Last week saw some incredibly interesting developments for the Boys, with a number of tantalising cliffhangers building towards the inevitable oncoming war between humans and supes. If you thought episode 6 was chock-full of narrative curve-balls, horrifying twists, and one hell of an ending, this might be too much of a sensory overload.
The episode begins with a pleasantly surprising cameo appearance from Charley Koontz, or potentially better known as ‘fat Neil’ from the delightfully upbeat, and tonally inverted community. This short sequence ends in horror when the seemingly normal man, who hasn’t aged a day since his studies at Greendale Community College, murders a suspected super powered being in cold blood. Another twist packaged in a familiar face, not unlike Iceman’s appearance as Lamplighter last week. This seems to be something Kripke is having fun with in his meta commentary this year, and will no doubt also enjoy when his former Supernatural employee Jensen Ackles debuts as Soldier Boy in season 3. This scene gives great depth to the different levels of society that are being affected by the other-worldly events that are occurring around them. Koontz’ character is easily manipulated by the propaganda and fear mongering of television and social media, which shows that tensions are getting higher on both sides of this battle.
Shawn Ashmore’s reveal as the infamous Lamplighter was one of this season’s highlights, having already been heavily referenced for quite a few episodes prior. However, those that were overjoyed to see the former X-Men alum join the ranks of the Boys will be sorely disappointed with the characters unceremonious death this week. The rude, washed-up, self-deprecating, porn-addicted former hero still had time to steal some more scenes before his exit, but it’s very sad that we won’t be seeing him light up the screen again (literally and metaphorically, of course). While this 2 episode arc does seem quite short, his death did serve a purpose. In terms of the story, he was clearly needed to allow Hughie to rescue Starlight from Vought, and further rekindle their previously flagging romance. Even more intriguingly though, is the opportunity for audiences to witness the full circle lifespan of a modern superhero/celebrity raised in the age of pop culture obsession and social media worship. Creating adored heroes from damaged and traumatised individuals has historically never done well for mental stability and ego, which is beautifully demonstrated in Lamplighters final disappointment, by not being able to commit suicide in front of his own statue. A tragic existence, and a cautionary tale. It’s not entirely clear what the exact reason for his self-inflicted death was, but it’s probably best that’s left to the imagination.
Billy meanwhile, has suffered some slightly lazy character development this season. His short-lived reunion with Becca was a letdown that will hopefully be redeemed in the final, but it seems that he has lost his general purpose for existing all together. While ‘the mission’ to take down Vought still stands, his determination and drive through the heartbreak of losing his wife was always the most compelling aspect of his journey. But again, this will hopefully be brought round to the forefront very soon. His father (played by fellow Lord of the Rings star John Noble) didn’t seem to serve a purpose in the plot, other than to remind Billy of his humanity in an unsubtle manner. Between this and his reevaluation of Starlight, it’s clear that the writers are signalling a moral change of tide for the character. It’s just a shame that it couldn’t have been handled less clumsily.
It seems reasonable to assume that a re-reunion between Becca and Billy is on the way very soon, given the way her arc is playing out. It was always a matter of ‘when’, not ‘if’ Homelander fully reclaims his son Ryan and takes him away. It’s almost a shock that it’s take this long if we’re completely honest. The real weight of the scenes between them however, is when Becca seemingly uncovers some deep-buried humanity underneath his sociopathic nature and arrogance. Her efforts to retain custody of her son before Homelander and Stormfront fly away with him are ultimately futile, but it’s definitely interesting that she at least appeared to appeal to his heart for just a second. Could this lead to a mutiny against Stormfront? Will his love for the recently discovered offspring be enough to redeem him? Or will Ryan be groomed as the next psychopathic superhero on the block? We’e inclined the believe the latter, but you never truly know the Boys. Now, next week it’s the long awaited season finale, and the fallout of that explosive congress meeting should be catastrophic. We can barely contain our excitement.
The Boys is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
