The juggernaut that is The Boys has seemingly hit a speed bump. While past seasons delivered episodes packed with action, dark humor, and shocking twists, “Dirty Business,” episode six of season four, feels more like a sluggish crawl towards the endgame. Let’s break down what landed and what left fans wanting more.
Hughie’s Undercover Caper Falls Flat: Hughie’s (Jack Quaid) attempt at espionage disguised as a low-budget Spider-Man is a missed opportunity. The humor feels forced, and the reveal of Homelander’s (Antony Starr) insecurity regarding loyalty (expressed through a bizarre breast milk feeding scene) falls flat.
Butcher’s Desperation Mounts: Karl Urban delivers a strong performance as Billy Butcher, a man consumed by rage and a ticking time bomb due to Compound V use. However, the lack of progress in his quest for revenge against Homelander leaves viewers frustrated.
A-Train Seeks Redemption, But Will It Last?: In a surprising turn, A-Train (Jessie T. Usher) attempts to be a better hero, saving a young boy from a burning building. This moment offers a potential path for his character development, but whether it sticks or fades away remains to be seen.
Where’s the Frenzy?: The absence of Frenchie (Tomer Capon) and Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara) is a noticeable void. Their dynamic and action sequences were a highlight of previous seasons, and their lack of presence dampens the overall momentum.
Starlight Shines Bright: Erin Moriarty shines as Starlight, caught between her desire to expose Vought’s corruption and the ever-present threat of Homelander. Her internal conflict and determination to do the right thing offer a compelling narrative thread.
The Verdict: While episode six serves as a necessary stepping stone, it lacks the punch viewers have come to expect from The Boys. While some character moments resonate, the slow pacing and lack of action leave fans eager for the season to finally kick into high gear as it approaches its climax. Will the remaining episodes deliver the explosive action and shocking twists we crave, or will season four end with a whimper instead of a bang? Only time will tell.
