When Disney announced its intention to expand the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the small screen, we knew that endless superhero series awaited Disney Plus. The strategy is being carried out to the letter and, today, there are multiple productions already available on the service – and many more on the way. However, there is another series of superheroes that, since its premiere in 2019, is stealing the spotlight: TheBoys.
Let’s be honest. When Amazon Prive Video revealed the adaptation of TheBoys, which already had an established fan base in the world of comics, did not generate much buzz. Above all, of course, if we compare it with the Marvel series, which have the ability to break the internet with each premiere.
There are two reasons that caused the lukewarm reception of the announcement. First, the comics of TheBoys they were not so well known among the huge market that consumes streaming video services. Whether we like it or not, the popularity of Marvel is unmatched.
On the other hand, at that time Amazon was still unable to offer a flagship series. That is, one that would drive the platform on its own; What stranger things to Netflix or Game of Thrones to HBO. Consequently, there was no confidence that Amazon would succeed in creating a top-tier adaptation, but we were wrong…
Just in its first season, TheBoys proved to be an excellent series. The best of all is that has improved season after season in every sense. At the present time, achieving this is extremely complicated. For this reason, it is worth analyzing what are the qualities that have made TheBoys one of the best series today, and the best of superheroes for many.
A “doable” story in the real world
The main approach of TheBoys it is simple and complex at the same time. What would happen if superheroes existed in our world? Would they really be the representation of good? In an ideal world, a group of heroes would fight insatiably to protect humanity. In the Amazon series, however, that does not happen. The knew they are involved in embarrassing situations; totally seduced by the idea of obtaining more power and fame.
The most interesting thing is that they are willing to commit any crime in order to fulfill their objectives. If to this we add a sinister corporation that “controls” superheroes for financial gain, and corrupt political figures also involved in illegal practices, the panorama becomes a mess. Does it sound familiar to you? Yes, it is the real world.
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And, on the other hand, we have the representation of the vast majority of society. A group of citizens with their own problems who, by chance of fate, were harmed, to a lesser or greater extent, by the illicit acts of the superheroes and the consequent impunity. However, some of them are fed up with what is happening and, using the few resources they have at hand, join together to try to stop the knew.
That attachment to reality that you have TheBoys has allowed him to grow his fandom. Somehow, we manage to relate their ridiculous situations with those that take place in our world. More than one politician or other powerful figure from your country would fit perfectly in the series, right? —especially if you are from Latin America, like me—
TheBoys not afraid to be politically incorrect
Nowadays, we see how film productions are very careful when dealing with social problems. In some cases they avoid them, and in others they manage to introduce a message that supports a certain cause. I will not go into the debate as to whether this is a forced move to fulfill an agenda, but it is undeniable that Some corporations promote values and ideals that they are not even capable of fulfilling behind closed doors..
A TheBoys he loves to move in that environment of double standard; showing how politics, private companies and public figures convey positive messages while, at the same time, dedicating efforts to hide endless shameful acts. Nevertheless, the series does not take sides with a specific side, and generally has plenty of teasing for everyone.
If the opportunity arises to criticize and mock systemic machismo and the impunity of the patriarchy, he will do so. The same way you can two minutes after feminism. Nor will he show remorse for making fun of how companies bet on inclusion and diversity. Again: TheBoys it shoots in all directions, and that is something that not everyone is going to like. It must be understood for what it is, a satire.
Violence, blood and wholesale sex
Of course, the river of blood that runs in almost every episode of TheBoys it was an essential component in attracting the attention of a part of their current audience. And it is that, when we talk about productions based on superhero stories, there will always be moments of action. However, very few dare to show graphic violence. A TheBoys he doesn’t care about everythingand its creatives have the green light to show the most crazy sequences – the one from the first episode of season 3 blew our heads off, for example.
Also, when you combine superheroes with a high level of testosterone, money, fame and a lot of power, well it’s sex is the order of the day. Although it is not a priority for the series to show scenes with sexual relations, and honestly none of them feel out of place in the narrative, when she has the opportunity to explore these moments, she does. openly. Proof of this is Herogasm, which for many is the best chapter in the history of TheBoys: Aglaia Berlutti, from hypertextualdescribes it perfectly:
“In chapter six of TheBoys there are tentacles shaped like monumental penises. Flaming penises, ice dildos. A surprising burst of semen on an insane and grotesque level. But under all the provocation, Eric Kripke [showrunner] managed to create a complicated analysis about the personality of his characters. Also, use it as a context for their motivations, pains and traumas. All while what seemed like the wildest scene imaginable became background noise for other versions of the limits of humanity.”
TheBoys had no qualms about showing sexual intercourse between a i knew and an octopus – no kidding. In fact, Kripke himself acknowledges that this scene set off alarms at Amazon. “For some crazy reason, the Standards and Practices Department has a policy against bestiality. They’re really strict. The discussion of that scene and how we pulled it off actually set off a lot of red flags on a lot of different levels at Amazon, because it’s supposed to that you shouldn’t show people having relationships with animals, and I understand that,” he said. Fortunately, the company only urged them to make it clear that it was an orgy between superheroes.
Without taking your foot off the accelerator
Another point that has distinguished TheBoys since its first season is that his pace is frenetic; very rarely decreases. When it does, it’s because we truly need a break after an event that left us in shock.
In addition, despite the fact that there are many characters that have a leading role, the series give each one the attention they deserve. Billy “Butcher”, Hughie Campbell, Annie (Starlight), T. Milk, Frenchie, Kimiko, Homelander, Queen Maeve and A-Train, among others, are also treated in a personal way without extending their space more than necessary.
To date, the narrative is developing in a very good way. Hopefully those responsible keep it on the same path in the future. Be careful, if you continue like this in your next seasons, we could be facing one of the best series of all time.