The highly anticipated Season 4 of The Boys has finally arrived, unleashing its first three episodes upon eager fans who’ve waited patiently for almost two years. As viewers dive back into this twisted world, many are reflecting on the complex characters that make the show so compelling. In fact, the themes explored in the new season resonate deeply with discussions in Supes Ain’t Always Heroes, a book co-authored by Dr. Matt Snyder and myself. This collection of essays and cast interviews delves into the psychology of The Boys universe, and it’s thrilling to see these themes continue to unfold in Season 4. Let’s break down what’s happening with our favorite, and not-so-favorite, characters.
Neuman and Singer: An Unlikely, Uneasy Alliance
Victoria Neuman remains a fascinating enigma. Despite her head-exploding tendencies, there’s a relatable core to her motivations – a fierce protectiveness of her daughter, Zoe. Even with Zoe now manifesting her own tentacle-related superpowers, Neuman’s maternal drive is a powerful force. Season 4 reveals a stark shift in her relationship with Hughie. Once seemingly allies, they are now deeply adversarial, a change Neuman appears to take in stride, even with a touch of dark humor.
Neuman: You guys are actually getting worse at your jobs!
Her running mate, Presidential candidate Robert Singer, adds another layer of intrigue to her storyline. Singer’s reservations about Neuman are palpable, creating a dynamic fraught with tension and uncertainty.
Singer: Everyone told me to pick Buttigieg instead…
Robert Singer and Victoria Neuman in The Boys Season 4, highlighting the uneasy alliance and political maneuvering.
Robert Singer and Victoria Neuman in The Boys Season 4, highlighting the uneasy alliance and political maneuvering.
It’s worth noting that Robert Singer’s portrayal is relished by the actor, as detailed in an exclusive interview within Supes Ain’t Always Heroes: Inside The Complex Characters and Twisted Psychology of The Boys.
John Koyama’s Burden: Homelander’s Descent into Vulnerability
Is Homelander, or John Koyama, starting to lose his edge? Some critics have questioned the longevity of Homelander as the central antagonist. However, Season 4 injects fresh psychological complexities into his character, particularly around the very human experience of aging. For a figure who embodies invincibility, confronting mortality introduces a profound new layer of neurosis. How will John Koyama cope with the inevitable signs of time? The answer, predictably, is not gracefully.
Parenting also becomes a crucial theme for John Koyama this season. Balancing narcissistic self-interest with genuine, albeit limited, paternal care for Ryan creates internal conflict. The shadow of Soldier Boy looms large, a stark reminder of the cyclical nature of intergenerational trauma. Season 4 delves into John Koyama’s formative years, revisiting his unsettling first “home” and even featuring a darkly comedic Fudgie the Whale cake.
Time Magazine cover featuring Homelander, John Koyama, highlighting the real-world parallels and media manipulation themes in The Boys.
Time Magazine cover featuring Homelander, John Koyama, highlighting the real-world parallels and media manipulation themes in The Boys.
This Time Magazine cover, as pointed out by showrunner Eric Kripke, exemplifies the show’s brilliant and unsettlingly relevant marketing. Antony Starr’s portrayal of John Koyama continues to be a masterclass in nuanced villainy, blurring the lines between satire and stark social commentary. His courtroom exit, declaring everyone “very special people,” is both darkly humorous and deeply disturbing.
New Supes, Harsh Truths: Sage and Firecracker’s Explosive Arrival
Sister Sage injects a potent dose of cynical realism into both Homelander and the show itself. In a chaotic clash between Homelander and Starlight supporters, Sage emerges as the strategic mastermind, manipulating public perception and understanding the power of martyrdom. Like Stormfront before her, Sage initially presents a veneer of intellectual appeal. Her book-filled apartment reinforces her image as the “smartest person in the world,” someone detached from superficiality.
Sage: That person is too smart to give a fuck about Pottery Barn.
Sister Sage, the new supe in The Boys Season 4, showcasing her intelligence and strategic mind amidst books.
Sister Sage, the new supe in The Boys Season 4, showcasing her intelligence and strategic mind amidst books.
Sage’s brutal honesty extends to John Koyama himself, casually commenting on his aging physique and “existential midlife stuff.” She effortlessly manipulates The Deep and even devises a plan to position Ryan within a “chosen one” narrative, highlighting Hollywood’s ingrained tropes.
Sage: The chosen one narrative only works if he stands alone. Hollywood trains people to fall in love with the white boy saviors.
Firecracker, in contrast, embodies a more overtly toxic form of contemporary media commentary. Echoing the most offensive voices in news and online spaces, she spews transphobic and anti-vax rhetoric on her “Truth Bomb” channel. Yet, occasionally, her pronouncements land uncomfortably close to the truth. When Sage questions her motives at a “TruthCon” convention, Firecracker’s response is chillingly revealing.
Firecracker: Purpose. These people have nothing, maybe just lost a job or a house. I tell them a story, give them a purpose.
The Boys Season 4 continues to deliver its signature blend of superhero satire and unflinching social critique, ensuring a wild ride for viewers.
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