The Boys releases its surprise casualty's "last words" – and it fixes the main issue I have with season 5 so far

The Boys has released a season 5 farewell message that only improves the premiere's big death scene.

Spoilers for The Boys season 5 follow.

The Boys' official Twitter account posted a recording from A-Train (Jessie T. Usher, in character for the final time) that justifies his last defiance of Homelander.

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"For the first time in a long time, I want you to know the real me," A-Train (real name Reggie Franklin) tearfully says to the camera in what he knows is a definitive goodbye.

"I just want my nephews to know that when the going got tough, their uncle got tougher… the last thing I do will be good," A-Train said in a moment of defiance that makes the character's final stand against Homelander – and parting message that will ring in Homelander's ears for some time to come – all the more powerful and poignant.

In fact, I would argue this message should have been included in the final season's second episode following Homelander catching up to A-Train in brutal fashion during the premiere. You can see the full clip for yourself down below.

While the A-Train 'funeral' was a great way to mock Vought's cover-ups (including one behind-the-scenes moment that saw Antony Starr go full Homelander), The Boys themselves didn't especially react to the speedster's sacrifice all that strongly.

For someone who quite literally kickstarted the series in a shocking race against time way back in the first season, it felt out of step for everyone – especially Hughie – not to reach for more emotional closure.

Perhaps that's largely a case of creator Eric Kripke originally wanting A-Train to die in the third episode this season instead of its opening episode. That would certainly explain why the ripple effects of the death are scarcely felt as The Boys head to Teenage Kix's content creator house-style compound to test the Supe-killing virus on the mountainous Rock Hard.

The Boys season 5 is currently airing on Prime Video.

For more, check out The Boys season 5 release schedule and our picks for what's new on Prime Video this month.