“The Boys” Season 4: A Satirical Look at Modern Divisions and Leadership

Amazon Prime Video’s Emmy-winning series “The Boys” returns with Season 4, continuing its exploration of a world where corrupt superpowered individuals, known as “Supes,” are challenged by a group of vigilantes called “The Boys.” Show creator Eric Kripke aims to offer a poignant warning about the dangers of following divisive leaders, embodied by Homelander, the most powerful “Supe” who believes in the superiority of superpowered beings over humans.

Kripke highlights how the show reflects current societal issues. “The point the show is trying to make is we’re all being manipulated into intense polarization through algorithms, social media, disinformation, billionaires, and politicians. It serves them to have us all be angry at each other,” he explains.

Season 4 features returning stars Antony Starr as Homelander, Karl Urban as William Butcher, Jack Quaid, Erin Moriarty, Chace Crawford, Laz Alonso, Tomer Capone, Jessie T. Usher, and Karen Fukuhara. This season tackles heavy political topics such as abortion, racism, feminism, and other contentious issues relevant to the 2024 U.S. elections. The storyline is inspired by a comic book arc involving a fictional presidential election and a plot to overthrow the president.

Homelander, portrayed by Starr, embodies the political right, while Starlight, played by Erin Moriarty, champions the political left, advocating for women’s rights. Moriarty emphasizes the importance of complex female characters. “I want female characters that are as flawed as they are powerful. Otherwise, those powerhouse females in real life are not going to exist,” she states.

Starr, a New Zealand actor, finds Homelander’s psychology intriguing, particularly how Season 4 delves deeper into the character’s psyche. “It comes down to isolation. He’s the loneliest man in the world because he believes there’s no one like him. It’s always about trying to find connection and a way out of that prison,” Starr explains. The season explores Homelander’s struggle with his mortality, a central theme in his character development.

Kripke adds, “Homelander is disgusted by the parts of him that are human. But because he’s human, those parts are inevitable and keep rearing up.” This season promises to offer a deeper understanding of Homelander’s character and the complexities of his internal battles.

Premiering on Thursday, Season 4 of “The Boys” is set to blend its signature satirical edge with pressing political themes, offering viewers a thought-provoking take on leadership and societal divisions.

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