Boys, Season 2: Heroes Go Deeper, Heads Explode

The streaming service Amazon Prime has released three episodes of the new season of Boys, an adaptation of the comics of the same name. In 2019, this project became one of the main premieres both for fans of superhero stories and for those who are already pretty tired of the saviors of the world in tights.

The series focuses on two opposing teams. On the one hand, the Seven are superheroes who have turned into real stars. They save the world from criminals, but they do it only at the direction of the producers and under the supervision of video cameras. In addition, all "supers" have long been mired in vices, and their activities do more harm than good. Billy Butcher and his Boys are fighting with them. All of them, with the exception of the mysterious Kimiko, do not possess special powers, but they firmly decided to bring the enemies out into the open, and, if necessary, destroy them.

The first season featured a great social satire on a society that worships the stars. The project clearly pokes fun at the popularity of superhero themes in movies. And at the same time he tries to show the ambiguity of good and evil, which are strictly separated in standard comics.

It would seem that the sequel cannot present something brighter and more unexpected. But already from the first episodes, it is clear that the authors have taken the right direction: they better reveal each character, while not forgetting to amuse with bloody trash.

Beware, the following text contains spoilers for the first season of the series. If you haven't watched it yet, read our review

Hero changes and hidden emotions

After the finale of the first season, Billy Butcher disappeared, and the Boys, whom Hughie is trying to lead, are at a loss. Homelander tries to improve relations with his son, considering him a superhero. The underwater man understands himself in the hope of getting rid of complexes associated with unusual physiology. And in the Seven they are looking for a new participant instead of the deceased Invisible.

Even the very beginning of the second season hints that the authors decided to devote more time to each of the characters. If previously Huey was in the center of the action, now he is given about the same amount of time as the rest.

And this is good. After all, in Boys, literally every hero or villain deserves a story. What is only the new arch of the Underwater, who is trying to find himself. It is unlikely that this will make him better, but hearing about the real experiences of almost the most vile member of the Seven is very interesting.

More attention is paid to Kimiko's stories. And her communication with the Frenchman looks very touching. Even Homelander himself is changing, trying to portray a loving father. Although, of course, he remains the embodiment of evil and falsehood.

The newcomers will also delight: the Stormfront is joining the Seven. In the comics, this character was a man, but hardly anyone can blame the authors for the changes. The daring superheroine does not hesitate to conflict with her colleagues, makes sharp jokes and generally destroys the image that the producers create for their wards.

But, perhaps, the main find of the second season is Giancarlo Esposito in the role of the head of the Vought company. This actor has already become famous for his vivid images in the TV series "Breaking Bad" and "Revolution" and even appeared in the finale of "The Mandalorian". His Stan Edgar is the Boys' most impressive villain. Without any super powers, he is more intimidating than all the Seven put together. The hero reminds that the main villains sit in their offices and simply count the profit.

Criticism of society and pop culture

Back in the first season of Boys, they ridiculed the dominance of superhero movies and TV series. Only in the world of this project are the judges themselves filmed in films.

Working on a massive crossover about the 7 is an important continuation line. Moreover, the authors include irony to the fullest. One of the films is directed by Seth Rogen, who is interviewed on television. In reality, Rogen is the producer of Boys. Of course, Hans Zimmer is suggested to be the composer.

And superhero movies are advertised solely due to the sexuality of the actresses. And here you can immediately recall the costumes of Wonder Woman or Black Widow in movie comics. And only Stormfront will ask aloud the topical question about the convenience of such outfits.

The boys are not limited to satire on the genre itself. Even very controversial topics catch on. For example, the use of Nazi developments in the development of medicine and science (suffice it to recall the activities of Werner von Braun or some of Josef Mengele's colleagues). Or the hot issue of inclusiveness: The 7 definitely needs members of other races and minorities to gain popularity.

But perhaps the most ironic thing that skips over in Season 2 is the importance of superheroes to Vought, which is actually a pharmaceutical company.

Blood and abuse

Do not be afraid that the sequel to "Boys" has turned into a serious social drama. All relevant and eternal themes are presented here against the backdrop of dashing action and rudeness.

It's still a show where any character can suddenly explode their heads.

The return of Billy Butcher again turns the story into a combination of expressive actions and minute-by-minute fighting, and sometimes very artistic. Unfortunately, one of the brightest and most bloody scenes has already been shown in the promo video. Lucky for those who haven't followed the season 2 campaign too much. The moment, which is striking in its cruelty and at the same time comedic absurdity, will definitely be remembered for a long time.

The right pace creates a tremendous emotional swing: among the blood and scattered entrails, characters can reason on philosophical topics. And the dramatic scene of communication between close relatives develops into a battle of superheroes.

With "Boys" everything is very simple. Those who love the first season will definitely love the sequel. And given that everyone else will probably not watch it, the project is one hundred percent in the expectations of the audience.

The authors do not go into self-repetition, but logically develop the plot and characters, not forgetting about humor and grotesque cruelty. By the way, it is already known ‘The Boys’ Renewed for Season 3 at Amazon, Adds After-Show that “Boys” has been extended for the third season. So until you have to say goodbye to Billy Butcher, his friends and enemies.