One of the most frequent criticisms of modern franchise finales is that they often pull their punches. Years of investment in these worlds, and then audiences are suddenly hesitant to give up their main characters, overly sentimental, or just plain cautious.
Luckily, ‘The Boys’ appears to be in no rush to do so.
‘The Boys’ Isn’t Afraid To Break Fans’ Hearts
Despite some slower moments in season 5, it’s clear the show has already taught us one thing: no one is safe. The feeling of danger was back right away when A-Train died in the first episode, helping ‘The Boys’ to escape. This came after one of the most surprising redemption arcs in the franchise.
Related: The Real Reason The Deep Turns On Black Noir In ‘The Boys’ Season 5
It was not only shocking but also painful to watch. The killing spree has since continued. Firecracker’s gruesome demise at Homelander’s hands was a reminder of how volatile he’s become. Then Black Noir’s demise showed that even the Seven are expendable in the final act.
Along the way, smaller superstars like Cindy, Love Sausage, and Maverick were also killed. This sets up the perfect kind of drama a final season should have. After years of buildup, audiences want to feel nervous heading into the ending. ‘The Boys’ finally understands that.
Homelander’s Endgame Could Leave Almost Nobody Standing
The most surprising thing about the last few episodes is that Homelander is now a more menacing figure than ever. In episode 6, Soldier Boy handed him V-One, and that made him immortal and took away the heroes’ only means of killing him. The final battle feels terrifying once again.
In case you missed it: MM’s Dark Mindset In ‘The Boys’ Season 5 Is A Major Red Flag
The beauty of this is that the show isn’t saying that everyone will walk away unharmed. Recently, Antony Starr said that stories like these shouldn’t be afraid to “kill some people.” And in truth, season 5 is already structured around that idea.
Characters like MM, Frenchie, and Kimiko are particularly vulnerable at this stage. There’s been a heavy focus on their relationships and emotional moments lately, which isn’t a comforting thing in a show this ruthless.
Butcher also feels like he has to make some sort of sacrifice, particularly as his inevitable confrontation with Homelander is nearing. That is the danger that is making the season work, ironically.
The ending may leave fans in tears, but it’s better to be in tears than feel nothing at all. ‘The Boys’ is a show that feels like it’s being tested at this point, and that’s enough to make these last two episodes impossible to ignore.
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