Supes and non-supes alike should also be concerned about howThe Boysseason 4 ended.
On one side, Homelander has effectively taken over the United States and imposed a supes-first dictatorship.
All evidence points to both teams taking very heavy casualties.
Antony Starr and Karl Urban’s characters are arguably more at risk than anyone else.
Ryan occupies two unique positions withinThe Boys' narrative.
The finale must somehow prove five seasons of fighting against tyranny was worth it.
Custom image by Ana Nieves
Secondly,Ryan represents hope forThe Boys' future.
Ryan, therefore, represents a way forward inThe Boys.
If Homelander had his way, only supes would exist.
The Boys is a gritty and subversive take on the superhero genre, focusing on a group of vigilantes who confront powerful superheroes abusing their abilities, exploring themes of corruption and moral ambiguity in a world where heroes are not always what they seem.
The finale must somehow prove five seasons of fighting against tyranny was worth it.
There are also various ways that Hughie could die and his ending would still feel satisfyingly earned.
There are many waysThe Boyscould kill Hughie off without making its ending too downbeat.
Any scenario where Ryan dies, however, would feel hopeless and dour.
