The Boys 4×07 “The Insider” shows some serious character development for A-Train in this episode. Whether fans like him or not, A-Train’s arc is one of the best things to come out of this season. Saving Mother’s Milk in the last episode reminded him of why he wanted to be a hero. He still fears Homelander and his plan, but A-Train steps up to be a true hero. When he finds out MM is trying to leave, he gives him a pep talk with some harsh realities to convince him to stay. He saves Starlight from The Deep and helps her beat the aquatic Supe.
But what is surprising and shows a big part of his redemption arc is his last interactions with Ashley. The two of them have never been friends, or friendly to each other, the entire series. However, their shared hatred of Homelander is something they bonded over this season. When she learns he’s the leak, she doesn’t say anything and helps cover his tracks. After A-Train fights off The Deep and Black Noir 2 with The Boys, he goes back to her. He isn’t successful in convincing her to run away, but the change in him shows in this moment. The old A-Train wouldn’t have risked his life for her, but this new him is willing to take that risk.
The Boys Are Finally Back Together…Sort Of
After spending almost the entire season separated and dealing with their personal issues, The Boys are finally together. Butcher gets Frenchie out of jail with the (legal) help of Grace Mallory. Even though Frenchie was reluctant, it’s good to see him back. MM puts Butcher back in charge of the group. In a season where it’s felt like all of them have been doing side quests instead of focusing on the main quest, things are finally looking up.
The Boys 4×07 “The Insider” also gives us one of the best fight scenes in the entire series. The unexpected team-up of Butcher and Starlight versus Black Noir 2 and The Deep was something to behold even without the flashiness of Starlight’s powers. The battle is mostly a hand-to-hand fight between Deep and Starlight, while Butcher uses anything he can get hands on to fight Noir. In other words, his trusty crowbar and a shotgun. It was pretty funny to see the new Noir fall asleep in the middle of the fight because of his narcolepsy.
However, Butcher’s battles are far from over. His leadership over the group is shaky at best, and his control over Kessler/the parasite in him is even shakier. And with the shapeshifter taking Starlight’s form, this isn’t going to bode for the group.
Ryan Stands Up For Himself And Homelander Is Losing It
This whole season, Ryan has been going back and forth between Homelander’s influence and remembering how his mother raised him. The Boys 4×07 shows Ryan standing up for himself and defying his father’s wishes. If Homelander was hoping Ryan would lose his humanity and become just like him, he’s wrong. It seems like Becca’s love and influence on the youngster is still very strong. Speaking out against Homelander and Vought is a huge step for Ryan, but this could also lead to serious consequences if he doesn’t get out soon.
What little sense (if any) Homelander has is slipping away. From ripping Webweaver apart (RIP) and firing Sage, Homelander looks like he’s ready to burn the world down. Even when surrounded by yes men like Deep and Firecracker, he’s not happy. This could very well send him over the edge and make him have a burn-it-all-down moment in the last episode for this season.
Some random thoughts about The Boys 4×07 “The Insider”…
- I couldn’t help but notice Sage doesn’t have a puppet in the puppet show.
- Frenchie and Kimiko’s relationship is one of the best things about this show, and I’m glad they finally talked it out.
- Holy crap, I was not expecting The Deep to kill Ambrosius. The scene was hilariously dramatic and drawn out in the best way. Bravo to Tilda Swinton.
- Butcher and his trusty crowbar are always ready to whack Supes around.
- Starlight lifting Deep up by his gills made me cringe in pain and laugh at the same time.
- I wasn’t surprised Sameer did what he did. Poor guy’s lost his leg. I’d be mad and desperate to get out, too.
- Poor Kimiko losing her leg, but I’m glad Frenchie acted fast to save her.
- A-Train’s redemption arc has been one of the best things this season. I really hope he makes it out alive or dies fighting the good fight.
- Ashley reminding A-Train to remove his tracking device shows she still has a heart.
- I don’t like the look Kessler had after Butcher passed out.
- You know Homelander is losing it when he refuses milk from the source.
- I thought it was weird Starlight put her Supe suit on…and I was disturbed to find out it was the shapeshifter. Hughie’s bad luck continues.
- Maybe Starlight will get her powers back after this?
- I laughed really hard when The Deep found out Black Noir has been sleeping with Sage too. Only she doesn’t lobotomize herself to do so with Noir.
The Boys is now streaming on Amazon Prime.
