‘The Boys’ Recap: ‘The Insider’

7/12/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Jack Quaid, Erin Moriarty, and Karl Urban as Hugh ‘Hughie’ Campbell Jr., Annie ‘Starlight’ January, and William ‘Billy’ Butcher in Episode 407 of ‘The Boys’ – ‘The Insider’. (Photo Courtesy of Prime Video.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 407 of ‘The Boys’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

One thing fans of television can all agree upon, is that season four of the Prime Video series, The Boys, has done a phenomenal job of tapping into the American zeitgeist. For it perfectly mirrors the political tension that is hanging over the United States and no show out there has properly captured the manic and ludicrous, and downright dangerous nature of the MAGA movement, quite like this show has. After all, we have been treated to moments that perfectly reflect the nonsense that its real-world stars spew, and the horror of what they want, and we now have a great understanding of how they gained the ability to shout into our homes instead of into the void.

But while it has been amazing for us to see America properly showcased on the small screen, there’s been one big question we’ve been hoping the show will answer regarding these issues. Specifically, how in the ever-loving hell do we genuinely stop this mess? Because it just keeps going and we’ve all had enough, and we want things to change. But how the hell do we get there? Well as it turns out, the next episode in this amazing series takes the time to explore just that. But before we dive too deep into that, we should take a moment and talk about the other big moments present in ‘The insider’. Because much was set up for the season four finale in this particular tale. Such as the fact that Frenchie returned to the Boys with a mission in hand.

Specifically, to bring the virus to fruition, but with a twist. Because Butcher didn’t want to commit genocide, he just wanted Homelander to die. So, he had Frenchie and Kimiko watch and supervise the creation of a virus that would bring down the big man, which allowed for this duo to speak upon their friendship issues and their past. Plus, they did get a virus produced, one that cost them the good doctor and Kimiko’s leg. But that’s okay, it will grow back. But what mattered more here was that the virus was nearly ready and of course… we would be remiss to not point out that the Boys are in deep trouble thanks to whatever the hell Sage set up with that shapeshifter. Since they now have sensitive information.

Cameron Crovetti as Ryan in Episode 407 of ‘The Boys’ – ‘The Insider’. (Photo Courtesy of Prime Video.)

But all setup aside, let’s be honest… it’s the answer to that burning question that makes this episode worthwhile, and that came up… because it really seemed as though this story was barreling toward utter disaster. For Vicky and Homelander’s plans continued to move along and that brought about real worry and real trouble and well, that’s when the show made it clear that in order to start to move the needle in a different direction, the time has come for people… to stand up to these bullies and say something, do something. Do anything at this point. But specifically, start calling them out on the endless bullshit they spew and take them to task like never before. Which just isn’t happening right now.

But it happened here, and it brought about some amazing results. For Hughie opted to just go to Vicky directly and point out the horrors on the horizon for America if Homelander got his way, and he challenged her on how that was right or fair, and she definitely buckled a bit at this. Not to mention, Ryan straight up called out how stupid some of the messaging was, and how wrong it was as well. Which left everyone shocked and second guessing what so many tend to go along with. But of course, the centerpiece to this was A-Train’s journey. Since the inside man stood up and said enough and fought his co-workers over their stance, and all of this, left Homelander unsure of how to proceed. To the point where he blew up the plan, fired Sage and likely took in some down-home milky milk from the tap at Firecracker Farms.

More importantly though, being stood up to, being called out and showcased as being stupid for saying and doing such stupid things… had a massive impact upon the villains of this tale and left all of us wondering. What would happen if interviewers and more outlets and pundits went after the stupid shit that Cheeto von Tweeto says and does, and confronted him? And the same goes for Marjorie Trailer Trash and her ilk. It might change a lot, and hopefully this brilliant tale helps inspire that. But all lessons and commentary aside, make no mistake about it, this was a satisfying tale. One that finally saw the good folks of this world counter punch and land deep blows and it will be interesting to see what comes from this surprise offensive in the season four finale of the show. Until next time.

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