I won't lie, as much as I wish someone like Annie or even Butcher to be the one to do Firecracker in, I think I like way the show handled it better. Mainly for the symbolic reasons.
We have the supposedly devout Christian literally and metaphorically throwing her faith away so that she can prop up Homelander as a false idol. Only for her to meet her end at the hands of the devil she sold her soul to.
Then there's the extra symbolism of having a character who is obsessed with all things America bleeding out on a symbol of America.
But it's also a great contrast with how A-Train died at the start of the season. One died bravely laughing at the face of death to sacrifice himself for the greater good. While the latter died pitifully and timidly, begging for her life while she stood for nothing but her own gain. One figuratively saw the light, the other embraced darkness and died alone. It's not at all subtle, but it is fitting.
Kudos to Valorie Curry for playing such a loathsome yet pitiful character. Her sendoff was beautiful and I hope she gets noticed more after this.
