In no way am I trying to be a killjoy when I say this, but The Boys MCU/DC parody was a little hypocritical. The Boys has always thrived on poking fun at the larger film and TV industry, and particularly the traditional characterizations of heroes in superhero stories. It provides a clever insight and twist, with a world that feels more authentic due to its flawed nature, and ultimately, it makes for a better show thanks to the self-aware nature that allows it to be critical and keep its finger on the pulse.

The Boys season 4 has continued this trend of being edgy and political, but it’s also pushed things harder than ever before with clear real world influences for several jokes. Many of these are valid and hilarious. For example, the product placement, which just feels too ridiculous to be real, but then Eric Kripke, the show’s creator, revealed that it was a real thing. The show is undeniably funny and provides commentary on some of the most absurd things in Hollywood, but it’s also starting to feel a little awkward for The Boys.

The Boys Season 4’s V52 Scenes Are Hilarious & Make Valid Points About The Industry

The Boys Social Commentary Is Excellent

V52, or the Vought fan event where dozens of new movies and spin-offs for The Seven, was a clear parody of Disney’s D25 event, and other such conventions, and expos where studios announce major franchises. From highlighting new phases planned for their franchise and the future plans that would take them decades into the future, V52 was a witty and on-point poke at expansive franchises in Hollywood, and the ultimate content factory, churning out new movies based on the same characters in various new ways.

Many of the titles featured were clear in their attempt to ridicule, such as one named “Double Standard,” which may be more true than it initially appeared. The joke was funny, and I enjoyed the whole season, especially those moments where they draw comparisons with other parts of Hollywood. However, I also have a lingering feeling that that overt “Double Standard” is more real than The Boys would like to admit. With The Boys set to conclude with the fifth and final season, it could end on a high, and keep the high ground, but that isn’t the plan.

Amazon’s The Boys Franchise Plans Make Season 4’s Jokes Look Hypocritical

Expanding The Boys Universe With Spin-Offs

Money talks. And that is never truer than it is for massive billion-dollar companies like Amazon, who fund The Boys, and have seen an incredibly enthusiastic response to the show from the start. Now, with the show about to walk off into the sunset, plans are being made to keep the world of The Boys alive, and this has already started with Gen V releasing its first season in 2023, and more seasons planned for the future. However, the expansion doesn’t stop there. The Boys: Mexico is currently in development with big names attached, including Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal.

And going beyond that, Kripke recently spoke on the possibility of another new spin-off starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan expanding on his character and the relationship with Butcher (via Forbes). The first show is still in the penultimate season, and the first spin-off has barely begun, but clearly, Amazon and the creatives involved have big plans for the franchise. It may not be the same as the 43 movies announced by Vought at V52 in The Boys, but it’s moving in a similar direction.

Has The Boys Lived Long Enough To See Itself Become The Villain?

Or Can It Change Course Before A Major Fall?

I’m still having a great time with the show, and I genuinely believe it’s one of the best satires and superhero dramas of all time, but it falls into a trap of its own making when it becomes so critical, while also conforming to the ideologies it criticizes. The Boys is trying to have its cake and eat it, but both things simply are not possible at the same time. I don’t necessarily feel like The Boys has become the villain yet, as both The Boys and Gen V tackle the subject of real supes with real issues from opposing perspectives.

However, if the franchise continues to develop, and similar ideas get rehashed, and everything just becomes an impression of an impression to make the same stale content on repeat, it’s walking on thin ice. Thanks to the shows own critical takes on this sort of behavior, it signed itself up for closer scrutiny, and as a result, a higher standard is expected. Despite this, The Boys and the people involved are only human, and more money is hard to ignore.