The Boys Season 5 Review: Episodes 1-7

"The Boys" season 5 attempts to satirize the current political climate, much like "South Park" before it, by combining righteous fury, gross-out humor, excessive violence, and a deeper exploration of sociopathic superheroes. While this combination generally serves the series well, the fifth and final season suffers from significant pacing issues. Season 4 concluded with a dark and dangerous new status quo, with Huey, Mother's Milk, Kimiko, and Frenchie imprisoned in Vought's "freedom camps" and Starlight leading a desperate resistance. However, season 5 quickly reverts much of this upheaval, restoring a more traditional setup where Billy Butcher leads his team against Homelander. This rapid return to familiarity is a major point of frustration, as it undermines the idea of this being the endgame for "The Boys" universe. The series feels as though it's spinning its wheels for several episodes, particularly in the beginning, as it establishes Homelander's absolute power and Butcher's team's deadly "soup virus," then drags its heels in setting up the final confrontation. While it eventually picks up steam, it does so too slowly. Despite the dragging plot, the characters largely overshadow these issues. Season 5 focuses on the poignant theme of maintaining hope and optimism in a seemingly hopeless time, with all characters grappling with this burden in various ways. The series draws heavily from current events, addressing issues like internment camps and the blurring lines between church and state, which makes it feel particularly relevant. Many character-driven scenes explore the possibility that not all characters will survive the war, especially with the "soup virus" putting targets on the backs of Starlight, Kimiko, and A-Train. The season has a "memento mori" feel, influencing interactions among the main heroes. Laz Alonso, as Mother's Milk, delivers a standout performance, portraying a character who is outwardly free but inwardly complex and fragile, skillfully threading the needle between these two states. On the villainous side, season 5 excels when focusing on Homelander and his subordinates. Anthony Starr's portrayal of Homelander remains excellent, capturing an all-powerful man constantly on the verge of losing control, incapable of true joy, and driven by a need to fill his inner void and achieve final ascension. His haunting performance is the foundation of the series. The slow build-up to the climax allows for further development of characters like Firecracker, The Deep, O Father, and even Black Noir 2. Episode 5, in particular, offers fascinating vignettes exploring these characters' daily lives, making Firecracker, for instance, a more tragic and believable figure. While the heroes struggle with hope, the villains' narrative explores how evil is enabled by cowardice, as few genuinely desire Homelander's dictatorial rule, but most lack the courage to resist. However, not all characters receive adequate attention. Sister Sage, despite her impactful guest role in "Gen V" season 2, is largely overlooked in the early episodes of season 5, with her motivations obscured until late in the game, feeling like a "too little, too late" scenario. Other characters appear and disappear abruptly, raising questions about their inclusion. The series also struggles to capitalize on the "Gen V" season 2 finale, where Starlight and A-Train recruited Marie Moreau and her friends into the resistance. While Marie and others are mentioned, they don't feature prominently, which is a missed opportunity given the major alliance established. Conversely, Soldier Boy receives perhaps too much attention. While Jensen Ackles is entertaining as the gruff, sex- and drug-addicted Captain America riff, the character can be somewhat one-note. The series attempts to develop a strained father-son bond between Soldier Boy and Homelander, but it never quite succeeds, undermining a pivotal moment. A highlight of season 5 is the excellent use of Jensen Ackles's "Supernatural" co-star, Jared Padalecki, whose role, though not spoiled, leverages their established chemistry for some of the season's funniest moments. Humor, in general, is a strong suit, offering comedic relief in the face of fascism. This includes the fraying bromance between The Deep and Black Noir, Kimiko's newfound foul-mouthed dialogue, and endless jabs at Hollywood and superhero-obsessed culture. Colby Minifie's Ashley Barrett is the comedic MVP, with a plot twist allowing her to unleash terrific physical comedy. The series also doesn't shy away from gore and violence, providing a constant stream of bloodshed, even when the plot stalls. "The Boys" season 5 returns at a fitting time, directly addressing the fraught political climate of 2026 with its themes of rising fascism and the fragility of hope. Thematically, it's strong, offering many great character moments in its first seven episodes. However, it's not without flaws, including a sluggish plot, a quick return to a traditional status quo, and uneven character spotlight. Despite these issues, the series remains enjoyable.