Beware the Jabberwock, My Son

A show is only as good as its villains. "The Boys" demonstrated this perfectly in Season 3, which was arguably the best season so far. This success was largely due to the development of several characters into stronger and darker versions of themselves, alongside the introduction of the formidable Soldier Boy. Multiple well-developed villains added depth and intensity to the storyline, enhancing the overall quality of the season.

The makers of "The Boys" seem to have remembered and applied this formula in the latest episode of Season 4. Characters are being rapidly developed, becoming stronger and more complex. This has injected new life into the series, making it feel more action-packed and well-rounded. The eventual payoff this season promises to be epic.

This episode was filled with gore and manic action, staying true to the original brand of "The Boys." It's a delight to watch after a period of slower development. Homelander and Butcher, the opposite sides of a coin, have found their groove, reclaiming control of the narrative. Their interactions and the use of their shadow-selves make for compelling viewing.

The supporting characters have their intriguing side quests, but the show has skillfully ensured that the main plot remains at the forefront. Subplots involving A-Train, Ashley, Hughie, and Stan Edgar are the most compelling, hinting at exciting developments ahead. However, Kimiko and Frenchie's storyline seems to falter due to its over-reliance on past trauma. The show would benefit from adopting the 'show, not tell' approach for these characters.

The addition of returning characters is a cherry on top, though the Godolkin graduates could have been used more effectively. Nevertheless, the episode's high-energy action and humor make it a standout. The song choice at the end was top-notch, deserving full credit to the director.

Overall, this episode of "The Boys" is a return to form, delivering the intense, darkly humorous content that fans love. It's a promising indicator of an epic season ahead.

To be honest, even though I did like the first three episodes of this season, they definitely weren't as good as what you would expect from this show. But these last two episodes have confirmed that this show has still got it.

All of the main plots and side plots are getting really interesting except maybe Frenchies. There are some returning characters from previous seasons in this one and it's glorious. The actors are also all doing pretty great.

There's some crazy action, good humor, and an intriguing sort of mystery here. Even though last weeks episode was a little better because of the Homelander stuff, this episode had me more invested in all of the plot lines. Standouts in this one are Butcher, Neuman, and a returning character who I wont spoil. I hope this season continues this quality to the end.

And in that farm he had some sheep with a v v here and a v v there old McDonald had a farm.

Writing this episode had to be done by writer's severely under the influence of psychedelic drugs.

When you think the weirdness has maxed then they throw some animal farm crazy into the mix with something that's bound to haunt your dreams and reset nursery rhymes for ever.

Then father and son relationships get taken to a next level of hardship with some in-depth heart to heart lesson having to be learnt super quick.

This episode was like watching a train crash into a plane whilst both are caught in a tornado in the middle of a tsunami.

How can they top this one going forward??

Show over all is quality and at least *most* of the plot lines are going somewhere.

It's becoming a bit too obvious with some of the random "loss of powers" during certain scenes though.

The farm suddenly kimiko is not a super human anymore and can't fight off the animals? Nueman can pop a chicken mid flight but when the plot calls for it cannot deal with the sheep? The driver was no problem so I do not understand her powers and the writers just use it when convenient (like the driver). This happened before with homelander not detecting Hughie when he was practically on top of him. The man has super hearing and smell and xray vision. Again kimiko has super healing so why is she ever worried about being hurt?

Starlight and frenchie could just not exist in this season and I don't think it would have any impact to this point. Kimiko likely as well. What is their purpose? At least with hughie it's resolving something and...well...sad stuff for sure.

I think this show is starting to suffer the GoT problem with far too many plot lines running simultaneously and it's barely scratching any one story. There's just not enough episodes in this season for how many characters it's trying to cover.

Just like I thought from last week's episode, it looks like a main arc this season will be Sister Sage's smarts vs Ashley's cockroach-like survival instincts. My quatloos are on Ashley.

This episode has so many interesting conflicts. Will Homelander succeed in corrupting Ryan? Will Butcher demonstrate that he has anything to offer The Boys in his remaining days on this planet besides entertaining, outlandish chaos? Will Frenchie finally come to grips with his past? Will Stan somehow save poor little Zoe from her demented mom? Will Starlight stop crying and go back to butt-kicking?

The story of Hughie and his parents was tragic in contrast to the horrifying/funny plotline on the Frankenfarm. Nice seeing the Gen V crossover even just briefly.

And of course the brilliant MU parody with 1000 superhero movie logos, all iterations of each other. Plenty of awkward comedy. "Black At It," good lord.