smokingpaper
THE BOYS REVIEW, CAST, AND REASONS NOT TO MISS THE SHOW!
“The Boys” the subversive and darkly comedic series that took the superhero genre by storm, is making its highly anticipated return for a third season. But this time, it’s coming back bigger and bolder than ever.
With a reputation for pushing boundaries and challenging the conventions of the superhero genre, “The Boys” has gained a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim for its unique take on super-powered individuals and the corporations that profit from them. As the series prepares to launch its third season, fans can expect more of what they love, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
Let’s see why The Boys is a worth-watching series!
THE BOYS
Eric Kripke‘s edgy and irreverent spin on superheroes in “The Boys” has often been compared to a mix of “Watchmen” and “South Park”. It’s a well-worn cynicism aimed at the current state of superhero culture and entertainment, served with generous helpings of graphic violence and adult content. To its credit, the show maintains its unapologetic, over-the-top approach that has made it a favorite on Amazon Prime Video. It also manages to inject some fresh elements into its diverse cast of characters.
However, as the show hits its third season, the novelty is starting to wear thin. The satirical edge appears to be losing some of its bite, and the characters are navigating paths we’ve seen before, making it feel somewhat less impactful.
The last time we saw The Boys and their archenemies, The Seven, a corporate-sponsored superhero group, things were in disarray. The revelation that Stormfront, a new superhero played by Aya Cash, was a Nazi, and her alliance with Homelander, portrayed by Antony Starr, had tarnished his image in the public eye. A-Train, played by Jessie T. Usher, is struggling to reinvent himself after a heart condition hampers his super-speed abilities.
Meanwhile, Queen Maeve, portrayed by Dominique McElligott, has become disillusioned after her identity as corporate interests co-opted a queer woman. Notably, the portrayal of “Queen Maeve’s Inclusive Kingdom” feels like a commentary on the superficial support of LGBTQ+ causes by corporations during Pride Month .
Reviving the Hunt: The Boys’ Quest to Eliminate Superhero Icons
The members of The Boys have gone their separate ways, each yearning for a taste of normalcy. The relentless and gruff Billy Butcher, played by Karl Urban, finds himself entangled in a highly regulated superhero task force that’s drowning in bureaucracy, a far cry from his usual super-hunting escapades. Meanwhile, Mother’s Milk, portrayed by Milk Laz Alonso, seeks retirement in pursuit of being a devoted husband and father once more.
On the other hand, Mute Kimiko, brought to life by Karen Fukuhara, harbors dreams of shedding her superpowers to embrace the world of speech, dance, and song, all with her steadfast companion, Frenchie, played by Tomer Capone, by her side.
As for Baby Hughie, portrayed by Jack Quaid, he’s living the high life, enjoying a very public relationship with Starlight, brilliantly portrayed by C. Starlight’s girl-next-door image might just be the key to redeeming the image of The Seven.
Hughie also unexpectedly finds himself working for a political aspirant bearing a striking resemblance to AOC, Victoria Neuman, portrayed by Claudia Doumit. The twist? We discovered in the previous season’s finale that Victoria is behind the explosive demise of several members of Congress, all in her ruthless pursuit of power.
However, even though the mighty Homelander is down, he’s far from defeated. Billy has concocted a plan to bring an end to the formidable foe: locate the weapon that supposedly vanquished Soldier Boy, played by Jensen Ackles.
Soldier Boy, a super-soldier akin to Captain America and a founding member of Payback, a pre-Seven superhero team from the ’70s, is the target. The aim? To turn the tables on this star-spangled sociopath. Billy’s quest will draw the remaining members of The Boys back together, reigniting their mission to take down renowned superheroes, one caped crusader at a time.
The Boys’ Ambitious Approach: A Double-Edged Satirical Sword
The fact that this comprehensive summary overlooks a significant portion of the show’s major subplots, characters, and comedic elements is both the biggest asset and the most significant drawback of “The Boys”.
The show, produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, deserves credit for wholeheartedly embracing its concept and employing the intricately constructed world it has created to offer critical insights into a broad spectrum of issues. These critiques span from the commercialization of DC and Marvel to The Seven’s self-centered movies, which serve as both a cash cow and a reputation booster.
The show also doesn’t shy away from tackling real-world topics like the increasing prominence of white supremacy and right-wing reactionary politics. The season kicks off with a public backlash against The Seven for admitting a Nazi into their ranks.
As the season unfolds, characters like Homelander become more vocal about their disdain for the public, echoing Stormfront’s sentiments from the previous season’s finale: “People resonate with my message. They believe in it. They just have an issue with the word ‘Nazi.’ That’s all”.
However, the challenge is that “The Boys” attempts to address a multitude of charged political issues without having the time or depth to explore them thoroughly. Instead, it presents satirical reflections on our own world’s surreal sociopolitical landscape with a tongue-in-cheek approach. Some satirical elements work well in isolation, such as the poignant rendition of “Imagine” in response to a mass murder, and A-Train’s comical take on Kendall Jenner’s protest ad against Pepsi.
Nevertheless, the in-universe media creations within the show are more effective than their integration into the narrative. Analogous situations like COVID lockdowns and misinformation from media outlets akin to Fox News tend to become repetitive as the season progresses.
The same holds for the crass and irreverent humor that initially defined the show but has lost some of its novelty this season. While graphic violence and gore still occur with dark humor, it becomes less shocking over time. Even when the series introduces a colossal superheroic orgy in episode six, the response is more of an amused chuckle than a genuine surprise.
The extensive cast only adds to the challenge, with the hour-long episodes feeling overcrowded with characters and plot lines, making it difficult to manage multiple story arcs. Characters like Maeve and Mother’s Milk seem sidelined for a substantial part of the season.
The Deep’s isolated storyline, centering around an exaggerated interpretation of the Aquaman-fish joke, feels overextended, particularly when compared to the brevity and humor with which HBO Max’s “Peacemaker” approached a similar topic.
The cast continues to deliver strong performances, and there are a few new standouts, such as Jensen Ackles as Soldier Boy, who offers a fresh take on an anti-Chris Evans character. However, the show’s inclination for indulgence makes it challenging to let go of certain elements, even if it means pushing them to the limits of absurdity.
Third Season of The Boys
In its third season, “The Boys” has undergone some maturation, but it has also expanded significantly, to the extent that it becomes quite challenging to fully grasp its extensive ensemble of characters and the intricate web of political maneuvering they must navigate. Undoubtedly, this may be a sensation that eases when viewers follow the show every week, as per Prime’s episode release schedule.
However, when condensed into a single eight-hour marathon of misanthropic chaos, “The Boys” can be a bit overwhelming, and the superficial flaws in its superhero and societal commentaries become increasingly apparent.
RECENT POSTS
HOW TO GET OVER A BREAKUP: SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU
To learn how to overcome a romantic breakup, you must keep in mind that although it is a difficult task to achieve, the truth is that you can always move forward. Human resilience will help you overcome any adversity. The breakup of a couple is a painful experience, an overwhelming situation that affects you physically, […]
BAD COUPLE TATTOOS: HORRIBLE BUT FUNNY!
Obtaining a tattoo on the body is a desire that nearly everyone wishes to accomplish in their lifetime. Making mistakes is a natural part of life, yet certain individuals have unfortunately selected ill-advised tattoos that come with lasting consequences. These couples have selected mismatched tattoos that won’t simply fade away within a week. Take a […]
ORBITING DATING, WHAT IS IT?
Just when you thought you were getting the hang of what ghosting was, or even the whole stalking thing, along comes another new term: orbiting. It seems like navigating relationships has become even trickier since social media stepped into the scene. New terms and behaviors keep popping up, ones we never had to deal with […]
DOES MARIJUANA HELP WITH STRESS, REAL OR MYTH?
If there’s one thing that marijuana reigns supreme for, it’s because it has always had an incredibly close relationship with stress. The medicinal benefits of cannabis are the solution to everything that stress can generate in our bodies. This leads us precisely to want to delve into cannabis and stress in this post and take […]
SPANNABIS BARCELONA 2024: THE MOST SPECIAL NEWS!
Being in Barcelona for the International Cannabis Awards and Spannabis Fair Week is like visiting the Holy Grail of the marijuana world. Thousands of enthusiasts descended upon the glorious ancient city of Barcelona on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, both as tourists and smokers, eager to immerse themselves in the sights and the smokes. Unfortunately, the […]
GREENWASHING: WHAT IS IT AND HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT?
Every day, people are becoming increasingly aware of their role in society and the need to protect and care for the environment. It’s a conscious and radical shift that allows no delays or hesitations. This has led some companies, whose economic activities affect the environment and health, to significantly reduce their consumption levels and therefore […]
WHY IS MY PHONE GETTING HOT? HOW TO AVOID IT
All phones can experience occasional heat buildup, which becomes problematic when it reaches a level that causes discomfort or triggers unusual behavior. Fortunately, there are simple measures you can take to prevent your phone from overheating. Why does my phone heat up? Typically, phone overheating occurs due to factors such as excessive usage, a stressed […]
TAKE YOUR ADRENALINE TO THE MAXIMUM WITH POWERBOCKING
Powerbocking, also referred to as “power-rizing,” “blade running,” and “jump stilting,” is a sport where athletes utilize specialized leg attachments called jumping stilts. These jumping stilts are curved in form and equipped with springs, enabling users to achieve remarkable heights when jumping. They are known to enhance an athlete’s performance across various activities, with claims […]
UNDERWATER MUSEUM: ART UNDERWATER IN CANCUN
If you love exploring the underwater world, this museum is for you. The Underwater Museum of Art (Museo Subacuático de Arte – MUSA) in Cancun, Mexico, is the perfect destination for all enthusiasts of the underwater world. This incredible underwater museum features a wide variety of artistic installations and sculptures designed for you to enjoy […]
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK: A PLACE YOU SHOULD KNOW
Mount Rainier became a national park because people with different views worked together. They wanted to save its beautiful scenery from being lost forever. Over six years, several businessmen, scientists, educators, mountaineers, and environmentalists united to advocate before Congress to protect Mount Rainier as a national park. Their hard work paid off when President McKinley […]
ROCKVILLE FESTIVAL 2024 LINEUP, ARTISTS, AND MORE
In the vibrant realm of music, Welcome to Rockville has arisen as a beacon for rock and metal enthusiasts. This festival, which had its humble beginnings in Jacksonville, has evolved dramatically, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene. In this editorial journey, we will delve into the history of Welcome to Rockville, from its […]
DEADPOOL 3: THE FAVORITE ANTI-HERO RETURNS
The buzz surrounding the film is undeniable, and with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman returning as one of the most beloved X-Men, Wolverine, many rumors suggest that Deadpool 3 has every chance of becoming the biggest event in the Spider-Man Multiverse. Especially since it will be the only confirmed Marvel Studios film for 2024! What […]
WHAT IS BLACKWORK TATTOO?
Blackwork tattooing is a style that relies exclusively on black ink, favored by many tattoo artists who prioritize its use over other colors. Currently, there’s a significant demand for this style, reflecting its popularity among both artists and clients! Executing blackwork tattoos poses a challenge due to its versatility, encompassing various techniques and design approaches. […]
OSCARS 2024: THE WINNERS OF THE 96TH EDITION
The Oscars might not be breaking any viewership records in recent years. The numbers are dropping, and the competition is getting tougher. Audiences are tuning into streaming platforms or exploring other forms of entertainment like video games, the new big thing in the leisure industry. The Oscars persist and will continue to be a spectacle […]
CANNABIS CAKE: SPACE CAKE RECIPE
Space cakes truly live up to their name. It’s like having your favorite cake but with a magical touch of herb! Almost every coffee shop in Amsterdam has some type of space cake on their menu, and more people are daring to try them to experience a discreet and delicious edible high. The good news […]
SMOKING PAPER TURNS 100 AND CELEBRATES IT: 100 YEARS SHARING!
Smoking Paper Turns 100 Years, discover the contest: 100 years sharing.
Newsletters
Last Minute new From Roll & Feel Sign-up
news
POPULAR CATEGORIES
