The Boys Season 4 Episode 7 Review: The Insider

The Boys Season 4 Episode 7, “The Insider,” sets the stage for an explosive season finale as our heroes perfect the virus and Homelander finds the leaker.

The episode itself is nothing remarkable or out of the ordinary for this series, but it certainly presents more moving character work than last week’s fare. 

The Insider 

The season’s penultimate outing opens with the show’s answer to Avenue Q in a cheeky kids parody tune that urges children to “say something” if, you know, someone looks like they’re in Antifa. As usual, this series has its finger on the pulse of the societal zeitgeist (and the far-right are the butt of the joke). 

While that scene is hilarious, if painful in its honest depiction of how some folks truly think, The Deep’s overdramatic argument with his (late) octopus lover also delivers solid laughs. That said, his scene with Annie/Starlight is a stark reminder that Deep is an awful person. 

The Duality of Deep 

The “I’m trying to reform” persona melts away as Deep and Annie square off in The Boys’ headquarters. In fact, this is who he’s been all along. It’s clever commentary on the “nice guy” act so many men put on — especially celebrities who attempt to course-correct in the public eye. 

Sure, Deep believes Annie tried to “cancel” him, but that’s another topic The Boys deftly addresses. Most people with privilege aren’t “canceled,” nor are they held accountable.

If you recall, Deep provides a cookie-cutter, hollow apology and platitudes in the wake of sexually assaulting Annie. However, he doesn’t do the work or truly make amends with Annie. The ongoing theme throughout the series is that those in power are untouchable and not held to the same moral standards as we mere mortals. 

Deep hasn’t been given much to do this season, but Chace Crawford makes the material work. He perfectly embodies the “frat bro” archetype who tries to come off like a wellspring of sensitivity and intellect, but really, he’s as shallow as a kiddie pool. Thankfully, Annie effectively puts Deep in his place. 

It’s All About the Characters

While “The Insider” has its fair share of The Boys‘ signature ultraviolence and penchant for out-of-the-box gore, the outing really shines when it focuses on the characters.

For example, Ryan’s bold address on live TV mirrors Homelander’s off-the-script moment in Season 3. However, the difference is that Homelander delivered a vitriolic, self-centered rant. Ryan’s loving and heartfelt speech indicates he’s still his late mother’s son.

Meanwhile, we learn why Kimiko doesn’t speak, and the story behind it is a painful addition to her already heartbreaking past. Karen Fukuhara is a champion performer. She imbues Kimiko with such vulnerability, nuance, and messiness.

Despite the character’s near-invincibility on a physical level, her trauma and psychological pain are wholly relatable. The episode also leaves room for Kimiko and Frenchie to process their remorse together, which is moving to watch. 

“The Insider” also blesses us with a stirring scene between Laz Alonso’s Mother’s Milk and Jessie T. Usher’s A-Train. It’s lovely to see two Black men have the space to be vulnerable. Alonso and Usher deliver beautiful, impactful performances, showcasing their characters’ immense growth. 

A-Train’s redemption arc is one for the books. One thing The Boys Season 4 has done well is plant the seeds of A-Train’s redemption. Usher’s work as the fastest man in the world is layered and compelling.

This story began with A-Train murdering Robin. It’s taken us four seasons, but he’s finally turning a new leaf.

Here’s hoping he doesn’t bite it next week. 

Stray Observations: 

• I would’ve loved to be a fly on the wall in the recording booth when Tilda Swinton voiced Ambrosius’s final moments. I hope the note she got was to be as overly dramatic as possible. 
• Watching Annie beat the snot out of The Deep was immensely gratifying. It’s the battle I’ve been waiting for since Season 1. 
• Sage will return. Homey will realize how invaluable she is and that not everyone needs to stroke his ego at every turn. 
• I think I’ll stick with Avenue Q instead of “Avenue V,” thank you very much. 
• Kimiko and Frenchie are endgame, right? This episode certainly pushes them back together (and you won’t hear me complaining about that). 

What did you think of this episode of The Boys? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Boys drops new episodes every Thursday on Prime Video. 

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