The Boys Season 4 Episode 8 Review: Season Four Finale

The Boys Season 4 Episode 8, “Season Four Finale,” delivers an explosive, narrative-shifting season finale bolstered by terrific performances and an undercurrent of real-world tension. It’s undoubtedly the strongest episode this season that cleverly lays the groundwork for a thrilling fifth and final go-round. 

Season Four Finale Performances

The aforementioned performances really drive this episode. There’s never a dearth of stellar onscreen work from our cast. Still, a few leading players get to showcase their chops, particularly Claudia Doumit, Jack Quaid, Erin Moriarty, and Karen Fukuhara. 

Erin Moriarty

Moriarty puts her versatility on display as the supe shape-shifter, the seeds of which we see planted on last week’s episode. Her command of the shifter versus the real Annie is fun to watch, as are the contrasts between these characters. Their scenes also effectively highlight Annie’s insecurities. 

While Season 4 hasn’t truly done justice to Annie’s insecurities/powers on the fritz arc, it culminates in a badass fight sequence in the finale. Annie finds her strength again and steps into her power. Seeing her fly away in the episode’s final moments indicates a “leveling up” on her part. It will be interesting to see how she contributes to the final season’s narrative. 

Karen Fukuhara

Fukuhara screaming as Kimiko while Vought carts off Frenchie is utterly gut-wrenching. The Boys, as a whole, has organically built toward this moment. Kimiko has finally found happiness with Frenchie, only for it to be yanked away from her, just like her family.

It’s absolutely heartbreaking, and Fukuhara’s grasp of Kimiko is a significant factor in how impactful this scene is. No one else could play her in my eyes. She mines the depths of this fascinating, complex, messy character and finds Kimiko’s light, even when it’s buried under pain. 

Claudia Doumit and Jack Quaid

Doumit is a star player on The Boys. She cuts an imposing figure as Victoria Neuman. Despite Victoria’s laundry list of crimes, you can’t help but like her, thanks to Doumit’s performance. You felt for her as a mother trying to give her child every advantage in this cutthroat, ruthless world. 

Quaid has been my MVP all season, and he breathes life into Hughie’s compelling arc. He learns to forgive and that The Boys’ penchant for violence isn’t the answer. In Season 4, Hughie forgives A-Train for murdering his girlfriend in the series pilot and his mother for walking out on him as a child. That’s incredible growth. 

Profound Themes 

Forgiveness is a huge crux of this season. Kimiko and Frenchie reckon with their sins and learn to forgive themselves, while Hughie endeavors to forgive those around him. We see these three trying to reconcile with forgiveness and even the ultraviolent nature of their world. 

Having them grapple with the simple yet monumental act of forgiveness and how to rise above ruthlessness is the antithesis of this universe’s inherently violent nature. How do you cope in a world where supes kill with impunity? 

In addition, the Season 4 finale parallels our reality in terrifying technicolor. We’ve always seen the uber-privileged flaunt their power, but Homelander’s might is now absolute and unchecked. We witness what happens when martial law is implemented—reduced rights and an eradication of free will.

In case it wasn’t abundantly clear, The Boys‘ commentary, especially this season, is on what would happen if a particular side came into power. The finale’s last moments are profoundly resonant because they are so true to life, superhero stuff aside. 

Overall, “Season Four Finale” effectively ties loose ends while presenting intriguing questions for Season 5. It’s a high-octane, white-knuckled, bloody ride from beginning to end. After somewhat of a slump, the series seems to have more focus than before—even a little pep in its step. 

Here’s hoping that laser focus and momentum continue in what’s to come. 

Stray Observations: 

• “Heart-Shaped Box” is a fantastic needle drop. It sets a chilling tone for what transpires onscreen as Vought captures The Boys. 
• Did anyone else squeal when Kimchie kissed? Just me? I’ve been shipping Kimiko and Frenchie since the dawn of time. This slow burn finally bears fruit. 
• I’m going to miss Claudia Doumit in Season 5. She has such a natural onscreen presence. 
• “If we’re ever gonna win against the monsters, I think we need to start acting human.” What a great line from Hughie that perfectly encapsulates his character development and one of the show’s overall messages about the importance of humanity. 
• I always get a kick out of when a character in sci-fi or fantasy fights themselves. Real Annie versus Shifter Annie is pretty epic. 
• RIP, Also Ashley. Like the Targaryens in Westeros, you suffered due to having the same name as someone else. 
• Could Soldier Boy play a role in taking out Homey? One can hope. 

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

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The Boys Seasons 1 through 4 are now streaming on Prime Video. 

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