MORAL OF THE SERIES

Ideologies and attitudes that seem to be part of the past and are fueled by hatred and intolerance are, unfortunately, still alive and well nowadays. On top of that, systems of power (whether they be an enterprise or a government) use contemporary tools like social media to manipulate masses on what they should feel and think. Many in those positions of power are capable and likely to do whatever it takes in order to maximize their profits and/or power without any regard for the collateral damage it may and will likely cause. As gloomy as this may seem, this season tells its audience that it doesn’t have to be this way. We can find solace in joining together and helping each other out to create a resistance against these misanthropic ways of thinking/acting from those in power. We’re all flawed in our own way, but we shouldn’t let our flaws get in the way of helping our fellow human beings. As cliché as it may seem, “not all heroes wear capes”.

WHO I THINK WOULD MOST ENJOY THIS SERIES

If you’ve enjoyed superhero movies/tv for some time now but have found them to be a bit formulaic or repetitive, don’t look any further than The Boys to get you exactly what you’re looking for. With The Boys, you will get a reflection of American society at its worst through the entertaining lens of a world that has super heroes (or at least sociopaths that pose as super heroes) in them. Not only that, but this season is crazier and bigger than the first, so expect everything you’ve come to love about The Boys and much more this season.

ADDITIONAL NOTES/COMMENTARY

This is a review that has been a long time coming now and it’s finally here! I actually finished watching this season a while ago, but it should say something about how good and impactful it was that I am able to write this entire review without having to rewatch it even though I will probably rewatch it as soon as I get the chance. This season had every bit of fun that we’ve come to expect from The Boys after its incredible first season. The brilliance of this show is not only in the fact that it’s incredibly entertaining and fun but in the deep commentary that it has about contemporary American society. The first season tackled important topics such as the MeToo movement, workplace harassment, capitalism, and corruption but this second season further expanded on particularly relevant social issues such as the rising popularization/normalization of white supremacist attitudes and the disregard for the lives of people of color. It seems that the Boys (the characters) and The Boys (the show) both share their mission against any sort of abuse of power. While the majority of the show had focused on corruption from government and business entities, this second season also briefly addresses religious manipulation and abuse of power through an organization that works quite similarly to Scientology. Overall, the show’s main antagonist isn’t a particular character. Don’t get me wrong. There are many character antagonists in this show with @toni.starr ’s Homelander being one of the best antagonists in recent memory. However, the show’s main antagonist is the corruption and abuse of power that plagues American society. The season showed us how people and enterprises can profit off social divides, war, hate, and more without any concern for its victims or the pain it may cause upon other human beings. It shows us how much power can corrupt any given person’s mind. Besides the content, this season also stepped everything else up from story to production value. The cinematography, acting, writing, and directing are all top-notch and form the backbone of this incredible show that I would call one of my favorites in recent memory. It is also one of the most impactful because it has put contemporary issues in a different light and I will also never look at whales in the same way because of this show. In the end, this is an incredibly well-made show that has the dynamic duo of film/tv that I think every movie/show should aspire to have for the most wholesome cinematic experience: super entertaining fun and thought-provoking social commentary.