Did The Boys Just Parody Stranger Things?

Did The Boys Just Parody Stranger Things?

Summary

  • Cindy, a powerful Supe, resurfaces in
    The Boys
    ​​​​​​, and Homelander will use her as a weapon.
  • Cindy’s appearance draws comparisons to Eleven from
    Stranger Things
    due to her powers and looks.
  • Ess Hödlmoser plays Cindy, showcasing extraordinary skills both on screen and off as a performer.

As a huge fan of both “Stranger Things” and “The Boys,” I’ve been absolutely captivated by the mysterious character of Cindy in the latter series. With her innocent face, shaved head, and non-descript outfit, she initially reminded me of Eleven from “Stranger Things.” But as we delved deeper into her story, I began to suspect that Cindie was something more – a darker, satirical homage to Eleven.


In the thrilling finale of the fourth season of “The Boys” on Prime Video, an ominous character reappeared who had been absent for a while. She is a Supé endowed with extraordinary abilities but also suffers from mental instability, making her a formidable yet perilous entity. It appears that Homelander (Antony Starr) intends to utilize her in his grand scheme as a lethal weapon.

In each Superhero character on the show, viewers find connections to other beloved superheroes or fictional figures. Homelander resembles Superman. The Deep, portrayed by Chase Crawford, is a comical take on Aquaman. A-Train, played by Jesse T. Usher, mirrors The Flash. Soldier Boy, acted by Jensen Ackles, pokes fun at Captain America. The latest enigmatic character gaining popularity among fans brings to mind a significant figure from “Stranger Things.”

Remember Her? Who Is Cindy in The Boys?

Did The Boys Just Parody Stranger Things?Did The Boys Just Parody Stranger Things?Did The Boys Just Parody Stranger Things?

In the second season of The Boys, Cindy (Ess Hödlmoser) makes her debut in the episode named “The Bloody Doors Off.” Initially, she is identified as a resident at Sage Grove Center. When Mother’s Milk (Laz Alonso), Frenchie (Tomer Capone), and Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara) break into the facility, they observe Cindy sitting quietly in her cell through the security cameras. They don’t give much consideration to her presence. However, during a confrontation with Lamplighter (Shawn Ashmore), who is now working at the center, their actions accidentally set fire to Cindy’s cell door. With an unperturbed demeanor, she emerges from the room to join them.

The lamp-keeper, visibly frightened, urges Cindy to stay calm and recalls his kind deeds towards her. He confesses having a liking for her. However, it’s clear that Cindy’s abilities instill fear in him as well. This fear is justified since Cindy, despite being mentally unstable, has been confined and subjected to experiments due to her extraordinary capabilities.

Cindy confronts Lamplighter regarding the whereabouts of others, while Lamplighter’s friend MM denies any connection and encourages Cindy to harm Lamplighter. Before anyone can react, Cindy is struck from behind several times. Instead of being killed, she spins around, retaliating with deadly force against the attacker, giving an opportunity for the others to flee. Using her abilities, Cindy liberates all the confined patients and disappears. Her destruction of a gas tank showcases her greater strength than anticipated. Cindy encounters Stormfront (Aya Cash), who manages to electrify her, but later, she is spotted thumbing a ride on a power line, implying her successful escape.

In the last episode of Season 4, Cindy makes an appearance after being absent for a while. Prior to this, there have been hints about her whereabouts. On the Seven on 7 YouTube web series with Cameron Coleman, a sketch of Cindy is displayed, implying that she is wanted for various violent crimes. The specifics of what Cindy has been doing are uncertain, but it’s clear that she has been active.

How Does Cindy Appear in Season 4, and What’s Her Stranger Things Connection?

Did The Boys Just Parody Stranger Things?Did The Boys Just Parody Stranger Things?Did The Boys Just Parody Stranger Things?Did The Boys Just Parody Stranger Things?Did The Boys Just Parody Stranger Things?

In an unexpected turn of events during the last episode of season four, named “Season Four Finale,” Cindy shocks viewers by making an appearance in the closing scenes. As Annie (Erin Moriarty) and Hughie (Jack Quaid) are about to make their escape, a sailboat suddenly blocks their path. With her telekinetic abilities, Cindy effortlessly moves the large car, sending it off course.

Hughie gets taken prisoner, and Annie encounters Cindy in a close-up encounter. With a metal object hovering menacingly between them, Cindy crushes it effortlessly by merely moving her hand. On the verge of ending Annie’s life, Cindy is interrupted when Annie reactivates her powers as Starlight. Shooting upward, Annie manages to flee to safety.

As a longtime fan of science fiction and a devoted viewer of Stranger Things, I can’t help but be captivated by the striking similarities between Cindy (played by Millie Bobby Brown) and Eleven from the show.

Cindy possesses the ability to manipulate objects and people using her mind, much like the character Eleven in “Stranger Things.” She can crush items and even lift heavy objects, such as a ship. When utilizing her powers, Cindy extends her hand in a similar manner to Eleven. Her hands are essential for channeling her abilities, and limiting their use could leave her vulnerable. Similarly, Eleven faces the same risk when her capabilities are hindered.

Before Eleven was named a potential inspiration for Cindy, some fans thought she might be a TV interpretation of Silver Kincaid of the G-Men from The Boys comics. She, too, can manipulate pressure and is considered an outcast. However, in Season 3 of The Boys, the actual character Silver Kincaid, played by Jasmin Husain, is shown. She was a Muslim Supe who competed in the American Hero competition to become a new member of The Seven. Thus, this eliminated any belief that Cindy was the TV version of Kincaid.

The Boys has rarely poked fun at characters outside the superhero realm besides the politically charged ones. However, there’s a strong chance that Cindy is a satirical and much darker take on Eleven. If blood drips from her nose when she causes chaos next time, viewers can assume with confidence that Cindy is an affectionate tribute to one of the most renowned non-Marvel or DC Universe superpowered characters of the 21st century.

Who Is Ess Hödlmoser, and What Is Her Story?

Did The Boys Just Parody Stranger Things?Did The Boys Just Parody Stranger Things?Did The Boys Just Parody Stranger Things?

Cindy’s character is captivating in part due to the talented actor, Ess Hödlmoser, who brings her to life. While much of Ess’s work goes unnoticed, happening behind the scenes, they are a versatile artist hailing from Toronto, Canada. Their resume includes performance art, contortionism, aerial performances, and stunt work. Ess has lent their skills as a stunt performer to “The Expanse” and contributed motion capture work for Pennywise in “Stephen King’s It.” Additionally, they have assisted the stunt coordinator on eight episodes of “The Boys.”

They have additionally performed stunts for the shows “Titans,” “Killjoys,” “Imposters,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and “The Strain.” Hödlmoser held a recurring character in seasons 2 and 3 of the fantasy drama “Motherland: Fort Salem,” portraying both a coven leader and sergeant. Upcoming projects include the action comedy film “Don’t mess with Grandma,” featuring Michael Jai White, Jackie Richardson, and Billy Zane as co-stars. Stream “The Boys” on Amazon Prime Video.

Read More

2024-07-21 03:03