Antony Starr’s portrayal of Homelander is as malevolent as always in first episode of Season 4 of The Boys. His menacing presence suggests that his dangerous behavior will likely cause significant trouble as the complex story of the series develops further.
Homelander is the seemingly invincible leader of The Seven, characterized by his megalomania and influences from MAGA, a creation of The Boys’ showrunner Eric Kripke. Krke has always been transparent about the series’ commentary on Trumpism—a point he elaborated on in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter—and he emphasizes this theme clearly in the first episode of Season 4.
The fourth season of The Boys, which is adapted from Garth Ennis’s comic book series of the same name premieres on Prime Video this Thursday with the first three episodes.
The Boys centers around a vigilante group, also named The Boys, who aim to eliminate the so-called “superheroes” created by the Vought Corporation, a massive conglomerate. Vought developed a substance known as Compound V, which transforms ordinary humans into supervillains. The most powerful among these individuals form an elite team called The Seven.
Most people are unaware that the members of The Seven, while promoted as heroes, actually harbor dark and malicious intentions. However, in Season 3, Starlight (Erin Moriarty) made a viral social media post that revealedought’s deception to the public.
Homelander’s ruthless behavior was finally brought to light during the Season 3 finale. In a public incident, a protester hit his son, Ryan (Cameron Crovetti), with an empty can. Homelander reacted swiftly and violently, executing the protester in front of everyone.
Season 4 dives directly into Homelander’s murder trial, with Kripke crafting scenes that mirror the protests outside the courtroom during the recent criminal proceedings against former President Donald Trump. trial stirs up demonstrators from both sides, featuring the anti-Supe faction known as Starlighters and Homelander’s loyal followers, called the Home Team.
Homelander, predictably, claims he’s innocent in the murder case, and thanks to Vought’s grip on power, he believes he will be exonerated. But not all. Real he needs to fix his public image, Homelander orchestrates a brutal crime aimed at his own followers, intending to frame the Starlighters for it.
Starr excels in the latest season of The Boys, as even the tiniest movements of his face convey a lot. Homelander’s intense eyes and twisted, threatening grin suggest he’s perpetually close to losing control and causing havoc. Simply put, no other character in The Boys has a face like Homelander’s, and his deranged expression embodies absolute malevolence.
What More Unfolds In Season 4, Episode 1 Of ‘The Boys’?
The first episode of The Boys’ fourth season begins in a more subdued manner, contrasting with the sexually charged and ultimately explosive premiere of Season 3, known for its ultra-shocking (yet very humorous) content that won’t be repeated here.
The start of Episode 1 focuses on introducing the new members of The Seven, following the departure of Annie January/Starlight (Erin Moriarty) and Margaret Shaw/Queen Maeve (Dominique McElligott).
Starlight has abandoned her costume and joined The Boys, while Maeve is absent following the dramatic conclusion of Season 3. In the first episode, Sister Sage (Susan Heyward) is introduced; her superpower is being the world’s smartest person. Homelander wants Sage on The Seven because, as she says, “He’s tired of being surrounded by idiots.”
Episode 1 also revisits the gravely ill Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), who has only a few months left due to his brief exposure to a temporary form of Compound V. Although The Boys are reluctant to involve Butcher because of the havoc he tends to cause, the group’s new leader, Mother’s Milk (Laz Alonso), understands that keeping him away will be challenging.
In his last moments, Butcher expresses his singular purpose: to save Ryan (Cameron Crovetti), his deceased wife Becca’s (Shantel VanSanten) son, from the malicious influence of his biological father, Homelander (Antony Starr), who aims to shape the boy in his own likeness.
Antony Starr and Cameron Crovetti in “The Boys” Season 4.
In addition to Ryan, numerous issues are affecting the mental states of the main characters in the first episode of Season 4 of The Boys For instance, Hughie (Jack Quaid) learns about a serious medical problem within his family.
The debut episode features more than just familial strife. Secret Supe and vice-presidential contender Valerie Neuman (played by Claudia Doumit) will soon have to handle her daughter’s raging behavior, which emerged after Valerie injected her with Compound V in Season 3.
The relationship between Frenchie (Tomer Capone) and Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara) is evolving, and even though she supports her boyfriend as he pursues new interests in his life.
Although at first glance, it might seem that the premiere of The Boys Season 4 is overwhelmed with drama, Episode 1 boasts ample gore and subversive humor that ensure a well-rounded experience throughout its 61-minute duration.
Eric Kripke, the creator of The Boys, is once again going all out with the overly gruesome action in the first episode, which is both cringe-worthy and hilariously ridiculous at the same time.
Judging by Episode 1, viewers can expect a wildly unpredictable and highly entertaining season of The Boys. The first episode of Season 4 not only continues the legacy of the exceptional first three seasons, but it also shines with even more impressive storytelling.
The fourth season of “The Boys” is available solely on Prime Video.
