Life Among the Septics

In the second episode of "The Boys" season 4, the series heavily relies on Homelander to maintain its momentum and intrigue. Antony Starr's portrayal continues to be a magnetic force, commanding every scene with his blend of charm, menace, and complexity. His character's evolution and the dynamics he shares with others, especially Butcher and their son Ryan, drive the episode's narrative with intensity and suspense, showcasing why Homelander remains one of the show's standout elements.

However, despite Homelander's compelling presence, other characters like Frenchie, Kimiko, Hughie, and Starlight struggle to contribute meaningfully to the episode. Their scenes feel disconnected from the main plotlines and fail to sustain viewer interest or advance the overarching story in significant ways. This disparity in narrative impact creates a noticeable imbalance, where Homelander's storyline thrives while others falter, bogging down the series with slower pacing and less engaging character arcs.

As a result, while Homelander continues to carry the show with his riveting character development and intricate relationships, the lackluster contributions from secondary characters in episode 2 leave much to be desired. Viewers may find themselves longing for more cohesive storytelling and dynamic interactions across all fronts, in order to fully capture the essence of what makes "The Boys" a compelling and provocative series.

This is shaping up to be the best season yet. The current events satire is strong but stuff like TruthCon has got to be the easiest satirical target ever. Makes me wonder why this hasn't been tried more often. Is The Boys the only series with the guts to do it?

Adding a character like Sister Sage could have backfired because it's easy to come up with a new character who is super strong or can melt you from the inside out or whatever. You just hand the work off to the CGI folks.

But the smartest woman, sorry, person, in the world is not so easy. The writers have given themselves the challenge of writing a person who actually IS smart, says smart things, does smart things. And you know what, I think they're pulling it off.

Also, to the guy in the reviews saying this show has a "male nudity obsession" UM HELLO? Have we been watching the same show for the past few years? I'd argue it's been even worse in the past seasons!!!

Anyways, as for the story so far..

We get a grim look at homelander and sister sages plans for the rest of the season, though I'm not 100% sold on her loyalty to him. So far I'm really enjoying this. It's a good return to form and this show never disappoints with the jokes, the gore, or the narrative. Though I thought the first episode was a little better this one continues to ramp up the tension between homelander, the others in the seven, and the people (or toys) that inhabit this messed up world. I see where they're going with this, and I like it. THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN.

The first three episodes of Season 4 pack a punch: the references are edgier, the writing is crisper, and the action is better choreographed and more gory than ever.

The music is exceptional, surpassing all previous seasons. Amazon has clearly pulled out all the stops to make this a blockbuster.

These episodes are parody at its finest, exploring the dark side of several social structures and playing it excellently for gags. The actors are all in their groove.

However, I have two minor nitpicks. Mother's Milk and Annie seem to have aged noticeably, whereas the others look as they did in Season 3. The first 10-15 minutes of the season are slightly disorienting because, while we are asked to jump right into the world of "The Boys," it has changed a lot.

Apart from these small issues, the show is smooth sailing and fun viewing.

Initially, I thought "The Boys" was about anti-fascism and the perils of hyper-capitalism. Then I saw it as a commentary on the current American political landscape, mixed with loads of parodies (which I personally loved).

But watching the three episodes today, I realized that this is a show about coming of age and childhood trauma, with the other layers added for cinematic appeal.

The show's core focus is on the past of all characters, with the underlying message that our past completely determines who we are. This is made clear in the interaction between Annie and Firecracker.

I expect this season and the subsequent ones to delve into the past trauma of all the main characters, with the groundwork already laid in these episodes. However, focusing on everyone's past may not be very exciting after a few episodes and could slow down the development of the main story.

There can only be so much exposition before it hampers the narrative.

Absolutely perfect rendition of what the rest of the world see's baked in to America and its politics.

Wake up and smell that two party politics is absolutely useless. You have to both head back to the middle and accept that that's the best things can be. Partisan politics will never work.

Also as an aside do you want to be part of the fascist, right wing a holes or the side that's accepting and generally just a bit nicer. I for one would definitely pick the nicer side. That relates to the boys and general politics. The US is definitely giving off 1930's Austria and Germany vibes at the moment. Time to stop watching the right wing broadcasts come back to centrist politics (which you don't have... lol)

Back on topic, the boys delivers exactly what it should - Over the top, gory, crude fun whilst taking pot shots at the ridiculous situation the US public are allowing to happen under their noses.