The Boys Season 4 Episode 1 review, What’s Next for Butcher and Homelander

Review of 'The Boys' Season 4, Episode 1: Explosive Beginnings, Unexpected Alliances, and Future Prospects

The eagerly awaited fourth season of The Boys has commenced with a dramatic and intense start. Episode 1, titled "Department of Dirty Tricks," sets the tone for another season filled with tumult, dark humor, and relentless action. If you thought previous seasons were boundary-pushing, this season appears to escalate those limits even further.

Recap of Season 3 and Gen V

Before delving into the new episode, let's briefly review the conclusion of Season 3. The season ended with Soldier Boy causing significant destruction, and Butcher’s perilous engagement with Temp V left him with only a few months to live. Hughie and Annie rekindled their relationship and rejoined The Boys, while Victoria Neuman advanced politically, now positioned to become the Vice President alongside Robert Singer. Concurrently, Homelander’s public killing spree has amplified his support base, and he has formed a twisted alliance with Neuman, his ego more inflated than ever.

Main Plot Points

In Episode 1, Homelander is seen descending further into chaos, orchestrating new schemes with Ryan at his side. Butcher is struggling with his imminent mortality, attempting to manage his illness while leading The Boys on a new mission. The episode begins with Neuman making a public appearance, suggesting her pivotal role this season.

Opening Scene Analysis

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The episode starts with Neuman (Claudia Doumit) enjoying applause from the crowd, with Sex Pistols’ "God Save the Queen" playing ironically in the background. Her campaign is thriving, and she announces victories in Colorado and Nevada, projecting a confident future. However, The Boys have already infiltrated the event, with Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara) undercover as a waiter, and the team operating covertly from behind the scenes.

Character Developments

Homelander (Antony Starr) continues to assert his dominance, introducing Ryan (Cameron Crovetti) to the public. His indoctrination of Ryan is both alarming and indicative of his intent to mold the boy in his own image. Conversely, Butcher (Karl Urban) is depicted grappling with his illness, engaging in dialogues with himself (or potentially hallucinating Becca), and barely maintaining his composure.

The Boys’ Strategy

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Kimiko and Frenchie (Tomer Capone) are assigned a crucial mission: infiltrate Neuman’s inner circle and replace her eye drops with a lethal mixture. Meanwhile, Butcher remains outside, battling his personal demons and striving to retain some semblance of normalcy despite his deteriorating condition.

Homelander and Neuman’s Alliance

Homelander’s meeting with Neuman is fraught with tension. Although Neuman is hesitant to partner with him due to his ongoing murder trial, Homelander’s confidence and charisma ultimately sway her. He publicly announces their alliance, much to the crowd’s approval, signaling a perilous new partnership.

Butcher’s Effort to Rescue Ryan

Butcher attempts to persuade Ryan to leave with The Boys. However, Homelander intervenes, taunting Butcher’s condition and reinforcing his control over Ryan. This emotional struggle between the characters adds complexity to the storyline, highlighting the intricate dynamics of their relationships.

Action-Packed Sequences

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The episode features significant action sequences. Kimiko and Frenchie’s encounter with Zoe, Neuman’s daughter who has developed frightening new abilities, is particularly intense. Kimiko sustains severe injuries but manages to regenerate and escape, showcasing the brutal nature of their world.

Grace Mallory’s Role

Grace Mallory (Laila Robins) is displeased with Butcher for failing to retrieve Ryan and for the failed mission. Singer’s connection with the CIA and their directive to eliminate Neuman introduces a new layer of intrigue, revealing the high stakes and desperate measures to manage the supe threat.

Joe Kessler’s Introduction

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Joe Kessler (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) makes his debut, presenting Butcher with an alternative to remain with The Boys. Their conversation hints at a profound history and presents Butcher with a moral dilemma: stay with The Boys or join Kessler in a more extreme approach to dealing with supes.

MM and Monique’s Subplot

MM’s (Laz Alonso) personal life is also in upheaval. Monique (Frances Turner) seeks his assistance to locate Todd, who has become deeply involved in a right-wing movement. This subplot adds a personal dimension to MM’s character, illustrating his struggle to balance family and the fight against supes.

Homelander’s Internal Conflict

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Homelander’s internal struggles are highlighted through a series of disturbing flashbacks and nightmares. His meeting with Sister Sage (Susan Heyward) reveals his existential crisis and growing dissatisfaction with his life, despite his considerable power and influence.

Vought’s PR Strategy

Vought’s public relations efforts are in full swing, with fundraisers and media manipulation shaping public perception. New characters like Firecracker (Valorie Curry), who hosts a right-wing podcast, are introduced, adding complexity to the narrative and reflecting real-world media dynamics.

The Boys’ Headquarters Dynamics

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Back at The Boys’ headquarters, tensions are high. Butcher’s clandestine meeting with Neuman, where he offers to exchange Hughie’s information for Ryan’s return, highlights his desperation and the fractured trust within the team. The dynamics between Hughie, Annie, Frenchie, and the rest of The Boys are strained, with internal conflicts threatening their unity.

Homelander’s Trial and Verdict

The trial’s outcome is a pivotal moment. Homelander is declared not guilty, resulting in chaos outside the courthouse. Sage’s incitement of violence further exacerbates the conflict, leading to a brutal confrontation between supporters and opponents. This sequence underscores the series’ commentary on societal division and the influence of media.

Personal Moments

Amid the chaos, personal moments provide grounding for the characters. Hughie faces a family crisis as his father suffers a stroke, and Frenchie’s budding relationship with Colin offers a glimmer of hope and normalcy. These scenes add emotional depth, making the characters more relatable and their struggles more poignant.

Climactic Confrontations

The climax features MM, Frenchie, and Kimiko on a mission to stop Todd and his allies. The brutal nature of Homelander’s orders, which compel his team to commit murder as a loyalty test, is shocking and sets up future conflicts. The episode concludes on a cliffhanger, with Neuman poised to become Vice President, setting the stage for the next chapter in this gripping narrative.

Conclusion and Cliffhanger

Episode 1 of Season 4 of The Boys delivers high-octane action, intricate character developments, and incisive social commentary. With new alliances, personal struggles, and escalating conflicts, the season begins with a dramatic start. As always, The Boys continues to challenge viewers and push boundaries, solidifying its place as one of the most compelling shows on television.

FAQs

• When was 'The Boys' Season 4 Episode 1 released?
  The episode premiered on June 9, 2023.

• Who are the new characters introduced in this episode?
  New characters include Joe Kessler (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), Firecracker (Valorie Curry), and Sister Sage (Susan Heyward).

• What is the significance of Homelander’s alliance with Neuman?
  Their alliance signifies a dangerous consolidation of power, with considerable implications for the political and social landscape of the series.

• How does Butcher’s illness affect his role in The Boys?
  Butcher’s illness introduces a sense of urgency and vulnerability to his character, influencing his decisions and interactions with the team.

• What are the main themes explored in this episode?
  The episode examines themes of power, corruption, family, and the consequences of unchecked authority.