Starlight quotes from The Boys

For the record, I know you don't care whether I sing or not. This is a juvenile attempt to get me to look like a sex doll instead of a co-captain. [Homelander chuckles] I'm not doing it.

Homelander

I have an idea: Why don't you lighten the fuck up? Come on, you're gonna sing the shit out of this song. Ready? Let's hit it.

Edgar

[chimes in over the PA] If Starlight doesn't want to sing, she doesn't sing.

Homelander

Stan, what a surprise!

Edgar

Our testing shows that 76 percent of likely viewers will make every effort to watch it tonight for Starlight. As for you, 53 percent might DVR. I think that that means that she can call her own shots, don't you?

Homelander

So how about I just walk, Stan? How would that rate?

Edgar

After the PR hole you dug for yourself this past year, I'd say you're lucky we're even putting on this farce at all. But hey, it's your party. You can cry if you want to.

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.