In today’s television landscape, the conversation around what is considered “woke” has become a lightning rod for controversy. Shows that aim to address social issues often find themselves at the center of debates about political correctness, with critics quick to label them as pandering to a progressive agenda. One show that has recently come under fire is The Boys. Despite its longstanding reputation for sharp social commentary and political satire, the latest season has been met with backlash for supposedly going “woke.” This criticism, however, misses the point entirely. To understand why, we need to delve into the history of The Boys and its unwavering commitment to holding a mirror up to society’s ills.
A Brief History of The Boys
When The Boys first premiered on Amazon Prime in 2019, it was clear that this wasn’t your typical superhero series. Created by Eric Kripke and based on the comic series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, the show presented a world where superheroes, or “supes,” are not the paragons of virtue we’ve come to expect. Instead, they are deeply flawed, often reprehensible individuals controlled by a powerful corporation, Vought International. This setup allowed the show to explore themes of corporate greed, corruption, and the dark side of celebrity culture.
From the beginning, The Boys set itself apart by its willingness to tackle controversial topics head-on. It used its over-the-top violence and dark humor to comment on real-world issues, making it clear that this was not just another superhero story. The show’s narrative was a satirical critique of the power structures and societal norms that often go unchallenged in mainstream media.
Season One: A Critique of Corporate Power
In its first season, The Boys introduced us to a world where superheroes are commodified by Vought International. The company markets and manages the supes, controlling their public image and leveraging their powers for profit. This portrayal was a direct critique of how corporations manipulate public perception and exploit individuals for financial gain. The show’s protagonist, Homelander, embodied the dangers of unchecked power and narcissism, traits that are disturbingly familiar in today’s political climate.
The season also highlighted the corruption within the superhero community itself. The Deep’s storyline, which tackled issues of sexual harassment and abuse of power, was a poignant commentary on the #MeToo movement. Starlight’s journey from a naive newcomer to a whistleblower exposed the hypocrisy and exploitation within the industry. These themes were not just background elements but central to the show’s narrative, making it clear that The Boys was not afraid to hold a mirror up to society’s flaws.
Season Two: Tackling White Supremacy and Nationalism
Season two continued the show’s tradition of biting social commentary, this time focusing on white supremacy and nationalism. The introduction of Stormfront, a character with Nazi origins, brought these themes to the forefront. Stormfront’s ability to manipulate social media and garner a following through fear-mongering and misinformation was a direct commentary on the rise of far-right ideologies in the real world. Her character was not just a villain but a symbol of the insidious nature of these ideologies.
The season also delved into more subtle forms of racism and bigotry. A-Train’s struggle with his identity and the exploitation he faced as a Black superhero highlighted the systemic racism within the industry. The show’s portrayal of these issues was unflinching and direct, making it clear that The Boys was committed to addressing the darker aspects of society.
Season Three: Expanding the Scope
In its third season, The Boys expanded its scope to include even more complex social and political issues. The show introduced new characters and storylines that explored themes of authoritarianism, the manipulation of public perception, and the intersection of celebrity and power. The season’s focus on the military-industrial complex and the ways in which corporations and governments collude to maintain control was a powerful critique of modern-day politics.
The character of Victoria Neuman, a politician with hidden supe abilities, served as a metaphor for the deceptive nature of those in power. Her storyline highlighted the dangers of trusting public figures who manipulate their image for personal gain. The season also continued to explore issues of gender and sexuality, with characters like Queen Maeve and her struggle with her public persona versus her private life adding depth to the narrative.
Season Four: The Backlash Begins
With the release of season four, The Boys has faced unprecedented backlash for allegedly becoming too “woke.” Critics argue that the show has strayed from its original path to push a political agenda. However, this perspective overlooks the fact that The Boys has always been political. The themes of power, corruption, and societal critique have been woven into the fabric of the show from its inception.
One of the most prominent examples of this backlash centers around the character development of Frenchie. In the first episode of season four, Frenchie is revealed to be in a relationship with a male character, suggesting his bisexuality. This revelation sparked outrage among some viewers, who accused the show of pandering to a woke agenda. However, this subplot had been developing subtly over the seasons and was a natural progression of his character.
Similarly, the introduction of Sister Sage, a Black woman depicted as the smartest person in the world, was met with accusations of forced diversity. Critics argued that her inclusion was an attempt to check off diversity boxes rather than a meaningful addition to the story. However, this perspective ignores the importance of representation and the depth that such characters bring to the narrative.
Valorie Curry’s Role as Firecracker
Another point of contention has been the character of Firecracker, played by Valorie Curry. Firecracker is a politically divisive character with extremist and often hateful opinions. Curry, who identifies as a lesbian, found it interesting to play a character so antithetical to her own beliefs. She mentioned that portraying Firecracker allowed her to highlight the absurdity and danger of such ideologies, making her a “clown” for those views. This character’s presence and storyline are in line with The Boys‘ ongoing mission to satirize and criticize the darker aspects of our society.
The Importance of Satire in The Boys
Satire has always been a crucial element of The Boys. The show uses its exaggerated and grotesque portrayal of superheroes to highlight the absurdities and dangers of various societal issues. This approach allows the show to address serious topics in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
For instance, the character of Homelander has always been a Trump analogue. This is not a new development but something that Eric Kripke, the show’s creator, has openly discussed. Homelander’s character embodies the dangers of unchecked power, narcissism, and the cult of personality—traits that are disturbingly relevant in today’s political climate. The backlash against this portrayal is ironic because it shows that some viewers are only now realizing that the show has been making fun of these traits all along.
The Role of Representation
Representation in media is not about ticking boxes or pandering to political correctness. It’s about reflecting the diversity of the real world and providing a platform for different voices and experiences. The Boys excels at this by including a variety of characters and exploring their experiences in depth. This approach not only makes for compelling television but also enriches the narrative by adding different perspectives.
For instance, the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters like Frenchie and the exploration of their identities is not gratuitous but integral to the story. It adds layers to the characters and allows the show to address important issues in a nuanced way. Similarly, the introduction of characters like Sister Sage and their unique contributions to the storyline highlight the importance of diverse representation.
Why the Backlash Misses the Point
The backlash against The Boys for being “woke” misses the point because it overlooks the show’s consistent themes and messages. The critics who decry the show’s current direction are essentially admitting that they failed to grasp its core message from the beginning. The themes of power, corruption, and societal critique have been woven into the fabric of the show from its inception.
For example, the character of Frenchie being revealed as bisexual in the latest season is not a sudden attempt to pander to a woke agenda. Instead, it is a natural progression of his character development. Similarly, the introduction of Sister Sage is not about forced diversity but about adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
The Importance of Context
To understand why the backlash against The Boys is misguided, it’s essential to consider the broader context in which the show exists. The Boys is not just a superhero series; it is a reflection of the times we live in. The show’s willingness to tackle controversial topics and hold a mirror up to society is what makes it so compelling.
In today’s political climate, where issues of power, corruption, and social justice are more relevant than ever, The Boys serves as a powerful critique of the status quo. The show’s satirical approach allows it to address these issues in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The backlash against the show for being “woke” misses the point because it fails to recognize the importance of these themes.
The misunderstanding that fuels the backlash against The Boys can be attributed to a lack of awareness about the show’s underlying themes.
Some viewers seem to have watched the series with their eyes half-closed, missing the critical messages embedded in the narrative. This oversight has led to the misguided belief that the show has only recently become political, when in reality, it has always been a platform for social commentary.
The backlash also reflects a broader trend in media criticism, where the term “woke” is used as a catch-all phrase to dismiss any content that deviates from traditional norms. This lazy critique undermines the efforts of creators who strive to tell diverse and meaningful stories. It also does a disservice to audiences by reducing complex narratives to simplistic labels.
The Future of The Boys
Despite the backlash, The Boys continues to be a critical and commercial success. The show’s ability to balance satire with compelling storytelling has earned it a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim. As the series progresses, it will likely continue to explore controversial topics and push boundaries, staying true to its original vision.
However, the series is not without its problems. One significant issue is the danger of stretching the plot too thin, which can make the storylines feel diluted and the stakes less impactful. There’s a risk that as the show introduces more characters and subplots, the core narrative may become lost, leading to a sense that nothing really matters in the long run. It’s important to note that these potential pitfalls are not a result of the show being ‘too woke’ or overly focused on social commentary. Instead, they stem from the inherent challenges of maintaining a complex, multi-layered story over multiple seasons. The Boys must carefully navigate these challenges to ensure it doesn’t lose the sharp edge that has made it so compelling.
Final Thoughts
The backlash against The Boys for being “woke” is a clear indication that the show is hitting its mark. By addressing controversial topics and challenging societal norms, the series continues to provoke thought and spark conversations. The critics who decry its political nature are missing the point; The Boys has always been a satirical critique of power, corruption, and social injustice.
As viewers, it’s essential to engage with the content thoughtfully and consider the broader context in which it exists. Instead of dismissing shows like The Boys as “woke,” we should appreciate their efforts to address important issues and provide a platform for diverse voices. By doing so, we can foster a more inclusive and meaningful media landscape.