There are several stories in The Boys season 4, but Hughie’s mother’s homecoming is possibly the most perplexing of them all.

The Boys season 4 puts Hughie through the wringer, with the first part of the episode focusing on his connection with his family. Hughie’s father is dying after a sudden stroke, and he must deal with the loss of the man who reared him. He also finds himself confronted with his mother again, and Daphne Campbell’s homecoming brings him closure on her departure from the family years before.

Daphne’s unexpected comeback led fans to believe she’d become a villain in The Boys season 4, however the second part of this episode appears to disprove that assumption. And that twist may have been more rewarding than how The Boys’ season 4 finale tackles Daphne’s tale. Following the fourth season conclusion, the return of Hughie’s mother is even more confusing. One has to wonder why The Boys’ writers included her, especially given how brief her entrance is.

Hughie’s Mom Played No Role In The Boys Season 4’s Second Half

She Only Sticks Around For Hugh Sr.’s Death

Despite The Boys season 4 making a big deal about the return of Hughie’s mom, Daphne doesn’t play a significant role in the latest season. Her purpose doesn’t extend beyond supporting Hughie through Hugh Sr.’s death. After Hughie’s father dies, Daphne mentions returning home. She doesn’t appear again in the fourth season, and she isn’t even mentioned. Given how quickly Daphne fades into the background, one has to wonder what the point of her inclusion was in the first place. Sure, it’s nice to see Hughie get closure over his mother, but it feels like she should have done more.

“It’s nice to see Hughie get closure over his mother, but it feels like she should have done more.”

With The Boys season 5 likely to focus on the showdown between Butcher and Homelander, it’s doubtful that Daphne will get another chance to step into a greater role. While we might see her one more time before the series comes to a close, the latter half of The Boys season 4 doesn’t set up a story for her. That’s a shame, as Rosemarie DeWitt plays the part impressively — and viewers were definitely expecting more from her character once she showed up.

Hughie’s Mom Wasn’t Connected To The Boys’ Main Plot At All

She Didn’t Have An Important Role At All

Although Hughie grows as a character thanks to Daphne’s return, it’s disappointing that his mother doesn’t connect to The Boys season 4’s main plot. Her entire purpose is to push Hughie forward, but her conversations with her son prove she’s an interesting character in her own right. It would have been nice to see the Amazon series do more with that. At least Daphne being a secret villain — or even the shapeshifter assassin — would have given her introduction more meaning.

The core plot of The Boys does not require Hughie’s mother to be a villain. She might have also utilized her link to Vought for good, assisting The Boys in their battle against Homelander and The Seven. This would have helped Hughie and the public see her in a more positive light. If the series had given her superpowers, she may have been a valuable asset to the squad in season 5 of “The Boys.” As it is, Daphne doesn’t have much to give in her final appearance. If we see her again, it will probably be for a quick reunion with her kid.

The Real Purpose Of Hughie’s Mom In The Boys Season 4

She Helps Hughie Grow Through A More Human Story

Daphne’s role is limited in The Boys season 4, but her introduction isn’t totally pointless, as it helps Hughie grow as a person. It seems her narrative is meant to tell a more human story, teaching Hughie the importance of forgiveness. As this lesson comes back in The Boys season 4 finale, one can say that Daphne influences Hughie’s choice to strike a deal with Neuman. He even says as much in his speech to The Boys, emphasizing that hating people like his mother and A-Train isn’t brave.

“It seems her narrative is meant to tell a more human story, teaching Hughie the importance of forgiveness.”

Daphne’s role may have been developed more by The Boys, but she does have an impact on the fourth season of the program. It’s unclear if we’ll see her again, given her most recent expedition has left her with nothing else to do. If she was a superhero or a secret villain, she’d have a part in The Boys season 5. As things stand, she’ll most likely be locked away with the rest of the non-Supes – and we’re unlikely to see it happen.