The Boys Season 5 Episode 4: King of Hell

The Boys Season 5 Episode 4, “King of Hell,” is a bit of a let-down in terms of plot progression and presents itself as a filler episode. It offsets the buildup that’s been solidified from the past three episodes. 

And considering we’re halfway through the season and nowhere near figuring out if there is remaining V1, “King of Hell” feels like a waste in that regard.

Sure, it is fun to witness Kimiko, M.M., Hughie, Butcher, and Frenchie at each other’s throats. It’s reminiscent of earlier seasons, but the fighting also encompasses the entirety of their time at Fort Harmony, and it gets repetitive to watch after a while.

Of course, nothing is ever too black and white on The Boys. It seems like they’re at a huge loss here after not only not finding any trace of V1, but also no further information on its potential whereabouts.

The Boys’ excursion to Fort Harmony is intriguing to watch as the show does a good job of depicting an air of uneasiness surrounding the abandoned lab and medical facility. 

A wide shot is used to reveal the never-ending scene of bloodied and mutilated dead animals, which reflects the complete absence of life and is indicative of the unnatural quietness. 

Additionally, the close-up shots of maggot-infested bodies add to the area’s absolute decay and negligence.

Inside Fort Harmony, where there’s little to no sunlight, the color grading turns into a mix of deep greens and blues, which works to bring back a similar grittiness from the show’s earlier seasons. 

While the visuals and nuance of a place like Fort Harmony are commendable, little to nothing happens, even when Homelander and Soldier Boy make an appearance.

“King of Hell” continues to press on the unsteady father-son dynamic between Soldier Boy and Homelander. However, it doesn’t necessarily indulge the viewer with any new angle.

This lack of exploration demonstrates how Soldier Boy and Homelander seem to go in circles with one another. So far, it’s unclear whether The Boys wants there to be a finality to their relationship or if it will be left unfinished.    

Once again, the episode makes it clear that the season’s strongest through line is Homelander’s growing anxieties and insecurities.

Arguably, the highlight of the episode is Butcher’s encounter with Homelander, which works to add to Homelander’s ongoing conflict of needing to feel dominant.

The scene is framed in such a way that even though Butcher has the upper hand as Homelander is locked in a radioactive cell, he remains almost unbothered toward Homelander because he knows it doesn’t take much for his facade to crack. 

While Butcher’s condescending tone is nothing out of the ordinary, it’s more prominent in this moment, and his threats toward Homelander suggest that they will most likely meet again. 

If it’s not already obvious, Homelander’s ongoing desire to feel all-powerful is undeniable by the end of “King of Hell.”

As he stands on stage, shrouded in light that illustrates him as ethereal, he presents a manipulative facade to the crowd in front of him and those watching at home.

Furthermore, the shot frames Homelander to stand directly in front of Jesus on a cross, signifying his looming importance, power, and influence over the American people. 

However, despite Homelander reaching such heights, his facial expression is void of any true glory. It’s a startling realization that nothing will ever be enough for him.

He’s just going to continue to want, and his greediness could eventually result in his downfall.    

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New episodes of The Boys air Wednesdays on Prime Video.

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