The Boys Season 5 Episode 8 Review: Blood and Bone

Unfortunately, The Boys Season 5 Episode 8, “Blood and Bone,” doesn’t quite live up to expectations. 

However, given the way this season played out, it’s not that surprising that the series finale is the way that it is. The Boys loves its symbolism, and it’s more prominent than ever during this episode.

Dare I say, it’s almost a little too on the nose?

Homelander’s ultimate downfall occurs within the confines of the Oval Office. This reflects his inability to reach a God-like status. 

The scene itself is sparse with the use of music, which is to its advantage. Instead, it zeros in on the action sequences between Homelander, Butcher, Kimiko, and Ryan. This moment elicits the feeling that the viewer is also immersed in the throes of the fight.

The build-up to Homelander’s loss of powers and subsequently his death is a little bit of a double-edged sword. 

On the one hand, Homelander’s characterization after he loses his powers is perfect both in the writing and in Antony Starr’s portrayal of a supe whose now just a man. 

Homelander is bleeding like he’s never bled before and pathetically begging to be spared by the hands of Butcher.

Starr creates a sense of helplessness within Homelander’s demeanor that is incredible to watch. He hilariously attempts to fly and can barely get a few inches off the ground. 

Homelander’s always been a deeply insecure individual, even when he tries to suppress it, despite his powers making him an untouchable entity. This is where my gripe comes in with how he’s handled as a character this season and especially on “Blood and Bone.”

Homelander is the villain of The Boys, and honestly, one of the best antagonists on television in recent years. 

So why isn’t he portrayed as a man running rampant before his demise? 

The Boys consistently tells us of the power-hungry nature of Homelander. In the earlier seasons, it’s unafraid to show us too.

The series finale was the show’s moment to let him be at the peak of his destructive capabilities. It’s a little disappointing to see a villain as excellent as Homelander not let his rage truly consume him.

Also, what was the point of Homelander injecting himself with V1 if, in the end, he acts the same? It kind of throws that multi-episode arc out the window. 

I understand Homelander’s internal struggle of isolation comes to a head on “Blood and Bone,” but nonetheless, he’s a merciless character. Arguably, the V1 should have intensified his already incomprehensible strength. 

The phrase, “it just hurts to be human,” that Hughie mentions, is the crux of the finale. 

We see that hurt through Homelander, both physically and emotionally, as well as Butcher, whose death is quite tragic.

As much as The Boys is an “Us v.s. Them” type of narrative, it still manages to recognize the importance of nuance. Its characters, especially the supes, have always been multifaceted.

However, the focus on strong characterization that’s intrinsically tied to the plot falls to the wayside in the final season. It’s why parts of the finale come off as lackluster.

The Boys does not go out on a terrible note, but compared to past seasons, Season 5 is a weaker chapter.

Stray Thoughts

• I wish The Boys did something different other than a montage as an ending.
• Kimiko’s grief feels authentic, but Frenchie showing up as a vision is a little cheesy. 
• The Deep’s death is very poetic and deserving.   

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All episodes of The Boys Season 5 are now streaming on Prime Video.

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