Warning: Major spoilers ahead for The Boys season 5 episode 1.
Eric Kripke, the showrunner for ‘The Boys,’ has repeatedly warned fans that season 5 would be dangerous for its characters, and the very first episode has already confirmed those fears.
The first two episodes of the final season have arrived, and they’re immediately intense. The show doesn’t shy away from its violent nature, and we’ve already seen a major character, Jessie T. Usher’s A-Train, killed off.
A-Train, who was the first supervillain introduced in season 1, has been working to make amends for his past actions. In a key moment from season 5, he deliberately avoided repeating the tragic mistake he made in the very first episode – the accidental death of Hughie’s girlfriend – and bravely confronted Homelander.
He lashed out, saying, “You’re nothing without those abilities. Strip them away, and you’re just a miserable, powerless failure.”
While A-Train mocks him, Homelander snaps and violently breaks A-Train’s neck, killing him instantly.
Actor Usher hinted that the character A-Train might die in season 5. He mentioned in an interview with ABS-CBN (which is no longer available online) that he had a private conversation with Antony about it and was relieved to have had that moment.
Usher explained that the other performer significantly influenced the development of his character and he was glad they could conclude the performance with a private, shared moment.
Fans are heartbroken over the character’s death, with many expressing their grief on X (formerly Twitter). One fan wrote, “That scene of him saving the boys, avoiding the mistake with the woman, confronting Homelander, and dying a hero… it’s just too much. Rest in peace, A-Train, I’m going to miss you so much.”
Kripke had already stated he wasn’t going to hold back this season, criticizing other science fiction series for avoiding significant character deaths.
I get really frustrated when I watch a huge, sprawling sci-fi series and everything just wraps up neatly with no consequences. I always find myself shouting at the TV, ‘There have to be real sacrifices! You can’t just avoid the fallout!’ So, honestly, I try not to get too invested in any one character because things rarely end perfectly, and I expect there will be losses.
Roger that, Eric. Roger that.
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Authors
Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor at TopMob, where she writes about popular franchises like Doctor Who, Star Wars, Marvel, House of the Dragon, and Good Omens. Before joining TopMob, she was a Senior Entertainment Reporter at Metro and holds a degree in English Literature.
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2026-04-08 19:41