Episode 4 of The Boys' fourth season, aptly titled "Wisdom of the Ages," serves as a pivotal mid-season interlude. The pivotal players have consolidated their positions, and conflicts are brewing beneath the surface, yet the action unfolds in a gradual, simmering manner, a stark contrast to the explosive chaos we've come to expect. While the episode avoids stagnation, it lacks the sense of urgency that one might anticipate given the series' imminent conclusion after season 5.
Homelander, the volatile leader of The Seven, is embroiled in a personal crisis. He returns to the Vought lab, his birthplace, cloaked in a veneer of civility that barely conceals his seething resentment towards the scientists who tampered with his genes. This exploration of Homelander's past, though not entirely novel, remains captivating through Antony Starr's nuanced performance. Here, we witness a different facet of the character — not merely a sociopath, but a man grappling with his own mortality and a desperate yearning for a legacy. This focus on his midlife turmoil, coupled with his angst about aging and his desire for a world where his son can "thrive" in his warped sense, provides a deeper, more nuanced perspective on the iconic villain.
However, The Boys introduces another sociopath to keep the narrative intriguing: Sister Sage. Undeniably, the most compelling new addition this season, Sage's depravity continues to be a standout. This episode features her most disturbing scene yet — a lobotomy performed by the unlikely hands of The Deep. Susan Heyward's chilling portrayal, coupled with the unsettling sexual tension between Sage and The Deep, creates a scene that is both bizarre and grotesque. While Sage's grand plans for world domination remain in their infancy, the groundwork is laid, and we are privy to a glimpse of her underlying motivations. She rationalizes the lobotomy as a means to dull her incessantly racing mind, revealing a fleeting hint of vulnerability beneath her macabre facade.
In this episode, The Boys themselves appear as a scattered troupe, each member adrift in their own turmoil. After a cautious opening, Starlight finally emerges from the shadows, her moment to shine arriving in a pulse-racing fight scene where she triumphantly brings down the conniving Supe Firecracker. However, the enigmatic veil surrounding Kimiko thickens, and Frenchie's bond with Colin takes a heart-wrenching turn. Hughie's reckless decision to inject his father with V adds another layer of tumult, while Butcher continues his descent towards the abyss of death. Each of these characters stands at the nadir of their respective journeys, further alienated by Starlight's fractured relationship with the new president. This fragile state of vulnerability lays the foundation for a potentially explosive second half of the season.
While "Wisdom of the Ages" may not boast the most action-packed scenes, it serves a pivotal role. It etches the emotional landscapes of the characters, deepens their pre-existing conflicts, and introduces intriguing new dynamics. As the finale draws near, The Boys is orchestrating a tumultuous crescendo, and this mid-season lull ensures that the impending storm will strike with even greater ferocity.
