The following contains spoilers for The Boys season 4 episode 6, “Dirty Business,” now streaming on Prime Video

The Boys has completely reinvented Black Noir for season 4, and the latest episode might be the most entertaining the character has ever been. Initially set up as a silent but deadly member of the Seven, Black Noir played small roles in the first two seasons of The Boys. That changed with season 3, which expanded on his origins and explored his internal motivations. It was a surprising and affecting performance by Nathan Mitchell, which seemed to come to a grisly end with Black Noir’s death at the hands of Homelander.

However, a new character took over the mantle of Black Noir, allowing Mitchell to remain in the role. It’s been clear throughout season 4 though that he’s now playing a very different version of Black Noir, remiagining the character as an actor struggling to get into the psychology of a tricky part. This personality makes him ideal for The Boys cast of characters and sets up a scene in season 4 episode 6, “Dirty Business,” that proves exactly how well this new version of Black Noir fits into the show.

After 30 Episodes, The Boys Season 4, Episode 6 Finally Shows Nathan Mitchell’s Face

The Boys Finally Lets Nathan Mitchell Take Off The Black Noir Mask

Nathan Mitchell has been doing great work playing the new Black Noir on The Boys, and the chance to see him finally open up is a surprising highlight of The Boys season 4. After assuming the mantle of Black Noir between the events of season 3 and season 4, Mitchell showcased how different this new Black Noir was by loudly proclaiming his surprise at being ordered by Homelander to commit murder in “Dirty Business.” It’s been a funny unexpected wrinkle in the Seven’s dynamic, especially how it relates to characters like the Deep.

Far different from the terrifyingly silent and quietly tragic Black Noir of the first three seasons, Nathan Mitchell’s new Black Noir has a far more grounded identity. He’s got very human reactions to the bizarre situation around him, and responds with a snarky frustration that makes him surprisingly funny. It’s also nice to actually see the actor behind Black Noir. While the previous three seasons largely kept Mitchell’s face hidden behind a featureless mask and massive scars, it’s very fun to see the new Black Noir turn out to be an average Supe with a seemingly regular personality.

Black Noir’s Unmasked The Boys Season 4 Scene Is Perfect

Black Noir Conversation With The Deep Is Hilarious And Illuminating

“Dirty Business” features a very fun scene where the Deep finds himself conversing with Black Noir in the Seven’s base. While everyone else is horrified of Homelander and his dangerous potential, Black Noir has taken to lounging in his chair and drinking sake while complaining about his “character.” Black Noir has already expressed frustration in season 4 about not really getting into the part, comparing the murderous “Black Noir” to an underwritten acting role. It’s a very funny and very meta approach to Black Noir, and setting up his frustrated funny back-and-forth with the Deep.

Things take a darker turn as the scene goes on, playing into The Boys exploration of power and the way it can shape bad people into horrible monsters. It’s funny when the new Black Noir admits he doesn’t like violence and can’t get into the mindscape of the mass murderer who previously filled that role, but it takes a darker undertone when he starts getting into the Deep’s increasingly unsettling belief that fearsome violence is equal to respect and power. It’s a perfect blend of The Boys approach to superhero comedy, satirical commentary, and complex storytelling.

The Real Black Noir’s Death Has Made The Character Even Better

The New Black Noir Sets Up A Fresh And Dangerous Villain For The Boys Going Into Season 5

The death of the original Black Noir has been a blessing for The Boys, which has been able to use it as a great way to springboard into new storytelling directions. His story in season 3 was a clever way to reveal more about Soldier Boy, while making him one of the more tragic characters in the show. It was surprising how genuinely affecting his death at the hands of Homelander was, especially his surprisingly sweet final moments imagining his cartoon friends. The new Black Noir is a direct contrast to the original, and works better for it.

The new Black Noir is a hilarious continuation on The Boys‘ self-aware commentary about the entertainment industry, with his frustrated actor aspects poking fun at the concept. It’s a great chance for Nathan Mitchell to showcase his acting chops with someone who can actually talk. It also allows him to play into the themes of the show as a whole, with his comical conversation with the Deep taking a very foreboding turn. Black Noir has become a great encapsulation of The Boys as a whole, and he’s become one of the best parts of season 4.