The fourth season of The Boys kicks off with a riveting premiere that sets the stage for another thrilling ride through its twisted superhero universe.
This trilogy of episodes introduces several critical storylines: Homelander (Antony Starr) strives to cement his legacy amid a midlife crisis; Billy Butcher (Karl Urban) races to reconcile with Ryan (Cameron Crovetti) before it's too late for both him and humanity; Victoria Neuman (Claudia Doumit) remains determined to integrate Supe influence into the U.S. government, paving the way for a potential Homelander dictatorship; and Annie January (Erin Moriarty) grapples with regaining control of her life and breaking free from Vought's influence.
Antony Starr's portrayal of Homelander continues to be a standout. He faces not only external threats but also internal struggles that add layers to his character. Starr's performance captures Homelander's fragile ego and his desperate grasp for control amidst crumbling facades.
The dynamics within The Seven are anything but peaceful. The latest addition, filling Black Noir's shoes, struggles to establish his role, while The Deep craves validation from Homelander. Meanwhile, A-Train grapples with remorse over his dark past actions. These inner conflicts prompt Mother's Milk to contemplate a daring strategy: persuading A-Train to become a covert informant.
Homelander faces trial for the high-profile murder by eye-laser from last season. Protests have swelled around the courthouse and other public areas, reflecting the escalating rift between Homelander's supporters (Hometeamers) and those aligned with Starlight (Starlighters), who stand by Annie. The podcast Truth Bomb, hosted by the Supe Firecracker (Valorie Curry), amplifies Annie's challenges even further.
A-Train surrenders footage proving the riot victims were not slain by the accused Starlighters. The Deep conceals his octopus girlfriend, Ambrosius (voiced by Tilda Swinton), in his closet. Meanwhile, Frenchie harbors a romantic relationship with Colin (Elliot Knight), whom he met in rehab. Here's the twist: Years ago, during a drug-induced home invasion, Frenchie participated in the murder of Colin's entire family.
The addition of Sage and Firecracker in episode 3 brings significant change. Homelander appoints Sister Sage as CEO, displacing Ashley from her position within the company. Ashley is eager to leave Vought behind, especially after witnessing Homelander kill a Vought employee during an interrogation conducted by Sage regarding the stolen footage. Despite her desire to resign, Ashley hesitates, fearing that leaving could seal her fate.
Visually, the first three episodes maintain the high standards set by previous seasons. The action sequences are intense and well-choreographed, seamlessly blending special effects with grounded, gritty realism that defines the show's aesthetic.
Overall, the show delivers on dark humor, intense drama, and unexpected twists. It sets a promising tone for the season ahead, promising fans a wild and unpredictable ride through the morally murky world of super-powered beings and those who dare to challenge them.
New episodes of The Boys drop Thursday nights on Prime Video.
