Stan Edgar informs Starlight in Episode 2 of Season 3 of ‘The Boys’ that having a superpower isn’t the same as having actual power. We witness the practical side of this remark in the third episode. The show’s balance of power has always been precarious, with politics taking priority over the employment of actual superpowers. With the events of this episode, the upheaval within the Seven grows even more chaotic. We’re left wondering exactly how bad things can become by the conclusion of it.
The polls at Homelander have surged! His fan following appears to have responded positively to his ego, anti-regulatory, borderline manic rant at the closing of episode 2. Who’d have guessed? The superhero talent competition “American Hero” and the question of which heroes to add to the Seven are at the core of this episode’s storyline. The choice is Starlight’s, as per her new contract, and she tries to force her choices through. Homelander, on the other hand, has other ideas for his team.
The Boys Season 3 Episode 3 Review
Homelander wants supes he can command, therefore, he’s attempting to reinsert The Deep into the squad. But he’ll need proof of loyalty before extending the invitation. As a result, Homelander invites The Deep to dinner. Homelander serves The Deep’s entree with Timothy, Deep’s octopus pet and best pal. Deep tries to persuade Homelander to spare his pal… Homelander is stubborn, and Deep, anxious to reclaim his place, eats Timothy alive. It’s quite a spectacle.
Homelander presents his re-admittance to Starlight, who is naturally horrified now that Deep has demonstrated his loyalty. Deep sexually abused Starlight in the first season, so working with him is out of the question. Starlight pushes her newfound power over Homelander, but he refuses to give up. It’s an emotional low point topped only by the peak of Homelander and Starlight’s dispute… when Homelander declares on-air that he and Starlight seem to be in love. After a brief moment of disbelief, Starlight accepts the situation and kisses Homelander to keep her cover.
Also Read: The Boys Season 3 Episode 4 Release Date: Butcher Wakes Up Soldier Boy
The Boys Learns About Soldier Boy
Butcher and the Boys interrogate Grace Mallory for information about Soldier Boy’s death. Mallory greets the team with stories of her time in Nicaragua when she sold cocaine to minorities to help the CIA pay for America’s battle against Russia. The mission was going swimmingly until the superhero team Payback arrived and caught the notice of Russian-backed soldiers in the area. Mallory’s whole squad, as well as Soldier Boy, were killed in the heat of combat. Mallory has no information on the weapon used by Russian forces to murder Soldier Boy, but Butcher recalls someone who does.
While Homelander encouraged (kind of) forced feasting and Mallory apologized for her involvement in the annihilation of destitute African American villages, Frenchie was struggling with his own issue. Cherie, his on-again, off-again girlfriend, is suspected of stealing cocaine from Little Nina, a strong Russian mafia. Little Nina, of course, wants Cherie dead, and she needs Frenchie’s help. Frenchie is determined not to give up Cherie, but when the Soldier Boy inquiry begins to turn to Russia… Butcher finds a potential synergy.
Butcher is desperate to keep Ryan safe, so he chooses to abandon him and never return. Ryan is irritated because he has become attached to Butcher and does not want him to leave. In a true Butcher manner, he made a strong move to drive Ryan away for good by telling Ryan that he simply can not stand looking at the monster who murdered his wife.
Some Thoughts On The Boys Season 3 Episode 3
So… the lads are off to Russia. Butcher has most likely pushed Ryan one step closer to being a sociopath like Homelander, who is becoming increasingly irrational by the day. The Boys’ world is in chaos… I’m not sure what I’ll do with myself for the next week while I prepare for episode 4.
The pageant opening is a terrific way to frame Starlight in this uneasy light and how she’s always had to smile and push her way through difficult situations. This is fantastic for her character, and it extends to the other characters as well. That sequence with The Deep devouring octopus was one of the most difficult to watch this season, and I’d say it was even more difficult than Termite’s inside-out destruction.
Aside from the squeamish, another remarkable scene is Kimiko and Ryan’s conversation outside, in which they bond over the fact that neither of them wants their superpowers. This is a pretty beautiful addition, and despite the fact that there isn’t much speech, it manages to portray both of these gentle individuals in a really convincing way. It reminded me of Android 16 from Dragon Ball Z, a robot with a large heart despite his lack of language. It’s anyone’s guess where Homelander will go next now that the gloves have been removed and he’s totally out of control. In any case, this season is gearing up to be just as crazy as the last two.
Also Read: The Boys Season 3 Episode 4 Release Date: Butcher Wakes Up Soldier Boy
