We'll Keep the Red Flag Flying Here

Homelander seizes the opportunity of a rally to caution his supporters that Starlight poses a threat to superheroes. He pledges to safeguard America and introduces two new members of the Seven: Firecracker and Sister Sage. He hints that Ryan will be the final addition to the team, referring to the viral video of Ryan's heroic act.

Butcher and Kessler watch the rally from Butcher's place. Kessler provides Butcher with drugs to calm Ryan so they can extract him and gather information on Homelander. Butcher plans to take Ryan to a safe location arranged by Grace Mallory.

At Vought Tower, Homelander observes Firecracker's remarks to the press, questioning why Sister Sage recommended her given her controversial views on vaccines.

Sister Sage makes her debut with the Seven, convincing Homelander that Firecracker's inclusion is essential to combat Starlight. She criticizes Homelander for thrusting her into the spotlight after she challenged him openly. In a meeting, Homelander appoints Sage as CEO, and she promptly fires The Deep from Prime Analytics upon discovering a leak.

President-elect Robert Singer discusses the idea of removing Supes from military and law enforcement with his VP, Victoria Neuman, who opposes the notion. Singer argues that superpowered individuals should return to being celebrities rather than getting involved in government matters.

Kimiko asks Frenchie to assist her in dealing with the members of Shining Light, the group that abducted her as a child, and he agrees. Mother's Milk proposes using A-Train as a mole to gather intelligence on Homelander, but Hughie and Annie reject the idea, insisting on bringing back Butcher.

At Vought Tower, Ryan engages in a video game while receiving a message from Butcher, urging him to reconcile. Black Noir seeks guidance from Ashley Barret, but Homelander demotes her and appoints Sister Sage as the new CEO, mocking Ashley in the process.

Sage informs the team that footage exonerating the Starlighters has been stolen and accuses The Deep of the crime. She mentions Ryan's offers from other superhero teams and the #RescueRyan social media campaign. Ashley vents her frustrations to Vought News anchor Cameron Coleman, revealing their unconventional relationship.

At the safe house, Butcher tries to placate Ryan with drug-laced cookies, but Ryan declines. Butcher persists, inviting Ryan to play a game instead. MM attempts to persuade A-Train to collaborate with the Boys but is rebuffed. MM reveals he knows A-Train leaked the footage.

Frenchie and Kimiko infiltrate Shining Light's safe house, with Frenchie under the influence. Kimiko eliminates the terrorists while Frenchie experiences hallucinations.

Butcher and Ryan connect, and Ryan confesses his accidental killing under Homelander's instruction. Butcher consoles him, sharing his own regrets and health condition. He then disposes of the cookies, feigning an excuse.

Sage and Homelander interrogate a Vought employee named Anika, who had contact with Annie. In a fit of rage, Homelander kills Anika, frustrating Sage, who wanted more information.

Annie confronts Firecracker about their past rivalry, but Firecracker remains dismissive. MM takes Hughie to a Vought event where they overhear Neuman's conversation with Sage and Homelander. They discuss their political ambitions and plans for Neuman to reveal her Supe identity.

At that moment, Hughie's sweat alerts Homelander, Homelander's outburst at the event prompts chaos. A-Train rescues Hughie, and at the Boys' office, Kimiko confronts Frenchie about his drug use.

At the hospital, Hughie reconciles with his mother, who apologizes for leaving.

Kessler admonishes Butcher for not drugging Ryan, but Butcher believes Ryan is too young for the fight against Vought. At the Seven house, The Deep confronts Sage but then they start kissing. A shot shows a bloody metal rod, hinting that Sister Sage might have had a lobotomy.

At his home, Homelander sees Ryan return late from meeting Butcher. He gets really mad, throwing stuff and scaring Ryan away. Homelander talks to his own reflections, which tell him different things. One reflection suggests he should just "go home."