he adult superhero series The Boys returns for its fourth season, maintaining its reputation for bold storytelling and unapologetic commentary on contemporary issues. The season continues to deliver the trademark dark humour, graphic violence and biting satire of the series, though not without some missteps.

From the outset, The Boys Season 4 keeps the viewers hooked with its audacious narrative and complex character dynamics. The show’s ability to amalgamate storylines, each laden with tension and intrigue, remains one of its strengths. The performances, particularly those of Karl Urban as Billy Butcher and Antony Starr as Homelander, are thrilling and absolutely fun to watch. These adding intensity to the series.

However, this season does have substantial shortcomings. The finale, in particular, feels somewhat disjointed, lacking the cohesive punch that characterised previous season climaxes. The resolution of key plotlines appears frustratingly rushed, leaving several narrative threads hanging and some character arcs feeling underdeveloped.

Season 4 over-emphasises political themes. While The Boys has always been a politically charged show, this season often feels bogged down by its commentary, sacrificing character development and plot progression in favour of delivering political messages. This detracts from the core strengths of the series, which lie in its character-driven storytelling and the interplay between the protagonists and antagonists.

As if that were not enough, the inclusion of unneeded nudity and explicit content seems more gratuitous than ever, serving little purpose beyond shock value. While initially part of its edgy appeal, it now feels like a distraction from the more substantive elements of the narrative. The reliance on such content detracts from the more profound themes of the series and reduces the impact of its social commentary.

All things considered, it suffices to say that The Boys Season 4 is a mixed bag. It struggles with pacing issues but retains the daring spirit and sharp wit that have made the series a hit.

It is disappointing to see the key characters, who have been integral to the show’s success, show little to no growth or exploration. This stagnation is particularly evident in the arcs of Hughie Campbell and Starlight, whose storylines feel repetitive and lack the depth evident in earlier seasons. Some of the new characters feel forced and under-utilised.

These criticisms aside, The Boys still has several high points. The special effects and action sequences are as impressive as ever, delivering the kind of visceral thrill the fans have come to expect. The series also continues to excel in its satirical take on the superhero genre, providing a fresh and original counterpoint to more traditional, sanitised portrayal of heroes and villains.

The Boys probes beneath the surface of power, corruption and the darker aspects of celebrity. The layered portrayal of Homelander as a deeply flawed yet fascinating antagonist is particularly striking. His descent into madness and the consequent chaos are a cynosure of the season. This demonstrates the show’s ability to merge psychological drama with high-stakes action.

All things considered, it suffices to say that The Boys Season 4 is a mixed bag. It struggles with pacing certain issues but retains the daring spirit and sharp wit that have made the series a hit. The season’s success, nevertheless, lies in its strong performances, great VFX and clever satire. Despite its flaws, the fans of the series will still find it enjoyable.

Viewers can look forward to the fifth and final season of The Boys, which has been officially confirmed. The upcoming season is expected to bring a dramatic and satisfying ending to the series. Recent updates indicate that scripts are in development, with filming scheduled to begin in November 2024. The release is targeted in 2026. There are definitely high hopes for the final season to wrap up storylines and present an exciting ending.

The author is a freelance contributor