A Review of The Boys Season 4, Episode 1: "Department of Dirty Tricks"



Recap:
"The Boys" season 4 kicks off with an explosive return, setting the tone for another thrilling, darkly humorous, and politically charged season. Episode 1 reintroduces us to the core characters while laying the groundwork for the conflicts and alliances to come. 

Plot Highlights:

Homelander's New Reality:
   Homelander, grappling with the fallout from the previous season's climax, struggles to maintain his public image while dealing with internal turmoil. His relationship with Ryan, his super-powered son, becomes more complex, as he tries to mold Ryan in his image, leading to chilling moments that hint at Ryan's potential darkness.

Butcher's Mission:
   Billy Butcher is as determined as ever to bring down Vought and the Supes. His tactics have become even more ruthless, and he’s willing to cross lines that he previously hesitated to. His dynamic with Hughie and the rest of the team is tense, as they question the morality of their actions.

Starlight's Dilemma:
   Starlight faces her own battles within The Seven. Her relationship with Hughie is strained due to the constant danger and secrets. She’s caught between her role as a hero and her need to expose the corruption within Vought, leading to some daring moves that put her at odds with her teammates.

New Supes and Threats:
   The episode introduces new characters with unique powers and questionable loyalties. These fresh faces add to the intrigue, hinting at upcoming power struggles within The Seven and beyond. 

Maeve and The Deep:
   Queen Maeve continues her quiet resistance against Homelander, seeking allies in unexpected places. Meanwhile, The Deep's storyline takes a bizarre yet fascinating turn, as he tries to reclaim his status and dignity within the group.

Social Commentary:
   True to its nature, the episode doesn't shy away from sharp social and political commentary. The narrative weaves in themes of media manipulation, corporate greed, and the hero worship culture, making the audience reflect on real-world parallels.

Score: 9/10

Season 4, Episode 1 of "The Boys" is a strong opener that balances character development, plot advancement, and the show's signature dark humor and brutality. The episode sets up multiple story arcs that promise an intense and engaging season. The writing is sharp, the performances are compelling, and the action sequences are as thrilling as ever. The only downside is the episode's heavy reliance on setting up future plot points, which slightly hampers its standalone impact. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise fantastic start to the season.

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