Recap of Events
Episode 7 of The Boys Season 4, titled “The Insider,” packs a punch as it sets the stage for the season finale. The episode opens with Homelander and Firecracker meeting Sage, who has fallen out of favor with Homelander after her recent failures. Meanwhile, A-Train is eavesdropping on these meetings and begins gathering evidence against Sage, which he later hands over to the Boys.
The Deep’s infidelity with his stigmatized octopus girlfriend continues, leading to further complications. A significant revelation comes when Billy Butcher confesses to hiding the doctor capable of developing a virus that can kill all superheroes. This knowledge shakes the Boys, especially as Butcher struggles with his inner demons represented by Kessler, his imaginary friend.
Mother’s Milk decides to reinstate Butcher as the leader of the Boys, despite his personal conflicts. This decision is fueled by his panic attack in the previous episode and the ongoing threats. A-Train and Mother’s Milk also have a heart-to-heart, with A-Train urging him to stay and fight for a greater cause.
The episode reaches a climax with a brutal fight involving the Boys, the Deep, and Black Noir. Frenchie and Kimiko, who have reconciled, play crucial roles in the unfolding events. Kimiko’s traumatic past is revisited, revealing why she lost her voice. This emotional backstory adds depth to her character and her bond with Frenchie.
A major twist occurs when we discover that Starlight has been replaced by the shapeshifter. The real Starlight is found chained up in an abandoned apartment. The episode concludes with Ryan, influenced by Butcher, defying Homelander’s propaganda, signaling a potential shift in alliances.
Analysis
“The Insider” is excellent at balancing multiple storylines while maintaining a coherent and compelling narrative. The episode delves deep into character arcs, highlighting their internal struggles and motivations. Butcher’s struggle with Kessler serves as a poignant reminder of his constant battle with his darker instincts, while his genuine care for Ryan adds a layer of complexity to his character.
Homelander’s interactions with Firecracker and Sage reveal his paranoia and the crumbling loyalty within the Seven. The Deep’s descent into his worst impulses is both disturbing and tragically compelling, with Chace Crawford delivering a standout performance. His relationship with the octopus and the subsequent violent actions underscore the show’s ability to blend dark humor with horror.
A-Train’s journey from a self-serving supe to someone seeking redemption is well-executed. His partnership with Mother’s Milk is a refreshing change, offering a glimmer of hope amid the chaos. The episode’s fight scenes are intense and well-choreographed, with each character’s abilities and tactics on full display.
Kimiko’s backstory adds emotional weight to the narrative, making her more than just a superpowered fighter. Her struggle with guilt and the revelation about her voice are handled with sensitivity, adding depth to her relationship with Frenchie.
The shapeshifter subplot introduces an element of suspense and unpredictability. The reveal that Starlight was replaced by a shapeshifter keeps the audience on edge, wondering who can be trusted.
Differences from the Books
Kimiko’s backstory and her muteness are unique to the show. The comics do not delve into her past or the reasons behind her silence, making the show’s interpretation a richer, more character-driven approach.
A-Train’s redemption arc is also a departure from the comics, where he remains largely self-centered and morally ambiguous. The show gives him a more substantial path to redemption, aligning him with the Boys and exploring his inner conflict.
Lastly, the introduction of the shapeshifter and the subplot involving Starlight’s kidnapping add new dimensions to the story not present in the comics. These elements heighten the suspense and complexity of the plot, providing fresh twists for both new viewers and fans of the original material.
Conclusion
“The Insider” is a thrilling penultimate episode that sets the stage for a potentially explosive season finale. With its intricate character arcs, intense action sequences, and surprising twists, the episode exemplifies why The Boys continues to captivate audiences. While diverging from the comics, the show’s creative choices enrich the narrative, making it a standout adaptation in the superhero genre.
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