Season 4 of *The Boys* has continued to earn praise for its audacious blend of dark humor, intense drama, and brutal satire. Critics generally felt it successfully upped the ante on the series' signature mix of chaos and social commentary, though some noted signs of formulaic wear.
Many felt that the introduction of two new antagonistic supes Sister Sage, a brilliant strategist, and Firecracker, a fiery conspiracy theorist brought fresh energy and complexity, keeping the show unpredictable and engaging. The conflict over young Ryan, between Homelander and Butcher, added an emotionally charged storyline, with tensions mounting as Ryan’s loyalties hang in the balance.
The season managed to maintain its unique balance of dark satire and poignant character moments, particularly through Erin Moriarty's performance as Annie (formerly Starlight), whose personal struggles resonated as she attempted to reclaim her identity apart from her superhero persona. On the downside, some reviewers mentioned that the growing number of subplots stretched the ensemble dynamic, resulting in occasional disjointedness.
Here are some standout quotes from Season 4 that encapsulate the show's biting tone and social critique:
1. "Heroes aren't born; they're made...in a lab." - An embodiment of the show’s satirical take on superhero origins.
2. "Being bad is easy; staying bad takes effort." - A reflection on the moral descent of characters like Homelander.
3. "There's only one god here... and he's on the payroll." - A line that nods to the show’s critique of corporatized heroism.
4. "The past never stays buried; it just gets uglier." - Illustrating the recurring theme of hidden traumas resurfacing.
5. "If you want peace, learn to make friends with your scars." - Highlighting the theme of personal battles and healing.
With plenty of brutal action and surprising emotional moments, *The Boys* Season 4 solidifies the show’s reputation as both wildly entertaining and thought-provoking, while hinting at some structural fatigue as it gears up for its planned final season.
- This show's in a league of its own.
- Funny but also dark in the portrayal of "superheroes"
- Eager on what comes next for Season 5.