THE BOYS (Season 3) -- Another Sharp, Ultraviolent, Shocking, and Graphic Season

Review by Camden Ferrell

Based on the comic book series of the same name, The Boys premiered in 2019 and is about to enter its third season. After the events of the previous season, audiences are eagerly awaiting to see what lies in store for everyone’s favorite group of vigilantes and corrupt heroes. This season maintains the quality of previous seasons with its sharp commentary and ultraviolence, and it still manages to shock its audiences with some of the most graphic stuff the show has offered thus far.
 
After the revelations regarding Stormfront last season, Homelander has reached a personal and emotional impasse, Hughie and Billy are working for the government, and the world continues to change with the times. However, our protagonists find themselves chasing the legend of the world’s first superhero: Soldier Boy. This season sees this large cast of characters grow for better or worse and deal with a whole new set of threats and conflicts. The driving force of this seasons is just as engaging as past seasons and gives the audience multiple reasons to keep watching every episode.
 
This show has always surprised viewers with both its narrative and content. This season is no different, and from the start, you will be kept on your toes non-stop. There is so much unpredictability in the story, but everything feels motivated and well-written. The show also supplements this with its usual dose of violence and graphic content. This season is yet more proof that shock value with actual meaningful commentary and plot can make some truly riveting television.
 
A lot of familiar faces return this season, and they are just as enjoyable as they were when we last saw them. Jack Quaid, Karl Urban, Erin Moriarty, and Antony Starr take up a lot of screen time as Hughie, Billy, Starlight, and Homelander respectively. They all still have the same chemistry audiences enjoy, and they are joined by the usual supporting cast of vigilantes and heroes alike. The character everyone is excited to meet this season is Solider Boy. He is played by Jensen Ackles who gives the best performance this season as the legendary superhero and makes for a fine addition to this talented ensemble.

The show seems to have doubled down on a lot this season and its commentary and satire is one of them. The show is more scathing than usual in the way it addresses current issues regarding BLM, the LGBT community, and political extremists. There are some not so subtle references to real-life people and events that range from hilarious to scarily accurate. After three seasons, you would think the show has exhausted all of its commentary about what happens when people with power don’t have the public’s interest at heart, but this season proves there’s still a lot more they can say.
 
In addition to the commentary, the show has proven that they can go to new extremes with its violence and sexual content. While most of the season is on par with previous ones when it comes to its brutality, season three has a handful of moments that are just utterly filthy and violent even by their standards. It’s no secret that they’re going to have “Herogasm” this season, and it’s about as sexually depraved as one would expect. Audiences are definitely not ready for some of the surprises the show has in store.
 
All of these elements come together to provide us with another great season that has not lost its touch quite yet. These actors are still giving their all into every performance, and it’s abundantly clear that everyone on and off screen are firing on all cylinders for this season. There might be a few small problems with certain character arcs, but these are miniscule in the grand scheme of things this season.
 
The Boys is one of the most sharp and provocative shows of its time, and it shows no signs of slowing down. The story is insane, the acting is strong, and the shock value is through the roof with this one. Expect the unexpected and enjoy the ride.
 
The first three episodes of The Boys will premiere June 3 on Amazon Prime with new episodes premiering subsequent Fridays. All eight episodes are reviewed.
 
Rating: 4.5/5