The Boys Season 4 Review: The superhero genre, plagued by formulaic plots and superhero fatigue, gets a much-needed jolt of fresh energy with Prime Video’s fourth season of “The Boys.” This season dives deep into the twisted psyches of its characters, offering a darker, more contemplative approach that distinguishes it from its predecessors.
The new season kicks off with a bang, immediately immersing viewers in the chaotic world of the Supes. Homelander, portrayed with chilling precision by Antony Starr, grapples with an existential crisis. His discovery of a single gray pubic hair sets off a series of manic episodes, highlighting his simultaneous self-assurance and deep insecurity. Starr’s performance captures the essence of a god grappling with his mortality, making Homelander’s descent into madness even more terrifying.
New additions to The Seven, like Sister Sage (Susan Heyward) and Firecracker (Valorie Curry), spice up the already volatile mix. Sister Sage, touted as the world’s smartest person, becomes a cunning player in Homelander’s schemes, while Firecracker, an alt-right conspiracy theorist, feels ripped straight from today’s headlines.
The Boys themselves are in fine form, though some subplots feel more like filler. Frenchie (Tomer Capone) navigates a complicated relationship, and Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara) confronts her past with brutal finality. Hughie (Jack Quaid) and Mother’s Milk (Laz Alonso) deal with personal struggles, while Butcher (Karl Urban) faces a terminal diagnosis that adds unexpected depth to his character. These arcs, though occasionally tedious, provide a rough emotional backbone that grounds the season amidst its outlandish antics.
The political commentary remains sharp and biting. With an election year setting, the show holds up a cracked mirror to contemporary American politics. Homelander’s narcissism and authoritarian tendencies are a not-so-subtle nod to real-world figures, and Vought International’s corporate malfeasance parodies the insidious influence of big business in politics. The series dials these elements up to grotesque extremes, offering a biting commentary on the fragile state of democracy and the nature of power.
The signature hyperviolence and depravity are back in full force. From standard Homelander laserings to faces pulverized beyond recognition, the show doesn’t shy away from graphic content. One particularly shocking scene involves six naked men crashing a Bar Mitzvah, leading to chaos and bloodshed. Such moments are a testament to the show’s ability to shock and disturb while maintaining its cynical sense of humor.
This season also explores emotional depths, making it the most devastating yet. Butcher’s terminal diagnosis and his desperate attempts to protect his son Ryan (Cameron Crovetti) add a poignant layer to his character. Frenchie and Kimiko’s breakup feels sudden and inorganic, but the emotional turmoil faced by each character adds weight to the narrative.
Showrunner Eric Kripke masterfully weaves real-world events, like the January 6 Capitol Attack and former President Donald Trump’s trial, into the storyline. The satire and political commentary expose the hypocrisy and delusion of the American right-wing, adding another layer of depth to the series.
While the humor is more subdued this season, it still packs a punch. Ashley’s (Colby Minifie) line about Deep (Chace Crawford) captures the show’s irreverent tone perfectly: “Stupid people who think they are smart make me want to eat my own s**t.” It’s moments like these that remind us why “The Boys” stands tall amidst the sea of superhero shows.
In summary, the first three episodes of “The Boys” season 4 deliver a potent mix of dark satire, emotional depth, and unrelenting hyperviolence. The series continues to push boundaries, offering a razor-sharp antidote to the tired superhero genre. The Boys are back, blood-soaked cape and all, ready to make us laugh, gag, and wince at the absurdity of their diabolical existence. The first three episodes are streaming now on Amazon Prime Video.
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