The Boys season 5 just debunked a major Black Noir theory, and I'm relieved

The latest episode of The Boys season 5 has been released and it saw Homelander and The Boys edging closer to finding V1. Along the way, though, there were a few revelations too, including new details about Black Noir's change in personality.

We'll be getting into spoilers from the latest episode of The Boys from here on out, so make sure you're up to date before reading on.

Ever since Black Noir was replaced in season 3, there have been so many theories about who is behind the new mask, including everyone from Homelander's clone to Gen V's Sam Riordan. Season 4 cleared up most of the suspicion, revealing that he'd been replaced by an actor, pretending to be the original Noir.

Yet, there has been something strange about the character in season 5 so far, as he's been much quieter than usual, not even speaking when he's alone with The Deep. This sparked theories that he'd been replaced again or even maimed by Homelander to make him more subservient.

Season 5, episode 4 has now revealed the truth: he's been method acting. "You think going full method is easy?" he says to The Deep. "Do you know how hard it's been to not talk? My most powerful instrument, and I can't use it. But I fucking committed, I have given everything to this role."

Fans have been reacting to the revelation, and it seems like they're pretty pleased. "There goes y’all theories about black noir being Homelander's clone," wrote one on X, while another added: "I'm so glad they debunked that stupid Black Noir theory." A third wrote: "The theory that Black Noir is a clone of Homelander went down the drain. The guy was just acting, as expected."

I've got to admit that I'm pretty relieved by this theory being debunked. While it would have been a great twist that someone else was hiding behind the mask, it's hard to imagine how it would have worked in practice in this version of The Boys. It would have been pretty distracting and interfered with the story that's been building across the final season with Homelander.

The Boys season 5 is airing weekly and it's likely there will be plenty of other twists to navigate in the final episodes. For more, check out our The Boys season 5 release schedule and The Boys season 5 recap.