The new, fourth season of "The Boys": criticism

Contents:

• What is the series "The Boys" about?
• How "The Boys" lost its audience
• Why the audience's perception of the series has changed
• Why the fourth season is really bad

What is "The Boys" about?

Ten years ago, superhero films seemed like a genre stuck in the same old mold. Good invariably triumphed over evil, classic heroes made big comebacks, and beloved characters, even after tragic deaths, could unexpectedly return in new sequels. However, over time, the industry began to evolve, offering audiences more complex and multi-layered storylines that go beyond traditional clichés. Superheroes have become not just entertainment, but also a platform for discussing pressing social issues, making them more appealing and insightful to a wider audience.

For the genre to function effectively, it is essential to maintain an element of camp. Silly catchphrases and vibrant tights help viewers suspend disbelief and enjoy the story. It's clear from the start that superheroics don't take themselves seriously, and the audience shouldn't either. These elements create a unique atmosphere where viewers can freely immerse themselves in a fantasy world without fear of the seriousness of the events onscreen. Audiences have begun to lose interest in props, and a demand for more realistic films has emerged. This has become evident in films that balance the noir of The Dark Knight, the cynicism of The Punisher, and the self-mockery of Deadpool. In 2019, Prime Video premiered the first season of The Boys, which quickly became one of the service's most popular shows. Shortly after the successful release, Amazon, the owner of the platform, decided to renew the series for a second season just two weeks later.

The Boys is a satirical superhero series based on the comic book of the same name. The story unfolds in a world where superheroes exist under conditions of late capitalism. The main antagonist is Vought International, a corporation that controls not only film studios and television networks, but also amusement parks, restaurants, and a team of elite superheroes called "The Seven." The series critiques not only superhero culture but also the social and economic realities of modern society, demonstrating how power and money can distort moral values. Money grants conglomerates significant power, and they often abuse it. Conglomerates infiltrate governments and use superheroes as influencers to promote their own agendas. For example, members of "The Seven" star in multi-million-dollar films that portray "supers" as undisputed heroes. This allows them to profit effectively from the sale of action figures and other merchandise. As a result, public opinion is shaped in a way that benefits the conglomerates, creating persistent stereotypes about the role of superheroes in modern society.

Corruption, murder, the use of biological weapons—the conglomerate commits numerous crimes. Attempts to expose it are led by a group called "The Boys," self-proclaimed fighters against "supers." Although they position themselves as defenders of justice, their actions do not always align with moral standards. The "Boys" are antiheroes, and their methods of struggle are sometimes as brutal as those of the Vought Corporation. The series questions the boundaries of good and evil, forcing viewers to consider the consequences of the fight against corruption and unethical government.

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In 2024, viewers can expect many interesting TV series premieres that promise exciting plots and vibrant characters. This list features 20 of the most anticipated series you need to watch. New stories, sequels to favorite shows, and original projects from renowned studios—there's something for everyone. Expect captivating dramas, comedies, sci-fi, and documentaries that will earn a place on your watchlist. These series will not only entertain but also offer deep storylines and relevant themes. Stay tuned and don't miss the biggest releases of 2024.

The Boys stands out for its dark humor, vibrant characters, gripping plots, and high levels of violence, making it unique in the superhero genre. During the first weekend of the fourth season, viewers watched 744.4 million minutes, a record for the Prime Video platform. At the time, only four episodes had aired, each about an hour long. Based on these numbers, it's estimated that The Boys season 4 was watched by approximately 3 million viewers from June 13th to June 20th, 2024. The series continues to attract attention thanks to its unconventional presentation and relevant themes, making it a true phenomenon in the television world.

How The Boys Lost Its Audience

Following the release of season 4, many viewers expressed disappointment, arguing that the series had become too heavily influenced by the concept of wokism. This term, originating from African-American activism, denotes a progressive stance against social injustice and discrimination. While the term was originally used to refer to the fight for equality, it has also come to be used in right-wing political discourse as a critique of an overemphasis on progressive policies. This raises questions about how TV series and other media formats balance relevant social issues with audience expectations.

Wookism is a condemnation of sexism, racism, and sexualized violence, as well as support for various minorities and a critique of patriarchy and other systems of oppression. For example, the film Star Wars: The Last Jedi can be considered a work of Wookism, as the central trio of actors includes a woman, a Black man, and a Guatemalan man. The fourth season of The Boys also displays elements of Wookism, as Team Seven welcomes a new superhero, African-American Sage, who represents a symbol of intellectual superiority. Overall, Wookism promotes awareness of social issues and supports diversity in modern media.

Viewers in their reviews note that the TV series "The Boys" is excessively focused on political themes. Season four delves deeply into issues of nationalism, religion, and media manipulation, showing how these can lead to fascism. However, this focus is not new to the series; satire on current social and political issues has been present in previous seasons as well.

Complaining about the politicization of The Boys is like complaining about the vegetables in a salad. Politics is an integral part of the plot and concept of this show. The Boys reflects on current social and political issues, which gives it depth and relevance. By analyzing the characters and their actions, the viewer can see how politics affects society and individual destinies. Therefore, the treatment of political themes in the series is not only justified but also necessary for understanding its main message.

A YouTube commentator plays a vital role in building an active and engaged audience. They are not just a person leaving comments under videos, but also a participant in discussions who facilitates interaction between content creators and viewers. Comments can be both positive and critical, and they shape public opinion about videos and channels.

An effective commenter is able to not only express their opinion but also ask questions that encourage other users to discuss the topic of the video. They can share their experiences, provide useful tips and recommendations, which makes interaction more valuable. In addition, active comments can increase the visibility of a video in search engines, as YouTube algorithms take into account the level of engagement.

Therefore, commenting on YouTube is an important part of the platform's ecosystem. It is not only a way to express your thoughts but also an opportunity to influence content and its popularity. Participating in discussions not only helps develop your own channel but also enriches communication on the platform.

In the second season of the TV series "Seven", the leader of the team, Homelander, teamed up with a new member, the Nazi Stormfront. Her popularity among viewers increased, and she commented on this phenomenon as follows: "People perceive my words and believe them. They just don't like the word 'Nazi,' that's all."

In the third season of the series, Homelander uses his ability to shoot lasers from his eyes to kill a man during a protest on Fifth Avenue, a famous and prestigious street in New York City. The showrunners confirmed that this scene is a reference to a famous quote by former US President Donald Trump: "I could stand there and shoot people in the middle of Fifth Avenue and still not lose the vote." This technique underscores the relevance of the social and political themes explored in the series and creates a powerful, resonant context for viewers.

The Boys has drawn criticism for what some viewers believe is its satirical targeting of people with right-wing views. However, this is not true. The show also questions the hypocrisy of progressive media giants like Disney and Marvel. These companies often create the illusion of supporting minorities, limiting themselves to symbolic actions, such as changing their social media profile pictures during Pride Month. The rest of the time, they prefer to avoid addressing issues of social injustice, so as not to alienate their broad audience. Thus, "The Boys" offers a profound critique not only of political views but also of a corporate culture that prioritizes profit over genuine support for social change.

The satire of "The Boys" criticizes any lust for power, regardless of political affiliation. The series' primary goal is not to ridicule a specific party, but to demonstrate how authoritarian minorities attempt to control the information space to promote fascist ideas. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which destructive ideologies penetrate public consciousness and shape public opinion.

"The Boys" is a series that explores the theme of fanaticism in relation to politicians, demagogues, and various movements. However, the key problem lies not with the followers, but with the leaders who shamelessly manipulate people to strengthen their power. These leaders are willing to destroy the country to satisfy the ambitions of a few egos, the interests of individual corporations, and the profit of a few billionaires. The series raises important questions about the moral responsibility of those in power and the consequences of their actions on society.

Showrunner Eric Kripke, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, discussed key moments in working on projects and his views on the industry. He spoke about the scriptwriting process, interaction with actors, and the importance of feedback from viewers. Kripke also shared his expectations for future seasons and the impact of new technologies on television. His ideas and approaches to storytelling emphasize the importance of original content and its influence on the development of modern cinema.

Showrunner Eric Kripke of The Boys expressed surprise at complaints about the presence of an "agenda" in the project. He noted that the series was initially politicized and inspired by real events in the United States. Work on the script began immediately after the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, when Donald Trump's supporters, who rejected his defeat in the democratic election, attempted to seize the Congress building. This event had a significant impact on public consciousness, demonstrating the consequences that radicalization of society can lead to. The series continues to reflect current social and political issues, making it an important cultural phenomenon.

The new season of The Boys has come under heavy criticism from viewers, who left many negative reviews. Why did this happen? Let's analyze the reasons for the negative perception and find out what exactly did not suit the fans of the project.

Why the audience's perception of the series has changed

The reaction to the fourth season may be related to the habit of perceiving only positive information. This phenomenon is known as confirmation bias, which describes our tendency to pay attention exclusively to those facts that correspond to our beliefs. This cognitive bias can influence how content is perceived, leading to a distorted opinion of the work.

In 1979, Stanford University researchers conducted an experiment in which students evaluated the death penalty based on two opposing studies. One study claimed that the death penalty reduces crime, while the other found no effect. This experiment revealed how information can shape opinions and influence perceptions of complex social issues such as the death penalty. The study's findings highlight the importance of critical analysis and a mindful approach to learning about current topics in criminal law and social policy.

Stanford researchers conducted two studies that were designed to be equally persuasive. As a result, students who initially opposed the death penalty found the evidence presented to be more persuasive. Meanwhile, participants who supported the death penalty favored the other study. These results highlight how bias can influence the perception of information and the formation of opinions.

When a person encounters information that confirms their beliefs, dopamine is released in their brain. This pleasure hormone stimulates us to endlessly scroll through social media feeds. We constantly seek sources of dopamine, which is part of our neurobiology, so we strive to surround ourselves with pleasant experiences. This behavior creates an information bubble, which can limit perception and impede critical thinking. Understanding how dopamine works can help us be more mindful in choosing information and forming our own opinions. Many social networks use algorithms that analyze user preferences and suggest content based on their interests. This leads to people following only those influencers and media outlets that align with their views. This leads to the formation of echo chambers—closed groups of like-minded individuals who reinforce their beliefs and begin to believe them unquestioningly. These dynamics can limit access to diverse information and contribute to the reinforcement of bias.

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"Destined for Fame" captivates viewers with its gripping storyline and deep characters. This series explores themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the value of fame, engaging with a wide audience. The masters of screenwriting have created a unique atmosphere, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats with each episode, awaiting the outcome. The creators' ability to address pressing social issues makes the series not only entertaining but also relevant for discussion. Furthermore, the high-quality production and powerful performances contribute to "Destined for Glory" becoming a cultural phenomenon that cannot be ignored. This series not only entertains but also makes you reflect on the challenges people face on the path to success.

The third season of "The Boys" was released in the summer of 2022, and the fourth is expected in the summer of 2024. During this time, public sentiment has undergone significant changes. In the lead-up to the presidential elections, propagandists actively spread falsehoods about a "culture war" and the "extinction of Christian values," which created a tense atmosphere. Social media became echo chambers, convincing people that the world was divided into "them" and "us." When viewers began watching new episodes of "The Boys," many hoped to see a reflection of this distorted reality, making the show relevant and in-demand in today's climate. Viewers of "The Boys" in 2024 are completely different from those watching in 2022. During this period, American society has become more divided. Season four aired during an election season, heightening political partisanship and reaching a peak in neuroticism. This is precisely why the new episodes of "The Boys" provoked a strong reaction: instead of the usual reflection of public opinion, viewers saw their own traits in them. Season four is more vivid than ever in its portrayals of those it satirizes, making it especially relevant in today's context.

Some viewers perceive Homelander as a hero. What can one say to that? The series can be described in many words, but "subtle" is not one of them. If that's your conclusion, I simply decline to comment further.

Eric Kripke, showrunner of the popular series, gave an interview to The Hollywood Reporter. In the conversation, he discussed the creative process, his approach to storytelling, and the future of the project. Kripke shared his views on character development and the relevant themes addressed in the series. He also spoke about the importance of taking into account fan opinions and adapting content to their expectations. Interesting details about the filming process and his interactions with the crew highlight the uniqueness of his vision. This interview has become an important contribution to understanding not only the work of a showrunner, but also the entire television industry.

The concept of the "death of media literacy" is increasingly being discussed on the English-speaking internet. Users note that algorithms and echo chambers are making them lose the ability to perceive information that doesn't align with their values ​​and beliefs. If audiences continue to insist that art conform to their views, they risk permanently losing the ability to enjoy it. It's important to develop media literacy to learn to critically perceive information and be open to new ideas. It's important to note the growing far-right sentiment in America, especially against the backdrop of the presidential race. People with such views are actively seeking like-minded individuals, as an increase in votes for right-wing candidates could lead to greater representation of their interests in government over the next four to eight years. In the US, there has been a rise in the number of people openly expressing sympathy for fascism and the characters from The Boys who share these ideas. These characters are portrayed as witty and charismatic antagonists, which attracts some viewers. However, the show treats them harshly: Homelander is ridiculed, and Stormfront is pushed to the brink of failure. This is disappointing for viewers who perceived these characters as a reflection of their own beliefs. It's only in the fourth season that it becomes clear that The Boys has never been aligned with the far-right, underscoring its true message.

What's Really Wrong with Season 4

Viewer complaints and review bombings mostly focus on the plot, but some valid points can be found among the criticisms. These comments aren't about wowism, but rather concern the quality of the writing, especially the secondary plotlines. Improving these aspects could significantly enhance the overall appeal of the series and audience satisfaction.

Kimiko and Frenchy's pasts are a key element of their characters in the series. For many viewers, they have become beloved characters, and it would seem that revealing their backgrounds should have elicited a positive audience reaction. However, in the current season, they have received too little screen time, preventing viewers from gaining a deeper understanding of their stories. These characters' arcs don't significantly impact the overall plot: if "The Boys" had spent several episodes building a tense plan for a crushing victory, only to have it ruined by Frenchy's imprisonment, it might have had a much greater impact on viewers. However, the past dramas unfold in the background of the main events, creating the feeling that Kimiko and Frenchy are simply moving from one point to another without a clear plot line. The creators of the series did not have time to work out their path in detail, which leaves viewers with a feeling of incompleteness and a lack of depth in the development of the characters.

The pace of the narrative in the first episodes turned out to be slow, and many viewers noted that in There were no significant developments. The plot often stalled, which caused dissatisfaction. However, this is typical of Kripke's style. This "weak beginning, strong ending" pattern has been seen in previous seasons. The season finale did not disappoint: against the backdrop of a slow buildup, it became gripping and returned the audience to familiar elements of "The Boys."

Mocking sexualized violence remains a relevant theme. The TV and film industries have made significant progress in depicting violence against women, but violence against men is still perceived as a joke. There is a common myth that a man cannot be raped because he is always ready for sex. If he is not ready, this leads to ridicule and judgment, which highlights social biases. It is important to recognize that violence is a serious problem, regardless of the gender of the victim, and stereotypes about masculinity only exacerbate this situation. Examining this issue in the context of modern media can contribute to a deeper understanding and change public perception.

The Boys evokes mixed feelings about the character of Hughie. In the new season, he faces difficult trials: the death of a loved one and two incidents of sexualized violence. These moments are presented with elements of humor, and Hughie is portrayed as a comical character caught in difficult situations. Even showrunner Eric Kripke himself finds one such scene funny. At the same time, despite the condemnation of sexualized violence against Starlight and the punishment of her abuser, Hughie's situation is different. Kripke seems oblivious to the seriousness of the problem of rape when the victim is male. This raises questions about the show's approach to depicting such topics.

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Studying the portrayal of sex workers in film helps us understand how society perceives this category of people and what stereotypes exist around them. It also opens a discussion about the importance of respect and understanding, rather than judgment. Ultimately, sex workers in film become not only characters but also bearers of important social issues that require attention and discussion.

Season four confronts a phenomenon known as Flanderization. This is a process by which characters over time become parodic versions of themselves. Their most pronounced traits are enhanced, while the complexity and depth of their character are lost. An example of this is Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean: with each new film, he increasingly turns into a comic character. Sparrow in the sequels differs significantly from his original character in the first installment, clearly demonstrating Flanderization in action.

The characters in The Boys are more formulaic than deeply developed individuals. Nuance is lost, and the heroes feel artificial and predictable. In every episode, Butcher cheats, Marvin is focused on his family, Starlight repeats the Triggered meme, and Hughie constantly finds herself in ridiculous situations. Homelander remains the only truly "real" character, which makes watching him much more engaging than the other main characters.

The characters who once won our sympathy have become soulless tools for moving the plot forward. In season four, their thoughts and feelings fade into the background; only what they do remains important. Judging by the reviews, viewers were missing not only deep character development but also dynamic action. The series, attempting to combine action with developmental arcs, lost its balance and failed to hold the audience's attention. Statistically, the audience rating for "The Boys" is 54%, which is understated. Meanwhile, the 92% positive reviews from critics seem like a clear overstatement. The truth, as usual, lies somewhere in the middle. The final season is expected to air in 2025, and this release will help finally determine whether The Boys is an outstanding series or just a good project.