Trigger Warning

I’d like to take a moment to include a few trigger warnings for The Boys Season 4. This season contains extreme violence, graphic gore, explicit sexual content, and depictions of multiple types of abuse. Additionally, it includes fictionalized versions of real-world political events and themes of mental illness. Discretion is advised, especially for those sensitive to intense depictions of violence, torture, and distressing familial relationships.

Introduction

In the two years since my review of The Boys Season 3, the world has shifted dramatically–politically, socially, and economically. The superhero genre has not been immune to these changes. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe in decline and DC going through another reboot, the landscape has evolved considerably. Amid these changes, The Boys has returned for its fourth season, armed with time to refine its approach and capitalize on current socio-political issues.

This season capitalizes on its hiatus, leveraging contemporary issues and integrating them into its narrative. Showrunner Eric Kripke and his team have utilized real-world events, from political upheavals like former President Donald Trump’s conviction to rising social tensions, to create a world of satire that is both darkly hilarious and deeply uncomfortable.

Plot Summary

Season 4 of The Boys picks up approximately six months after the explosive events of Gen V. Victoria Neuman (Claudia Doumit) is on the cusp of getting into the Oval Office, while firmly under Homelander’s (Antony Starr) sway as he pursues his twisted vision of absolute power. Meanwhile, Butcher (Karl Urban), facing his mortality, is no longer the leader of The Boys. With the team fractured and the stakes higher than ever, they must navigate the complex political machinations of an election year and internal conflicts to prevent global catastrophe.

The season delves into the aftermath of Season 3’s cliffhanger, exploring Neuman’s political schemes and introducing new members of the cast like Sister Sage, Firecracker, and Joe Kessler. The series maintains its signature gritty storytelling but often crosses boundaries, making certain episodes difficult to watch.

Cast

Despite this, the cast continues to deliver strong performances. 

• Karl Urban as William “Billy” Butcher: Urban’s portrayal of Butcher remains intense and gripping, showcasing Butcher’s desperation and inner conflict with remarkable authenticity.

• Antony Starr as John Gillman/Homelander: Starr continues to mesmerize and terrify me as Homelander. His ability to oscillate between a charismatic hero and an unhinged supervillain remains unparalleled.

• Erin Moriarity as Annie January/Starlight: I love how Moriarty played Annie/Starlight this season. She demonstrates significant growth, with much more emotional depth and more interesting character development than she’s received in previous seasons.

• Jack Quaid as Hugh “Hughie” Campbell Jr.: Quaid’s Hughie evolves significantly this season, with numerous traumatic moments that make you want to reach through the screen and hug Hughie. 

• Laz Alonso as Marvin T. “Mother’s Milk”/M.M.: Alonso brings a grounded and emotionally charged performance as Marvin T. “Mother’s Milk”/M.M., highlighting his character’s struggles with his mental health and dedication to The Boys. 

• Chace Crawford as Kevin Moskowitz/The Deep: Crawford’s portrayal of The Deep as both comedic and tragic continues to provide laughs and moments of disgust, making his two-faced character intrigued.

• Karen Fukuhara as Kimiko Miyashiro/The Female: Fukuhara delves deeper into Kimiko’s internal struggle, adding emotional weight to the series with her brutal, hilarious, and tender performance.

• Jessie T. Usher as Reggie Franklin/A-Train: Usher’s A-Train reflects on his past and the consequences of his choices this season, delivering a nuanced performance that adds a bunch of depth to a character I’ve been discounting for the past two seasons.

• Nathan Mitchell as Black Noir II: Mitchell’s return is a head-scratcher, but gives the actor more room to be more expressive yet retain Black Noir’s signature mystery and menace.

• Tomer Capone as Serge/Frenchie: Capone’s Frenchie is a character that’s a huge surprise this season, as he’s torn between the possibility of having a normal life and his dark past.

• Colby Minfie as Ashley Barrett: Minfie’s performance as Ashley Barrett is the most messy and chaotic, somehow balancing her duties as Vought CEO while trying to appease Homelander’s latest whim. 

• Cameron Crovetti as Ryan Butcher: Crovetti delivers a haunting performance, capturing Ryan’s internal conflict between his two father figures and the heavy burden placed upon his shoulders from all angles.

• Susan Heyward as Jessica “Sage” Bradley/Sister Sage: Heyward’s nuanced acting brings mystique with authority to Sister Sage, adding an unpredictable element to the series. 

• Valorie Curry as Misty Tucker Gray/Firecracker: Curry (who you may remember from Detroit: Become Human) brings a, pardon the pun, fiery intensity to Firecracker. Her character’s boldness adds a new layer of excitement to the series and Vought Tower.

• Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Joe Kessler: Morgan’s character, a grizzled veteran with a mysterious past, adds something new to the series that I won’t spoil for you here. Morgan’s performance kept me interested in the season, and I hope he gets proper recognition for this role at some point.

Direction

Eric Krikpe’s direction in Season 4 is bold but struggles with cohesion. The pacing often feels uneven, with some episodes dragging due to unnecessary subplots, while others rush through crucial moments. Major confrontations occasionally fall flat due to a lack of build-up. Kripke’s trademark blend of irreverence and depth, while present, feels skewed, creating a viewing experience that often feels disjointed and fails to capture the magic of earlier seasons.

Storytelling

Likewise, the storytelling in Season 4 is ambitious but ultimately convoluted and uneven. The attempt to juggle numerous plotlines–ranging from political intrigue with Neuman to Butcher’s seemingly never-ending quest for vengeance–the narrative feels undercooked. New characters like Sister Sage and Firecracker are intriguing but can’t fully compensate for the lack of subtlety in handling themes of power and corruption. The result is a season that, while engaging, sometimes struggles under the weight of its complexity.

Editing 

The editing in Season 4 is a mixed bag. While some scenes flow smoothly, others suffer from jarring cuts and uneven pacing. Early episodes feel disjointed with abrupt transitions. However, the editing shines in the finale, where dynamic cuts keep you on the edge of your seat.

Wrap-up

In conclusion, The Boys Season 4 is a mixed yet engaging entry in the series. It maintains the high standards of previous seasons with strong performances and editing. However, its direction and storytelling are marred by uneven pacing and underdeveloped plotlines. Fans will find elements to enjoy, but some might feel disappointed by the season’s shortcomings.

Final Rating

​​★★ out of 5 stars

The Boys Season 4 has its moments of brilliance but ultimately falls short in several key areas. It’s a watchable season with strong editing and performances, but its narrative and pacing prevent it from reaching the heights of previous installments.

Where to Watch 

You catch The Boys Season 4 streaming exclusively on Prime Video. All episodes are available for binge-watching (although I’d recommend watching one or two in a sitting), so you can dive right into the show.

What Did You Think?

If you’ve watched The Boys season four, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Did it meet your expectations? What did you think of the new characters and the direction the show is taking? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the discussion on any of the social media platforms I’m on.

Until next time!