"Beware the Jabberwock, My Son" isn't the strongest episode of The Boys'
latest season. The pacing feels sluggish at times, but the story progresses with
some darkly comedic and surprisingly emotional moments.
Homelander's Shifting Tactics with Ryan
Homelander seems to be taking a new approach with his son Ryan. Gone are the manipulative tactics; instead, there's a strange sense of genuine kindness. He encourages Ryan to resist manipulation and even helps him stand up to a bully at Vought. This sudden shift feels suspicious, but there's a glimmer of hope that Homelander might actually be trying to do right by his son. However, the episode ends with a chilling realization: Ryan is starting to adopt his father's mannerisms and way of speaking. Butcher's fear that Ryan will become a mini-Homelander seems more likely than ever.
Butcher Forges an Unlikely Alliance
Butcher's quest for the Supe-killing virus takes a surprising turn. He forms a temporary alliance with the imprisoned Stan Edgar, offering him a chance to see his daughter Zoe in exchange for help locating the virus. This uneasy partnership leads them to Stan's secret lab, filled with V-pumped lab animals gone horribly wrong. Think violent, flying sheep and chickens with a taste for human flesh. The chaos escalates when Victoria Neuman, with her own agenda, joins the search for the virus.
In a shocking twist, Butcher betrays everyone. He reveals he has no intention of sharing the virus and takes the remaining vial, kidnapping Samir (Zoe's father) to work with Robert Kessler on creating more. This move further isolates Butcher from The Boys, raising questions about his leadership and sanity. His desperation to stop Homelander seems to be fueling a ruthless pragmatism that may cost him his team's trust.
Hughie Faces a Heartbreaking Choice
Hughie's arc takes a tragic turn as he deals with the consequences of giving his father Compound V. Initially, his father feels rejuvenated, but the side effects are devastating. Memory loss and confusion lead to a violent rampage at the hospital. Hughie, faced with the impossible situation of his father harming innocent people and himself, makes the agonizing decision to help his father die. This heartbreaking scene underscores the devastating cost of Compound V, leaving Hughie to grapple with his grief and the fallout from his mother's actions.
Vought Continues its Manipulation
The episode isn't all gloom and gore. There's a darkly comedic subplot involving Firecracker's relentless smear campaign against Starlight. Frenchie also grapples with guilt over his past, leading him to confess his crimes. A-Train, ever the self-serving coward, throws someone else under the bus to protect himself from Sister Sage's investigation. Meanwhile, Homelander uses the leaked information as an excuse to unleash his Supes on an innocent whistleblower, further solidifying his image as a vengeful god.
While "Beware the Jabberwock, My Son" may not be the most action-packed episode, it lays the groundwork for some major conflicts to come. Butcher's descent into darkness, Ryan's vulnerability, and the ever-present threat of Homelander's tyranny all point towards a thrilling and explosive second half of the season.