“The Boys” is back, and Season 4 is hitting hard with more trauma-centered stories than ever. But within this first batch of three episodes, one stands out as a personal favorite, striking a perfect balance between plot and small-scale character drama, both exciting and emotional.
Big Picture: Dakota Bob’s Superhero Management Act
The stakes are high as Dakota Bob pushes forward with the Superhero Management Act, now including an amendment banning supes from military, private policing, and government positions. This will be a tough sell in Congress, with many representatives still in Vought’s pocket. Victoria Neuman knows this could spell doom for her career, and the polarization between the Starlighters and Hometeamers continues to grow. Sister Sage is adding fuel to the fire by choosing Firecracker for the Seven, aiming to set the stage for a coup.
Sage Takes Over, Firecracker’s Back-story
Sister Sage quickly usurps Ashley as CEO of Vought, with Ashley staying on as a figurehead. This job shift might seem like a blessing for Ashley, but Homelander’s ruthless actions keep her in line. Meanwhile, we learn about Firecracker’s past with Annie, revealing a personal vendetta stemming from their pageant days. Annie’s past cruelty adds an intriguing layer to their current dynamic.
A-Train’s Crisis of Conscience
A-Train’s storyline sees him directly involving himself in a plot to surveil a meeting between Homelander and Neuman. Hughie plants a bug but gets trapped, leading to a tense confrontation with Homelander. A-Train’s silent save for Hughie adds a gripping twist.
Frenchie and Kimiko’s Side Quest
Kimiko’s encounter with a scarred young woman from her Shining Light days adds depth to her character, while Frenchie’s hallucinations reveal his ongoing struggle with guilt and responsibility. Their post-mission venting session with Annie highlights the show’s ongoing exploration of personal demons.
Butcher and Ryan’s Heartfelt Moment
Butcher’s relationship with Ryan reaches an emotional peak as they connect over a foosball game. Butcher’s confession about pushing Ryan away and their subsequent bonding moment is a standout scene. However, Kessler’s final warning about the CIA’s potential need to train or kill Ryan adds a foreboding note.
Extra Frames: Hughie’s Healing, Sage’s Suspicion, and Unexpected Hookups
Hughie’s heart-to-heart with his mom provides closure and healing, while Sage’s knowledge of stolen surveillance footage hints at future conflicts. The Deep and Sage’s unexpected hookup adds a lighter moment, showcasing the show’s blend of humour and drama.
Memorable Quotes and Questions
- “These ‘vaccines’ that they’re giving out at the Starlight House actually cause autism, and not that cool Rain Man autism that makes you good at counting cards and shit.”
- “Enough yeast infections to open a Panera” is quite vivid.
Final Thoughts
The Boys Season 4 continues to deliver with its mix of high-stakes drama, personal character arcs, and biting satire. The emotional connections and evolving dynamics keep viewers hooked, promising an intense and thrilling season ahead.