As a longtime fan of “The Boys,” I have to admit that Season 4 had its moments, but it also made some questionable choices that left me feeling a little underwhelmed. One such decision was the introduction and subsequent revelation of Kessler being Butcher’s imaginary friend.
Contains spoilers for “The Boys” Season 4
In the fourth season of “The Boys,” there were plenty of intriguing and outrageous elements that kept viewers hooked. From underground sex dungeons to super-sheep, and The Deep (Chace Crawford) adding humor with his watery romances through a witty MCU reference. However, amidst the show’s darkly humorous tone, some critics argue that there were an excessive number of plotlines, specifically concerning Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), as the battle against corrupt Supers continued to unfold.
As a devoted fan, I’d put it this way: This season, finding myself shunned from The Boys team, Butcher is waging internal battles alongside his external clashes with Homelander (Antony Starr). Sadly, one of the most questionable creative decisions in an otherwise brilliant show unfolds as Butcher’s newfound companion, Kessler (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), is unveiled as a deranged figment of his imagination.
Before the confirmation from the show, it was clear that something was amiss in Butcher’s storyline based on the recurring clues. These hints were so evident that when Butcher ultimately confronted Becca, the shock value was significantly diminished. Instead of exploring a new and potentially unhealthy friendship between Butcher and The Boys, the narrative could have benefited from delving deeper into an underdeveloped alliance with another character who deserved more screen time and attention. In simpler terms, the clues leading up to this revelation were too obvious, making the eventual confrontation less impactful.
Kessler added too much to Butcher’s fall from grace
After the conclusion of Season 3, I couldn’t help but notice that Butcher wasn’t in the best shape. The relentless ticking of my internal clock made every second feel heavier as I lost more and more allies. Sister Sage, with her intuitive powers (courtesy of Susan Heyward), didn’t even need to ask for confirmation – it was plainly evident from my demeanor that things weren’t going well for me. No introspective monologues needed to make that clear.
As a gamer, I can tell you that having Becca, my late wife, constantly haunting me in this game would have been more than enough to show how deeply I was grappling with my current circumstances. However, the way they developed both the character and his backstory fell flat for me, making me feel like Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s presence in the game was almost pointless. With his charisma and acting skills, he could have been put to better use elsewhere in the storyline.
Urban effectively portrays the ability to hold a scene on his own, mirroring Antony Starr’s performances as Homelander. Initially, Becca could have provided insight into Urban’s internal struggles, but instead, Morgan emerged, bringing more depth and life than Black Noir’s simulated outbursts from last season. In retrospect, introducing a recurring character to influence Butcher’s thoughts might have been a wiser choice.
Mallory should’ve been Butcher’s breaking point, not Kessler
Some “The Boys” viewers were apprehensive as they watched the final episodes of Season 4, feeling that the shock value and graphic scenes overshadowed a meaningful storyline. Unfortunately, this approach negatively affected the development of Mallory (Laila Robins), who had been Butcher’s superior and banished him from his role in The Boys. Although she ultimately helped Butcher and his stepson, her character met an unfortunate end when Ryan (Cameron Crovetti) killed her in a fit of rage. This weak conclusion did not do justice to Mallory’s significance, and her demise could have been more impactful if she had taken Kessler’s place instead.
Throughout the series, Mallory has relied heavily on Butcher to complete tasks, almost as if he was her only option. In this scenario, she could have assigned Billy to handle specific jobs that only he was qualified for, reminiscent of their past collaborations. This approach would have strengthened their tenuous bond, making Butcher’s decision to pursue the pandemic plan more justifiable after Mallory’s death at Ryan’s hands. However, the story took a detour into an underdeveloped subplot instead, which may yet prove to be more effective in future episodes.
Kessler could be a set up for a more sinister inner voice in The Boys’ future
Kessler’s questionable presence on the show may have paved the way for Billy’s unstable mental episodes to be explored further. This could mean that other characters might experience similar breakdowns in the future.
In the original thrilling story, “The Boys” comic concludes with Billy successfully vanquishing Homelander. However, their mission doesn’t end there; Butcher becomes increasingly determined to eliminate all superheroes, leading up to an expected demise for Homelander. To keep him alive in a chilling way within the narrative, it seems plausible that Homelander will continue to haunt Butcher’s thoughts as his final menacing presence.
As a dedicated fan, I’ve invested countless hours and energy into taking down The Seven’s ruthless leader. It would be an ironic and painful turn of events if Butcher found himself wrestling with the very man he’s been determined to eliminate – possibly through Kessler assuming Homelander’s identity, keeping Starr in the picture until the final act. For now, all we can do is stay tuned for the upcoming season, eagerly anticipating “The Boys'” last major adventure.
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2024-07-18 15:30