Annie quotes from The Boys

Who's Nadia?

Hughie

Nadia?

Yeah, Scotty said some guy came in yesterday, asking for Nadia.

Hughie

Yeah. Yeah, no, there was–there was a guy, and he... he was looking at your picture, he said your name was Nadia. Said he knew you… from, like, way back when.

You weren't gonna tell me?

Hughie

Uh, no. I mean, it was just some guy off his meds, seemed like. Yeah.

I'm sorry. I–I mean, you're missing work, your hand. A lot going on. Is there something I should know?

He was with me. I'm sorry for stealing him away from you, but… we had some things that we needed to discuss. Very loudly, actually. We made quite the scene at Panera.

Hughie

Oh.

I mean, it's a miracle nobody recognized me.

Hughie

Yeah, sorry. I was–I was trying to preserve just a tiny, little shred of my dignity, but uh… we had a fight.

We didn't leave things in the greatest place, so I thought I would come by and…

Hughie

Check up on me?

Well, I was worried about you.

Hughie

Yeah, well, you know I can handle some things by myself, right?

Okay, I'm just trying to help.

Hughie

I don't always need your help. I mean, you don't have to treat me like I'm a kid.

Here I was thinking that I was treating you like my boyfriend.

Hughie

Well, you–

You know, this is actually none of my business, so I'm just–I'm gonna go. Good luck with all of that. Oh, and Hughie?

Hughie

Yeah?

Cut her some slack. You shouldn't be afraid of a powerful woman.

Ashley

What the fuck is he wearing?!

Yeah, alright. Let's hear it for Supersonic, everybody.

Ashley

Get me fucking wardrobe! Get me fucking wardrobe so I can fucking choke them out!

A-Train

Alright, so now, I would like to bring out our co-captains. So let's give it up for Starlight and the man of the hour himself, Homelander! Happy birthday, Homelander.

Homelander

Hey, thank you.

A-Train

Yeah.

Homelander

[muffled by the cheers while feigning his smile] I can see your girdle, you disgusting fat fuck! Get off the fucking stage!

Wow, I'm so honored to be with you guys tonight to celebrate my dear friend and mentor, Homelander. I'm here to do more than wish you a happy birthday, though. I'm thrilled to be announcing a project that is near and dear to my heart. The Starlight House is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to helping homeless and at-risk youth.

Hey, Homelander! Your Nazi died!

Ashley

Did he just say his Nazi died?

[to audience heckler, grabbing him by shoulders] Let's go.

Homelander… He's just–He's a human. He's just like the rest of us. And we all make mistakes, right? But we all deserve second chances. In that spirit, Homelander has agreed to donate $10 million to the Starlight House, which is–I mean…

Homelander

No!

Give–Come on. Give it up!

Homelander

No!

Give it up for this guy!

Homelander

No, no, no! Starlight lied to you just now. She did. I don't make mistakes! I'm not "just like the rest of you"! I'm stronger, I'm smarter, I… I'm better! I AM BETTER! I'm not some weak-kneed fucking crybaby that goes around fucking apologizing all the time! And why the fuck would you want me to be?!

Ashley

Quick, Roger! Stop rolling, go to fucking commercial! Go to fucking commercial!

Homelander

[pointing to an offscreen camera operator] Don't you DARE stop rolling, Roger! All my life, people have tried to control me my whole life. Rich people–powerful people–tried to muzzle me, cancel me, keep me impotent and obedient like I'm a fucking puppet! And you know what, it worked. Because I allowed it to work, and guess what? If they can control me, then you can bet your ass they can control you! They already do. You just don't realize it. [pause] I'm done. I am done apologizing, I am done being persecuted for my strength. You people should be thanking Christ that I am who and what I am, BECAUSE YOU NEED ME! YOU NEED ME TO SAVE YOU! You do. I am the only one who possibly can. You're not the real heroes. I'm the real hero. [beat] I am the real hero.

Homelander

[to Annie] Ashley tells me that you chose Silver Kinca… Kincaid.

Ashley

[nods] Mm-hmm.

Homelander

I have notes. I mean, I'm a co-captain. It's only fair I have a say in the new recruits, right?

No. Actually, I choose the new members.

Homelander

But I am pitching the craziest twist. The audience will never see it coming, right?

Well, I've made my decision.

Homelander

Oh, come on! You haven't even heard it yet! Seriously, you're–you're gonna love it. Ready?

Homelander

Return of the Deep!

The Deep

Hey. What's up, guys? How are you?

Homelander

No, no, no, no, no. Starlight, before you say anything, doesn't Christ tell us to turn the other cheek?

[hugs Annie] I really want us to be sisters.

The Deep

I had something made for you, Starlight. It's a peace offering. [opens a jeweler box with a gold dolphin necklace inside] It's 24-karat gold with certified conflict-free diamonds. I've put in the work. And I realize that when you've made an unforgivable mistake, the first person you have to forgive… is yourself.

What makes you think that I want a daily reminder of the guy who fucking mouth-raped me?! [to Homelander] I need a word.

Ashley

Let's let these two chat, shall we?

[to Homelander] Absolutely not.

Homelander

Do you really think I'm gonna let a fucking Muslim in The Seven? Captain Al-Qaeda? We're Americans.

I'm taking this to Mr. Edgar.

Homelander

My speech last night? Thirty-eight-point-six rating and a 59 share. Oh, and they're saying that the live-plus-threes are gonna be even bigger. Edgar said it himself: Popularity is power. He won't die on this hill.

[pause] Do I need to remind you of the Flight video?

Homelander

Go ahead. Release it. Let's light this candle, huh? I mean, sure, I'll lose everything, but then… I'll have nothing to lose. First, I'll take out the nerve centers: White House, Pentagon. Then, any domestic defense capabilities, and then critical infrastructure like cellular, Internet–that kind of thing. And then… Well, I think then I'll just wipe New York off the fucking map. For fun. I'll even throw in Des Moines and that little cousin-fucker hick town that Maeve's from, 'cause why not? See, Starlight, I'd prefer to be loved. I would. But if you take that away from me… Well, being feared is A-one okey-doke by me. So… go ahead, partner. Do it. [pause; Annie doesn't say anything] No? You don't wanna to do it? Well, then I would have to say that you have absolutely no fucking leverage because I am the Homelander… and I really can do whatever the fuck I want.

Hughie

Hey, Annie.

Homelander's had a breakdown. He's lost his fucking mind.

Hughie

Hey, hey, hey. Hey, slow down. Slow down. What?

He's bringing the Deep back into The Seven, so I brought up the video, and he said to go ahead and release it. You were right. Co-captain was a bad idea. I have to leave.

Hughie

Look, I–I know I should tell you to run out of there like a house on fire, and I want to… [sighs] but you gotta stick it out.

I'm sorry?

Hughie

Listen, I'm–I'm back with Butcher.

Why?

Hughie

We're onto something that could kill Homelander.

What? What is it?

Hughie

Some kind of weapon. Uh… I'm not sure, but you gotta buy us some time. Keep your eyes on him.

How much time?

Hughie

Uh…

You don't know. So for God knows how long, I have to paste on a smile with Homelander growing more unstable by the hour, hoping that he doesn't kill me or worse.

Hughie

If that's what it takes, then yeah. [pause; sighs] I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Just… Homelander and Vicky, they–they're running laps around us because… because we keep trying to do it the right way. The high road just doesn't work. We–We have to be as mean and fucked-up as they are.

Now you sound like…

Hughie

Like Butcher, I know. But Annie, he's... he's right. He's been right all along. I'm just so… tired of losing.

[sighs] Okay. You better pull this off, Hughie, but… okay.

Homelander

Well, this has been quite a long road for all of you. You've shown us the best of what heroes can be.

The first of the two selections, and the newest member of The Seven is… Supersonic.

Homelander

[shakes Supersonic's hand] Welcome.

Thank you, sir.

Homelander

[in Spanish] My friend, the honor is all mine, brother. [chuckles; Supersonic is weirded out] Well... this is it. The final new member of The Seven is… [beat] Lord of the Seven Seas, The Deep!

Homelander

Get up here, you!

The Deep

Alright!

Homelander

Welcome back.

The Deep

Good to see you.

Homelander

You, too.

The Deep

[to Supersonic] Congratulations, bro.

You, too.

Homelander

Alright. [to Silver Kincaid and Moonshadow] Well, unfortunately, it won't be either of you two. I'm sure you understand, you just can't put a price on experience.

Please hang up your capes and go.

Homelander

Now Deep, I gotta say, I am… Well, frankly, I'm moved and inspired that Starlight here has chosen to forgive you.

I accept your apology, Deep. You deserve a second chance.

The Deep

Thank you, Starlight. Looks like we've all grown.

Homelander

Just to be clear, it wasn't my idea to bring you back, buster. Not at all. Starlight here insisted on it. But you keep your distance, pal, because… Well… [laughs] she's my girl now.

Homelander

[chuckles softly] Sorry, I–I can't keep it a secret anymore. It's time we let the world know. Starlight and I are in love. #HomeLight.

Hughie

When's it air?

Tonight.

Hughie

#Homelight. You agreed to this?

It's like what you said, Hughie. Whatever it takes. This is… This is what it takes.

Hughie

[pause] Hey… [takes Annie's hand] it's gonna be okay. Really. Let me save you for once.

[sighs] Hughie… This has to work.

Hughie

It'll work.

Homelander

[enters common room] What'll work?

Uh, my VoughtSonic speaker setup. I'm sorry, how did you get in?

Homelander

I have a key. [pause] Yeah, I gotta keep an eye on my best girl, right? By the way, you're a sound sleeper, Starlight. [pause; Annie and Hughie look shocked] Oh, look at you two. I'm kidding. Come on, lighten up. I'm joking! But we gotta go. Running late. [to Hughie] Rolling Stone cover shoot, hot issue. We got "Hottest Ship."

Homelander

Don't you worry, Hughie. This little love affair is strictly for the cameras. Although, that's how me and Maeve started out, and that… [inhales sharply] got quite spicy. [laughs] Yeah, I'm not kidding, man. Let's just say that Maeve can bend a steel pipe without using her hands. [pause; chuckles] What's she like? She a good fuck?

Homelander

Whoa.

Touch him or anyone he cares about, and I'll walk. And I'll take my approval points with me.

Homelander

[whispers to Hughie] Women. [to Annie] I'm kidding. You really need to lighten up, guys.

Homelander

I have a view I really wanna show you. It's gonna blow your mind. Hold on tight.

Homelander

This really is a beautiful city.

You know, you don't need to do this. The cameras are gone.

Homelander

[laughs] Yeah. But, see, that's the thing about me, Starlight. If I promise something, I deliver. [turns Annie around and points at something offscreen] Now, that is the view of a lifetime.

Alex… Alex! Oh, my God! You fucking psycho! [her eyes start glowing]

Homelander

Stop it! You know how that ends. [brief pause; Annie's eyes return to normal] And besides, this is your fault as much as it is mine.

What?

Homelander

A-Train told me about you two mutineers and your little plot. You just don't get it, do you? I mean, you have no fucking grasp of the situation you're in at all, right? I'm gonna break it down one more time, and I'm gonna make it crystal clear so that even you can understand it, okay? There will be no more plotting, planning, playing around. That is over, okay? From here on out, there is only my dutiful, loving main squeeze Starlight, worshipping me and me alone. Because if you step one inch out of line–I mean, if you so much as fucking blink the wrong way–then [points at Supersonic's corpse] that, my love, will be Hughie. Do you understand this time? [pause; Annie just nods and cries] Good. Then, say it. So I know. "That'll be Hughie."

That'll be Hughie.

Homelander

There it is. [sighs] Find your own way home.

Hughie

Hey, come here. Come here. [hugs Annie] I'm sorry. I'm so fucking sorry.

I shouldn't be here. It's not safe for you.

Hughie

I don't care. It's okay.

Hughie, Homelander killed Alex. He fucking murdered him, and it's all my fault.

Hughie

Hey… It is not your fault. Come here, come here. Come here. [takes Annie to the kitchen] We got Charleston Chew. We got Almond Joy, Bit-O-Honey. There's White Claws in the fridge. Some of that gross lavender bath bomb shit in the tub. Look, I know this doesn't make this any better, but I just… Let me take care of you for a second.

Tell me you found it.

Hughie

[sighs] Moscow was a dead end. I'm sorry.

No weapon or gun or anything? [pause] Fuck. Then what killed Soldier Boy?

Hughie

You know what? I'm gonna get you a White Claw.

Uh, Hughie? Your arm is broken. Where the hell is your cast?

Hughie

You're really gonna want a White Claw.

Hughie

Wow. Alright. Gonna have another one. Um... I'm just trying to get a bead on what part you're most upset about. Is it the part where Soldier Boy's loose in Russia, or the part where I took some temporary Compound V?

Um… it could be both parts. Uh, all the parts.

Hughie

I told you right away, though, right? That's–That's... No secrets. That's gotta be worth some points.

You want points for not lying to me?

Hughie

I... would like to retract that statement. Um–

Hughie, you shot up an untested drug from Vought. You could've gotten yourself killed!

Hughie

We don't have any more. And even if we did, I–I wouldn't take it. It was awful. Like, [groans] the hangover–all of it–just… absolutely hated it. [sighs]

…You loved it.

Hughie

I really fucking loved it! It was awesome! I mean, you know me. If a guy in the car next to me gives me a dirty look, I'm like fucking Dom Torreto taking off, trying to get away from him. 'Cause I'm quick and I'm all about family. But in Russia… [chuckles] I wasn't scared. I–I... I saved M.M. Me! I could, like, teleport.

Teleport?

Hughie

Yeah, I... I just–I knew how to do it. I just clenched my butt, and–and I jumped, and–

No. Hughie, that was stupid and dangerous. I can't lose you, too.

Hughie

Oh, God, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. You're right. [sighs again] It's over.

So… what do we do now?

Hughie

I don't know. But whatever it is, we'll figure it out together. You and me against the world, right? I love you.

I love you, too.

Hey, so… where's Hughie?

Oh, he's just camping with his dad for a couple days.

[laughs] Okay. Okay, good. Great. I thought he was avoiding me or something, you know… 'cause he was scared I was gonna pop his head.

[beat; swallows hard] Hmm?

Come on, Annie. [sees Annie's eyes glowing] Put them away. I'm not gonna hurt you or Hughie or your families. [Annie blinks and her eyes return to normal] Besides, you'd lose.

Then, why are you here?

Because I wanna help you.

Huh. "Help". From the psycho who blew up Congress.

Look, most of those guys passed around deepfakes of me on the House floor blowing bin Laden, so I'm not exactly overwhelmed with sympathy. Annie, you need me. You're all alone. I mean, come on. That "#Homelight" shit? That looks like you're in a hostage video. Blink twice if I'm wrong. And what, you gotta play nice with the guy that throat-fucked you on your first day of work? And Maeve? They say Maeve is in rehab, but you and I both know she's probably dead. I'm all you got. Come on, Annie. You and I were friends. None of that has changed for me.

Are you ever gonna get to the point?

You have 193 million Instagram followers. Lend me your influence, and I'll lend you mine. I can protect you from Homelander. You'll finally be team captain for real. And in return, you help me goose my numbers. I can finally get my education reform bill passed. We can make things better, Annie. For my daughter. For a lot of daughters. Come on, what do you say?

[pause] You're right. This whole place… I'm so fucking tired… of listening to people tell me I need to be shitty in order to win. Fuck you. And fuck Homelander, and fuck Vought and this "whatever it takes" crap. You're just gonna end up sitting on top of the steaming pile of shit that you built. I'm done. I'm fucking done. I'm not doing it anymore.

You're not gonna be doing anything if Homelander kills you.

Yeah, maybe. But then I'll know I'm not working with a fucking nutjob. So, either pop my head or get the hell out.

[beat; gets up] Hey, keep this between us. It'd be really tough to take out America's sweetheart, but not impossible.

This is a bad idea.

Homelander helped make me America's sweetheart. He's gonna regret that.

You ready?

I'm in Montpelier, Vermont. Twelve heroes and civilians are dead. A lot more are wounded. Now, Homelander and Vought are going to tell you that it was the supervillain, and that they have it handled. They don't. It was Soldier Boy. I know I sound insane, but Soldier Boy doesn't care about protecting Americans and he probably never has. Most heroes don't care about you. They only care about their image. And Homelander is the worst of them. He's hurt people. He's done something to Maeve. [beat] I don't know what they're gonna do to me for telling the truth… but I'm going to keep doing it, and I should have done it sooner, and I'm sorry. And one more thing: I'm not Starlight anymore. My name is Annie January… and I fucking quit.

Homelander

Here she is. Did you think I wouldn't know the second you walked through the door?

Well, we broke up. It was time to pack my shit and go.

Homelander

[chuckles and smiles] Okay. So, here's what happens now. You're gonna march into VNN Studios, and you're gonna recant everything you said. It was a tragic cocktail of heartbreak, Zoloft and despair. You regret any harm that your lies have caused Vought or me, but… me in particular.

Mmm.

Homelander

Good.

Okay, but you wanna hear my counter? I stop Soldier Boy before he murders more people, and I find Maeve. If she's still alive.

Homelander

Maeve's just learning her manners. And you should do the same. Seriously, before you throw away everything you've worked so hard for.

You know what? I could give a shit.

Homelander

Really? You sure about that? Your fame is the only thing protecting you.

Here's the thing: I'm not scared of you anymore. I'm not. I see who you are. I see how small you are. I saw it. [pause] I saw it the night that you killed Supersonic.

Homelander

You know what I remember from that night? I remember I told you what would happen to Hughie. You walk, that's next.

…Good luck with that.

Now that you've told my 190 million followers. I'm still pretty famous.

Homelander

[laughing] Hey, everybody!

[hears elevator doors open] Oh, that's me. I gotta go.

Homelander

Starlight, wait. You're not supposed to record us when we're running lines!

I need to talk to Hughie. Where is he?

Oh, Starlight. How delightful. He's just popped out for a bit.

Okay, well, he's not answering his phone.

Bit hard to keep a phone when you're teleportin' all day, innit, love? How can I help?

Temp V is gonna kill you both.

Well, it's gonna have to join the queue.

I was just in the lab. It causes lesions, okay? It turns your brain into fucking Swiss cheese! So please be honest with me, and tell me how many doses have you taken.

Just a couple.

Jesus Christ. Butcher, three to five doses kills you. You need to tell Hughie.

Yeah. Yeah, I will. I will. I promise.

Okay, but I'm calling back every five minutes until… [Butcher hangs up on her] Butcher? Goddammit.

Hughie

Okay, hi. Only thing open was Long John Silver's, so... I guess that's kind of fish and chips, right?

Yeah. Nice one.

Hughie

Everything alright?

It's, uh… It's the Temp V.

Hughie

What about it?

[beat] We gotta swing by the office and get some more. [pause] And then you, me, and Granny Fucker are gonna finish this fuckin' job.

Hughie

Yeah. [chuckles] Fuck, yeah.

Hughie

Thanks for picking me up. I'm sure you wanna tell me to go fuck myself.

I'm not saying anything.

Hughie

'Cause if you did wanna say that, I mean, you could. [sighs]

What happened?

Hughie

Uh... Butcher. Just out of nowhere, knocked me out.

Did he tell you?

Hughie

Tell me what?

That Temp V is fatal. If you shot up any more, you'd probably be dead right now. [Hughie stares at her] Oh, my fucking God, he didn't tell you! That asshole!

Hughie

Saved my life.

Saved your life? It looks like he gave you a concussion.

Hughie

He stopped me from taking more V. [pause] Have you ever had pizza rolls?

Like… middle school sleepover pizza rolls?

Hughie

Yeah. Dad bought them in bulk after Mom left. Every night, we'd have pizza rolls, watch Remington Steele, try not to touch her spot on the couch. And he never fought back for her or anything. Just sat there eating pizza rolls. I spent so much time thinking he was… sad and–and weak. Just a loser. But you know what? Dad… was there. Taking care of me during the worst days of his life, just trying to keep the lights on and a… and a roof above our heads. He wasn't weak. I just, I–I didn't know what strength was. Annie, I'm–I'm so sorry. I've been an asshole. I never should have… I–I never should've put any of this onto you.

Thank you for saying that.

Hughie

Literally every neuron in your brain is screaming "I told you so", so why don't you just say it before your head explodes?

Oh, my God! I fucking told you so!

Hughie

Feel good to get that out?

So satisfying.

[over the recording] I'm Starlight, and I'm telling you that you need to evacuate the Tower now.

[over the recording] Why?

[over the recording] Because Soldier Boy is alive, and he–

The Deep

We ran it through the voice thingamabob. It's really her, so… you know, I think we should probably evacuate.

Homelander

Nobody's evacuating anything. We have to project strength.

The Deep

Right. No, that's smart. Strength. Okay, so my Angel Fish–that's what I call Analytics–we think Soldier Boy's coming for Noir. Last member of Payback, right? So we should use Noir as bait. And that way it draws Soldier Boy directly to the…

The Deep

…Hey, is everything–Is everything okay with Noir?

Homelander

He was keeping secrets from me. You know, when the company first rolled me out in front of the cameras, they told me I was gonna get my very own team. I wanted so badly for that team to be the family that I never got. And then, I got you.

The Deep

I've–I've always tried to help, sir.

Homelander

What, like when you ran away from Herogasm? Or maybe when you fucked an octopus? [pause; A-Train looks at The Deep with disgust] You really wanna help?

The Deep

Sir… [chuckles] That's sort of treason.

Homelander

Big word.

The Deep

Anything you need, Homelander. Sir.

Homelander

Ashley, take off that wig.

Ashley

What wig?

Homelander

Hmmm. [to A-Train] And then, there's you. How could you kill one of your own kind in cold blood? You are gonna tell the world that we are the one and only true justice. Noir was worth more than all of you put together. You're not my family. I don't need any of you. Remember that.

Hello? It's me. Are you there?

Oh, God. Well, you, uh… You look like shit.

Queen Maeve

[grins] Fuck off, Smurfette.

[chuckles] You gonna be okay?

Queen Maeve

Yeah, slowly. Painfully, like every other powerless schmuck in America, thanks to Soldier Boy. Question: Should I get a pirate patch or the Sammy Davis glass eye?

Oh, the pirate patch. No question.

[to Maeve] You ready? [to Annie] Hey.

Hey, Elena. Where will you guys go?

Queen Maeve

I don't know, somewhere Homelander won't find me.

A farm, ideally. She's from Modesto. She was a Future Farmer of America.

Queen Maeve

[smirks] Great.

[to Maeve] Thank you. For everything.

Queen Maeve

First time your prissy ass showed up at the Tower, crying in that bathroom… You saved me. Truth is, you… you don't need me anymore. I could jump… but you can fucking fly. [beat; chuckles when Annie hugs her] You're like a walking Hallmark card. Enough.