Kimiko and Frenchie’s romance in The Boys season 4 makes no sense, especially after one scene between the characters that debuted on Amazon two years ago.

A lot happens in The Boys season 4, episode 8, which sees Neuman’s assassin finally making a move against Robert Singer and Homelander’s bid for the White House coming to fruition. In the midst of all the chaos, Kimiko and Frenchie find time for a quiet moment together. The season 4 finale sees the characters admitting their feelings for one another, then sharing a kiss.

It’s a sweet moment, and it’s one that Kimiko is obviously excited about. However, one has to wonder what changed for these characters, as The Boys season 3 suggests a romantic relationship isn’t in the cards for them. Frenchie’s pursuit of Colin at the beginning of season 4 further pumps the brakes on them getting together. And with The Boys sending mixed signals, it’s hard to make sense of Kimiko and Frenchie’s game-changing relationship.

The Boys Season 4’s Frenchie & Kimiko Story Contradicts Season 3, Episode 7

Kimiko Tells Frenchie That They’re “More Than That” After Their Season 3 Kiss

The Boys season 4 isn’t the first time Kimiko and Frenchie kiss, though it’s the first time such an incident is preceded by a confession of feelings for one another. Kimiko and Frenchie kiss in The Boys season 3, and episode 7 sees them addressing the possibility of a romance. Oddly enough, Kimiko’s conversation with Frenchie directly contradicts their actions in season 4. After their season 3 kiss at the hospital, the pair agrees it felt weird for them. Kimiko chalks it up to their relationship being “more than that,” suggesting that they’re something other than a couple.

After their season 3 kiss at the hospital, the pair agrees it felt weird for them. Kimiko chalks it up to their relationship being ” more than that. “

This is a stark contrast from Kimiko’s confession in The Boys season 4 finale, during which she admits she’s avoiding a relationship with Frenchie due to fear. She tells him he should “be with someone better” than her, which is why she pushed him towards Colin earlier in season 4. When Frenchie replies that no one is better than Kimiko, the two kiss. There’s more enthusiasm surrounding their kiss this time around, with Kimiko excitedly telling Starlight about it. And as Frenchie and Kimiko attempt to go on the run together, it seems they’re invested in one another.

What Changed For Frenchie & Kimiko In The Boys Season 4

They Learned To Forgive Themselves

Although Kimiko and Frenchie’s second kiss contradicts their decision from The Boys season 3, the progression of their relationship makes slightly more sense given their season 4 storylines. Every member of The Boys faces their past in season 4, and Kimiko and Frenchie have particularly complicated histories. Both have done terrible things, and they struggle to forgive themselves. After Hughie’s speech about forgiveness, however, the two try harder to give themselves grace. And it seems like this is what changes their dynamic — and Kimiko’s feeling that Frenchie should find someone “better.”

It’s not a perfect explanation for Kimiko and Frenchie’s sudden outpouring of feeling for one another, and it doesn’t fully address Kimiko’s original instinct that they’re more than romantic partners. It does seem to be what The Boys season 4 is going for though, with the series implying that they need to forgive and love themselves before they can be with each other. It’s nice to see them growing in that regard. Sadly, it may not guarantee them a happy ending in The Boys season 5.

After That Final Scene, The Boys May Never Give Frenchie & Kimiko A Happy Ending

Things Don’t Look Good For Them Heading Into Season 5

Kimiko and Frenchie’s happiness in The Boys season 4 is short-lived, as their attempt to flee the consequences of Neuman’s assassination is quickly thwarted by Homelander. The members of The Boys try to go into hiding, but Homelander’s Supe army tracks them down. Gen V‘s Sam and Cate find Frenchie and Kimiko as they’re about to board a ship. Cate brainwashes Frenchie, forcing him to follow her into the back of a van. It’s a tragic moment that’s made worse by Kimiko finally finding her voice — if only to scream “no” as Frenchie is taken away from her.

The Boys season 4’s ending doesn’t bode well for Kimiko and Frenchie’s relationship in season 5, and it’s hard to say if any of The Boys will get a happy ending when the series is done.

The Boys season 4’s ending doesn’t bode well for Kimiko and Frenchie’s relationship in season 5, and it’s hard to say if any of The Boys will get a happy ending when the series is done. Starlight and Butcher are the only members of the team that aren’t captured by Homelander’s Supes, and the latter doesn’t seem all that interested in the fates of his former friends. Still, there’s hope Kimiko and Frenchie can escape their captors and reunite in season 5. They’ve certainly earned a bit of happiness, so hopefully, The Boys‘ final season gives them that much.