Upping the Ante: The Boys Season 4’s Penultimate Episode Review

As we near the end of The Boys season 4, it’s undeniable that this season’s reception has been more uneven than the previous one. The last episode’s treatment of Hughie’s assault sparked controversy, but I’m still thoroughly enjoying what this show does best - holding up a mirror to the worst parts of our reality and poking at them.

Protesting the supes’ influence on our society

The theme of this episode - attempting to be your own person and figuring out who you really are - is a powerful commentary on our current state. As I watched Ryan struggle with the Avenue Q parody, I couldn’t help but think of my own experiences with my kids. It’s a shame we can’t always be our authentic selves, especially when faced with the pressures of our surroundings.

The Avenue Q parody, complete with puppets of all the supes, was a biting commentary on our society’s obsession with conformity. Ryan’s discomfort with the lyrics, which encouraged kids to rat out their parents and teachers for anything that might be considered ANTIFA or Christmas hate, was palpable. His eventual stand against the director and Homelander’s anger was a powerful moment.

Ryan finds his voice and stands up to Homelander

The Deep’s evolution has been hard to watch, as he’s gone from being mostly an asshole to a total asshole. His treatment of Ambrosius was cruel, and his willingness to kill every fish in the ocean if Homelander says so is a chilling testament to his descent into darkness.

Homelander’s distress at A Train’s departure was almost palpable, but I couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. Firecracker’s attempt to console him in her own racist way was a sad reminder of the toxic relationships within Vought Studios.

A Train makes a break for freedom

Annie’s struggle to find herself is a relatable theme in this episode. Her mother’s expectations of her as Starlight are suffocating, and her desire to be seen as a person, not just a supe, is a powerful commentary on the pressures of societal expectations.

Annie’s struggle to break free from her mother’s expectations

Hughie’s decision to save the Starlight suit and Annie’s subsequent donning of it was a disturbing moment. The implications of non-consensual fantasies are a dark reminder of the show’s willingness to push boundaries.

Hughie and Annie’s complicated relationship

Frenchie and Kimiko’s search for forgiveness is a poignant reminder of the show’s ability to balance darkness and light. Their decision to free Sameer, despite knowing Butcher won’t like it, is a beacon of hope in an otherwise bleak world.

Frenchie and Kimiko’s path to redemption

The episode’s penultimate scene, which saw Kimiko’s leg amputated in a desperate bid to save her life, was a shocking reminder of the show’s willingness to push boundaries. As the 90’s music played incongruously in the background, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of horror at the events unfolding before me.

The gruesome consequences of Sameer’s betrayal

As we near the end of season 4, it’s clear that The Boys is still willing to push boundaries and challenge our perceptions. Despite the controversies and uneven reception, I’m still thoroughly enjoying what this show does best - holding up a mirror to our reality and poking at it.