The Boys Season 4: A Setup for a Climactic Finale

Season 4 of The Boys continues its legacy of chaotic energy, brutal violence, and deeply flawed characters with a season that feels more like a bridge to the upcoming finale than a fully standalone arc. Karl Urban and Antony Starr remain the beating heart of the series, with Urban’s Butcher grappling with mortality and moral collapse, and Starr’s Homelander becoming even more terrifying in his messianic descent.

While the season starts off a bit slower than previous ones, with several exposition-heavy episodes that focus more on chess-piece maneuvering than immediate payoffs, it still offers moments of brilliance. New characters like Sister Sage and Firecracker add some much-needed flavor, with Sage in particular bringing an eerie calm intelligence to the table. Their inclusion revitalizes the middle stretch of the season, helping to balance the familiar faces who feel stuck in place.

Unfortunately, characters like Frenchie and Kimiko are sidelined with underwhelming arcs. Their emotional development is muddled, and their screen time feels more obligatory than essential. It’s disappointing, considering how emotionally compelling they’ve been in past seasons. Still, the final two episodes manage to reignite the show's momentum with classic The Boys flair, gore, mayhem, and genuine shockers.

Season 4 also ties in storylines from Gen V, seamlessly connecting the spinoff series in a way that enhances the world without requiring viewers to have seen the other show. The stakes feel real, and the buildup toward a final confrontation is palpable. There’s a creeping sense of dread throughout the season, like a pot just starting to boil over, and it works in favor of the show’s tone.

The season finale ends on a high note, setting the stage for what looks to be an explosive series conclusion. Though this season may not hit the consistent highs of earlier ones, it’s still packed with memorable moments, grotesque action, and enough satire to keep viewers engaged.

The Boys Season 4 isn’t perfect, but it’s a solid penultimate chapter that manages to stay true to its characters while teasing the mayhem to come.