Based on the comic book series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, Amazon’s newest original series, The Boys, is incredibly violent and filled with profanity, yet, is quite heartfelt and not afraid to highlight sensitive topics.
The series was developed for Amazon by Eric Kripke with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg producing.
Warning: Sexual assault and coerced sexual acts play a very large role in the motivations of certain characters both in those perpetrating said acts and the ones seeking retribution.
That said, when this does come into play, it isn’t showcased for laughs the acts themselves are never shown on screen.
The Plot
Upon the accidental death of his girlfriend by a superhero, Hughie (Jack Quaid) is torn between the decision to simply move on and the burning need to seek restitution. An encounter with Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), a gruff Englishman with a grudge against ‘supes’, leads Hughie towards joining a group that works to take down The Seven, the world’s most famous superhero team, and Vought International, the corporation behind the Seven. What ensues is a chaotically insane series of situations and the reveal of an earth-shattering conspiracy.
The World
The lore and background of this world is given to you piece by piece, in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming. The first episode lays the ground for what is to come, while explaining to those unfamiliar with the series who The Seven are and what Vought International truly does behind the curtain.
Here lies a world where superheroes aren’t are only ‘super’ in abilities, with those standing behind the capes being downright diabolical.
The Cast
There’s something to be said about the cast of the series, with each of the characters being played to absolute perfection. The depiction of each character entices viewers to feel an emotional connection with them, be it sympathy, distrust, and at times, downright disgust.
Who Are The Boys
A rag-tag group of non-super powered lads who are intent on bringing down The Seven and Vought International.
Karl Urban as Billy Butcher– The leader of The Boys who holds a serious and justified vendetta against the Seven, especially Homelander.
Jack Quaid as Hughie Campbell– A tech salesman who is recruited into The Boys by Billy after the death of his girlfriend.
Tomer Kapon as Frenchie– A Frenchman, mercenary and demolitions expert, with a soft spot for runaways.
Laz Alonso as Mother’s Milk– an old team member and friend to Billy, who was re-recruited into The Boys.
Karen Fukuhara as {Redacted} – Look I could tell you about this character, but that’s classified.
The Seven
The Seven are the world’s most famous group of superheroes, similar to the likes of the Justice League but with a lot less justice…
Antony Starr as Homelander– The leader of the Seven and the most powerful superhero to exist, also considers himself to be God-like and a patriot.
Erin Moriarty as Annie January/Starlight– Easily the most innocent person in the series and the newest recruit to The Seven.
Jessie Usher as A-Train– A speedster who is more than wickedly self-absorbed. It was A-Train who was responsible for the death of Hughie’s girlfriend.
Dominque McElligott as Queen Maeve– The second in command of The Seven and Homelander’s ex-girlfriend.
Chace Crawford as The Deep– The fish guy who can talk to dolphins. Has some serious issues.
Alex Hassell as Translucent– A man with diamond like skin which can turn invisible. Has zero boundaries.
Nathan Mitchell as Black Noir– Probably the most mysterious hero of The Seven. In fact he doesn’t say a word throughout the entire season.
Other Notable characters
Simon Pegg as Hughie’s father
Elisabeth Shu as Madelyn Stillwell
Jennifer Esposito as Susan Raynor
Nicola Correia-Damude as Elena
What We Like
The Boys is an absolute blast to watch and its eight-episode first season is extremely tight, concise and leaves little to no fluff. The story is incredibly compelling especially when the larger conspiracy comes into play.
The dynamic between the various characters are absolutely spot on with intense chemistry that only spectacular writing and acting can bring about.
What We Didn’t Like
The sexual aspect of the story comes up often as a motivator for certain characters. If you’re concerned about this part of the story, I think it’s done well but it’s also understandable if you choose not to watch the series for that reason.
I do wish there was a bit more focus on Black Noir and the member of The Seven known as Lamplighter, as he was replaced for some unknown reason by Starlight.
There was a moment when Karl Urban was giving a speech and his accent drifted away from his British one to his native New Zealand accent, however given the tone of the show, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this was on purpose.
Final Thoughts
With an intense final episode and a rather massive cliff-hanger that will have severe consequences for the world, I can’t wait for season 2, which was greenlit only a week before the first season hit Amazon Video.
The Boys comes highly recommended.
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by Luke Hancock.