Black Noir was the only member of The Seven that Homelander trusted. It was due to this unwavering trust that Homelander felt he was betrayed when he discovered that Black Noir knew that Soldier Boy was Homelander’s father. Homelander, again and again, showing his immaturity, senselessly snapped and ripped out Black Noir’s organs. Homelander than used the severed head of Black Noir to show A-Train, The Deep, and Ashley what would happen if they were to disobey him.

However, Homelander may have had an ulterior motive to killing Black Noir. It is also possible that Homelander, given his daddy issues, murdered Black Noir in order to appease Soldier Boy. Although he may have cared for Black Noir, Homelander may have thought that Soldier Boy may accept him as his son, something he sought for. Therefore, due to his egotistical nature, the sacrifice of Black Noir for the possibility of feeling good runs akin to Homelander’s character.

The unpredictability of Homelander’s actions are what make him such a complex evil character. Homelander killing Black Noir may have been one of the most unpredictable of actions, even though it aligns directly with Homelander’s personality.

Nevertheless, the beauty of Black Noir is the mystery behind his character. This allows the showrunners to potentially swap out the identities of Black Noir. This change may even run symmetrical to the canonized version of Black Noir, where he is a Homelander clone.