The Self-Preservation Society (The Boys episode)

This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. You can assist by editing it. (March 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

The Self-Preservation Society is the seventh episode of the first season of the American superhero television series The Boys, based on the comic book series of the same name by Garth Ennis. It is set in a universe where superpowered individuals, known as Supes, are portrayed as corrupt individuals instead of the heroes the general public believes they are. The episode was written by Craig Rosenberg and Ellie Monahan, and directed by Dan Attias.

The episode follows the Seven as they finally learn about the existence of the Boys, leading to Homelander to accuse Annie January of conspiring against them due to her relationship with Hughie Campbell. Recognizing one of the Boys, Billy Butcher, as the husband of Becca Butcher, a woman raped by Homelander, the Supe decides to investigate Becca's whereabouts and learns something he thought was impossible. Meanwhile, the Boys’ identities are exposed and they are forced to take a deal with the CIA to keep their families safe, while Annie struggles with the truth of Hughie's hidden vendetta against A-Train, a member of the Seven responsible for his girlfriend Robin's death.

"The Self-Preservation Society" was released on the streaming service Amazon Prime Video on July 26, 2019. The episode received critical acclaim from critics with praise for the performances, writing, character development, pacing, and the exploration of Homelander's backstory.