Top 10 Reasons to Binge The Boys
#10: It’s an Adult Superhero Show
Top 5 Reasons Ava DuVernay Is a Great Choice for a Superhero Show
Given its subject matter and title, some may tune in expecting innocent superhero entertainment for the whole family. This adaptation of the comic series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson more than earns its TV-MA rating, however, featuring an explicit warning at the beginning of every episode. With its over-the-top mayhem, use of four-letter words, and several moments of sheer depravity, “The Boys” makes “Deadpool” look like an afterschool special at times. As graphic as the series gets, it doesn’t come off as gratuitous or exploitative. It services the tone of the show and provides a unique take on the superhero genre. If you’re looking for something grittier than the MCU, but more fun than the DCEU’s earlier entries, “The Boys” will answer the call.
#9: A Dark Sense of Humor
Top 5 Reasons to Binge Russian Doll on Netflix
If “Watchmen” had an even more satirical edge, you’d get “The Boys.” The series was developed by Eric Kripke, who blended comedy with dark fantasy on “Supernatural.” Also among the key creative forces are producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, who previously brought us “Preacher,” another black comedy based on a comic book series. “The Boys” possesses echoes of a couple movies that Rogen and Goldberg have made as well. Like “Pineapple Express,” the series centers on a ragtag group of misfits who make some powerful enemies, narrowly escaping death around every turn. The show is even reminiscent of “This Is the End” in its depiction of irresponsible, self-absorbed public figures. Furthermore, it encompasses their signature shock humor that sneaks up when you least expect it.
#8: Its Worldbuilding
Top 10 Reasons You Should Be Watching Hazbin Hotel
The first episode plops us right into the middle of a universe where superheroes are a facet of everyday life. In that sense, it’s a bit like “The Incredibles,” albeit much less optimistic. In this universe, saving the day is really more of a side gig for the A-list heroes. Making public appearances and jumpstarting movie franchises are their primary duties with Vought International having a firm grasp on all things media. Without going into too much backstory, we’re immediately given a strong understanding of how this world operates and how it parallels our own in many respects. This world only grows more fascinating as these so-called heroes start showing their true colors, giving us a peak of what goes on backstage.
#7: Its Commentary on Celebrities
Top 10 Times The Boys ROASTED Celebrities
Even if you took out the superhero angle, “The Boys” would be a highly relevant series about how the rich and famous sometimes abuse their star power. We often idolize celebrities as if they were superheroes who can do no wrong. Now more than ever, it’s becoming clearer that celebrities can not only be flawed, but also that some are downright despicable. In “The Boys,” the superhero team known as The Seven appear practically perfect when the cameras are rolling. Unbeknownst to their fans, they’re actually capable of harassment, drug use, and murder. Celebrities may not have superpowers in real life, but many still feel invincible due to their status. Once the public sees a celebrity for who they really are, however, they’re no longer untouchable.
#6: Its Take on Current Social Issues
Top 10 Times Superstore Tackled Serious Issues
In the first episode, a member of The Seven forces new recruit Starlight into an unspeakable situation behind closed doors. Realizing that someone she looked up to is really a pig, Starlight becomes confused, disgusted, and angered all at once. With her job being threatened, though, she sees little alternative but to comply. Based on what we’ve seen on the news and social media in the early 21st century, the abuse Starlight endures here is all-too common. Even with extraordinary powers, Starlight feels powerless to say, “no,” in this eerily realistic moment. This instigates ones of the show’s most compelling and relevant storylines as Starlight finds that sometimes the most heroic thing a person can do is speak up. Only then may the cycle finally stop.
#5: Its Message About Authority
Top 10 Romantic K-Dramas to Binge Watch
Where some heroes like Starlight genuinely want to make the world a better place, others are only interested in possessing power and the perks that come with it. In most cases, the Seven end up costing more lives than they save due to negligence, recklessness, and disregard for human life. This isn’t too different from the real-life controversies that various police officers have found themselves in. It also applies to politicians who put their own agendas above the needs of others, allowing innocent people to get trampled on along the way. “The Boys” demonstrates what happens when the masses blindly follow authority. When mild-mannered Hughie Campbell faces a personal tragedy, he’s forced to choose between keeping his hands clean or raising a fist to corruption.
#4: Homelander
Top 10 Worst Things Homelander Has Done on The Boys
The Seven’s leader, Homelander, seems like Captain America meets Superman at first glance. Imagine if Captain America was a Hydra sleeper agent and Superman went around snapping people’s necks, though. Well, maybe that’s not too hard to imagine. The point is, what if a national treasure was actually humanity’s greatest threat? That basically sums up Homelander, who is the true villain of this story. Actor Anthony Starr turns in a chillingly effective performance, portraying Homelander as a humble and charismatic do-gooder in public. When he’s not putting on a show, Homelander is an egomaniac with sadistic tendencies. His scenes with Vought vice president Madelyn Stillwell, played by Elizabeth Shue in a comeback role, are easily among the most disturbing moments you’ll see on television.
#3: Karl Urban as Billy Butcher
From “Star Trek” to “Dredd,” Karl Urban is one of our most consistently entertaining cult actors. The New Zealand native was born to play Billy Butcher, the leader of The Boys who doesn’t need powers to pack a punch. Urban brings his signature tough demeanor and wily wit to the character, but there’s more to Billy than just profanities and brute force. His vendetta against The Seven is driven by Homelander’s ties to his wife, who mysteriously disappeared. Billy thus treats all supes with extreme prejudice, believing that even those who claim to have noble intentions will eventually turn wicked. Although we empathize and identify with Billy’ motivations, the lengths he’ll go to for revenge demonstrate why there are no pure heroes on this show.
#2: Its Shocking Twists & Turns
Top 10 Shocking Moments in The Gentlemen
Early on in the pilot, we’re introduced to a character who’ll seemingly be a mainstay of the series. Before we even know it, though, that character is removed from the equation like a fly that’s been swatted. This shocking twist sets the tone for a show that regularly takes us to unpredictable places. In superhero media, it’s common for characters to wear a mask in order to conceal their secret identities. In “The Boys,” however, it’s Vought that wears the mask. What appears to be a Hall of Justice is truly a Legion of Doom that houses numerous dark secrets. In addition to telling a well-crafted mystery, “The Boys” is also full of jaw-dropping moments that’ll leave you asking, “did that really just happen?”
#1: It Reflects Our Current Obsession with Superheroes
Top 10 Reasons to Watch Invincible on Amazon Prime
“The Boys” takes place in a world where superheroes have dominated pop culture. With so many bankable heroes at their disposal, companies like Vought can keep churning out blockbuster movies with no end in sight. Sound familiar? While “The Boys” was evidently made by people who appreciate the superhero genre, the show also mirrors how it’s kind of taken over everything. Vought even resembles a few corporations that have gained a reputation for possessing too much power. Some would argue that superheroes need to hang up their capes already while others have yet to experience any kind of fatigue. Wherever you stand on the debate, there isn’t another superhero show in this oversaturated market quite like this one.
