Episode 4 of The Boys' fourth season, titled "Wisdom of the Ages," feels like
a necessary mid-season pause. The major players have shuffled into position, the
conflicts are simmering, but the action feels more like a slow burn than the
explosive chaos we're used to. While the episode avoids treading water
completely, it doesn't quite deliver the sense of urgency we might expect with
the series confirmed to end after season 5.
Homelander, the ever-volatile leader of The Seven, is grappling with a crisis. We see him return to the Vought lab where he grew up, a visit shrouded in a thin veil of pleasantries that can't mask his simmering rage towards the scientists who experimented on him. This exploration of Homelander's past isn't entirely new territory, but Antony Starr's performance remains captivating. Here, we see a different side of Homelander – not just a sociopath, but a man facing his own mortality and desperately yearning for a legacy. This focus on his midlife crisis, with its anxieties about aging and a desire for a world where his son can "thrive" (in his own twisted way), offers a more nuanced perspective on the character.
However, The Boys throws another sociopath into the mix to keep things interesting: Sister Sage. Arguably the most captivating new character this season, Sage's depravity continues to be a highlight. This episode features her most disturbing scene yet – a lobotomy performed by none other than The Deep. Susan Heyward's chilling portrayal combined with the unsettling sexual dynamic between Sage and The Deep make for a scene that's equal parts bizarre and grotesque. While there's little progress on Sage's world domination plans, the groundwork is laid, and we gain a glimpse into her motivations. She explains the lobotomy as a way to dull her constantly racing mind, a hint of vulnerability beneath the surface.
The Boys themselves are a scattered bunch this episode. After a cautious start, Starlight finally gets her chance to shine in a fight scene, taking down the conspiracy-peddling Supe Firecracker. Meanwhile, the mystery surrounding Kimiko deepens, and Frenchie's relationship with Colin takes a tragic turn. Hughie's decision to inject his dad with V adds another layer of chaos, and Butcher continues his downward spiral towards death's door. Each character is at a low point, further isolated by Starlight's fractured relationship with the new president. This vulnerability sets the stage for a potentially explosive second half of the season.
While "Wisdom of the Ages" may not be the most action-packed episode, it serves a crucial purpose. It establishes the emotional states of the characters, deepens existing conflicts, and introduces intriguing new elements. With the endgame in sight, The Boys is building towards a chaotic climax, and this mid-season lull ensures the coming storm will hit even harder.