The Boys season four
With the superhero genre becoming so prolific within popular culture, it’s a testament to The Boys’ vicious creativity that it remains so refreshing and wickedly entertaining into its fourth season. Brimming with political satire that’s as darkly comedic as its squelchy gore, fans of this series will be delighted with what this instalment has in store.
Coming in the wake of the equally brilliant Gen V spin-off show, circumstances have never been more dangerous for the titular team as they continue their fight to take down the powerful Vaught corporation. Following the conclusion of the third season, sociopathic “supe” Homelander (a consistently mesmerising Anthony Starr) has become the figurehead of a fringe political movement and seeks to use his new position to further his reign of terror. With tensions reaching breaking point, The Boys are the only ones who can stop the impending disaster.
As with past seasons, the political commentary is razor-sharp. Showrunner Eric Kripke doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to satirising the political divide that’s seen across social media. Nowhere is this more evident in the latest outing than with new character Firecracker (Valorie Curry). A podcaster and political pundit who purposely spreads conspiracy theories to her enraged audience, it’s no secret which internet personality she’s supposed to represent. And if the comparison still isn’t clear, references to that figure are made at a conspiracy convention during an early episode.
Alongside its scathing commentary, this series is also known for its gruesome violence, which has only been cranked up a notch this time around. There are plenty of squeamishly grotesque scenes for viewers to be repulsed by, with one of the gnarliest demonstrating just how sadistic Homelander has become. Making this scene all the better is Starr’s terrifying performance.
At the centre of the carnage are a handful of subplots that inject humanity into the outrageous action. Kicked from the team, Billy Butcher (a charismatically foul-mouthed Karl Urban) strives to reclaim his son (Cameron Crovetti) from Homelander, Hughie (Jack Quaide) struggles with his father’s health, and Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara) and Frenchie (Tomer Capone) confront aspects from their pasts. With each narrative segue leading to many memorable moments and standout action scenes, there’s rarely a dull moment to be found here.
Everything that fans of The Boys have come to expect, season four is another solid entry into this subversive superhero series.
Andrew Murray
The Boys season four is released on Prime Video on 13th June 2024.
Watch the trailer for The Boys season four here:
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