Showrunner: Eric Kripke
Starring: Antony Starr, Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Erin Moriarty, and Claudia Doumit
Genre: Drama
Language: English
Streaming On: Prime Video
“The Boys Season 4” is a wild ride that continues pushing the boundaries of superhero television. This season is fun, brutal, and filled with real-life references, building anticipation for the upcoming final season. It’s a must-watch series on Amazon Prime, especially for those who appreciate dark satire and unfiltered commentary on power and corruption.
Returning to Chaos: After a 2-year wait, fans are finally treated to all 8 episodes of Season 4, helmed by showrunner Eric Kripke. The familiar faces return, with Antony Starr as the increasingly unhinged Homelander and Karl Urban as the relentless Billy Butcher. The core cast is back in action, including Jack Quaid (Hughie Campbell), Erin Moriarty (Starlight), Karen Fukuhara (Kimiko), Chace Crawford (The Deep), Laz Alonso (Mother’s Milk), Tomer Capone (Frenchie), Claudia Doumit (Victoria Neuman), Jessie T. Usher (A-Train), Cameron Crovetti (Ryan), and Colby Minifie (Ashley Barrett).
Adding fresh dynamics this season are newcomers Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Joe Kessler, Susan Heyward, Valorie Curry, and Rosemarie Dewitt. While these new characters add intriguing elements to the story, some, like Morgan’s Joe Kessler, feel somewhat underutilized, despite strong performances.
Brutality at Its Peak: Season 4 is, without a doubt, the most brutal installment of “The Boys” to date. The series has never shied away from graphic violence, but this season takes it to a new level, with every minute pushing the envelope further. The intensity is matched by a tightly written and detailed storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
The central plot revolves around the presidential election, with Victoria Neuman and Robert A. Singer as the candidates. The stakes are high: Singer will reject a law that prevents superheroes from holding government positions if he wins. Conversely, if Neuman wins, she will pass the law, allowing superheroes to become government operatives. The Boys are tasked with stopping Neuman from winning, while Neuman, with Homelander’s backing, does everything in her power to secure victory.
Character Arcs and Developments: This season dives deep into character development, especially for Homelander and Butcher. Homelander is depicted as aging and desperate, trying to keep his son Ryan on his side. However, Ryan is increasingly influenced by Butcher, adding a complex dynamic to their relationship. Butcher, on the other hand, finds himself amusingly banished from his team, a situation that adds a layer of dark humor to the season.
A-Train receives a well-crafted character arc that offers redemption and depth, while Frenchie and Kimiko’s story takes a more unusual and less traditional route, which may divide fans. Hughie Campbell’s family is brought back into the fold, with his brain-dead father and returning mother adding emotional weight to his storyline. Meanwhile, Annie January (Starlight) struggles with her powers, reflecting her ongoing internal conflict.
The introduction of two new superheroes, Sister Sage and Firecracker, who join The Seven, adds fresh tension. Sister Sage’s rise to become the CEO of Vought is a significant plot point that sets the stage for future conflicts.
Final Thoughts: The last episode of Season 4 effectively sets up the next and final season, leaving fans eager for the conclusion of this epic saga. Overall, “The Boys Season 4” is a mix of brutal action, dark humor, and pointed social commentary, making it a standout in the superhero genre.
This season is a must-watch for fans of the series, and if you haven’t started watching yet, now is the perfect time to catch up on all the seasons before the final one drops. However, a word of caution: this is a series best enjoyed alone or with friends who can handle its intense, R-rated content. Watching it with family is not recommended.