The Boys season 4 finale closes with the surprise murder of Victoria Neuman, and fans may be questioning why she doesn’t simply bust Butcher’s skull before he can 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 her.

Butcher surprises Neuman and The Boys in The Boys season 4, episode 8, when he interrupts their ceasefire to argue the squad cannot reach a deal with the vice president. Butcher then utilizes his newfound Supe abilities to finally get rid of Neuman. He viciously rips her in half with his tentacles, and there is nothing anyone can do to stop him.

While it’s understandable that The Boys can’t stop Butcher from 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ing Neuman, it’s unclear why Neuman doesn’t protect herself. She’s undoubtedly taken off guard by Butcher’s unexpected presence, but we know the VP is clever when it comes to survival. Unfortunately, even Neuman’s outstanding abilities cannot protect her from Butcher’s vengeance. She could have popped his head with a little more notice, but The Boys’ former commander doesn’t give her that opportunity in the climax.

Butcher Covered Neuman’s Eyes With His Tentacle Before Killing Her

Her Supe Powers Depend On Being Able To See Her Target

In the season 4 conclusion of The Boys, Neuman quickly covers Butcher’s eyes after confronting her, which is why he doesn’t pop her skull.Victoria Neuman’s talent only works when she can see her victim, therefore removing her sight is the best way to prevent the Supe from using her ability. Butcher notices this and takes advantage, wrapping his tentacles around Neuman’s head as soon as he tackles her. She has no chance after that, which is why Butcher gets rid of her so quickly.

“The reason Neuman doesn’t pop Butcher’s head in The Boys season 4 finale is because he covers her eyes almost immediately after confronting her.”

The saddest aspect is that Neuman’s eyes appear white when The Boys display her body, implying she probably tries to use her gift nevertheless. Neuman appears to battle till the end, but the amount of his struggle is not shown to viewers. Butcher makes sure Neuman can’t truly hit back at him — but it’s unclear if her powers would work against Karl Urban’s character even if she could see him.

Neuman May Not Have Been Able To Kill Butcher Anyway

Her Head-Popping Doesn’t Work On Homelander

Even if Butcher and Neuman fought fairly, the latter’s powers may not have been effective against The Boys’ previous commander. Neuman’s mind-blowing power fails to impress Homelander, demonstrating that there are limitations to what she can do — and they appear to be determined by the strength of the other person’s body. We don’t sure how powerful Butcher is now that he’s a Supe, but he may be approaching Homelander’s level of strength. If that’s the case, Neuman may not have been able to save herself anyhow. This would seal her destiny in The Boys season 4’s finale.

Butcher Kills Victoria Neuman | The Boys Season 4 Episode 8