The following contains spoilers for The Boys season 4 episode 5, “Beware the Jabberwock, My Son,” now streaming on Prime Video
Summary
The Boysseason 4 brought back a major character from earlier seasons, and it’s reminding me how important he is to the show.The Boyshas introduced a wide range of characters over the course of four seasons, with a typically lethal means of removing them from the playing field. Only a few characters inthe cast ofThe Boyshave left the show in a way that could allow their easy return, underscoring the stakes for their conflicts.
One notable figure within the show’s internal power struggles is still alive, however, but has been absent from season 4. Although he may have lost a good amount of his power and influence from the earlier seasons of the show,he still presents a unique perspective and potential role inThe Boys, especially as it approaches the final stretch of the story. Their surprise appearance in episode 5 of season 4 highlights how well this character fits into the show, and proves why they need to be more present inthe concluding season 5 ofThe Boys.
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Stan Edgar’s Return Shows How Much The Boys Has Missed Him
The BoysHas Been Missing Stan Edgar For Too Long
Stan Edgar’s return in “Beware The Jabberwock, My Son” highlights how much Edgar’s absence has been quietly impacting the show. Introduced in season 1, Stan Edgar was the CEO of Vought International. Despite being a regular human in a world where people like Homelander can tear someone apart with his bare hands,Edgar’s authority and ambitions make him one of the overarching villains of the show. I loved how it played into the show’s themes about the dangers of corporate powerhouses in modern society, and gave Homelander someone he couldn’t overcome through intimidation or superpowers.
Edgar was a great overarching antagonist that plays into the show’s themes. It also made his arrest in season 3 more impactful, as it created a power vacuum that is still impactingThe Boys.His return in season 4 highlights his importance within the series, and recasts him as something of a wildcard. He’s able to work with the Boys in the short term and has personal stakes in the conflict because of his connection to Victoria. However, I know just as well as the Boys that he’s likely playing his own game the entire time, reinforcing what makes him such a strong antagonist.
Giancarlo Esposito Has Been Overdue For A Return OnThe Boys
One of the things I love the most about Edgar is the way he’s played by Giancarlo Esposito. Esposito adds a charming yet detached element to the character that doesn’t betray the small genuine moments of humanity that he exhibits. It’s a great performance from an actor who has become increasingly in-demand since his breakout role inBreaking Bad. Despite appearing in several other minor roles over the years, I was one of the people blown away by his performance as the eerily calm and collected drug kingpin Gus in the classic AMC crime show.
Since then,Esposito has become one of Hollywood’s most flexible and consistent character actors. He’s made memorable appearances in several other shows and films, and has played a big part in material like Disney’sStar Warsoutput on the Disney+ streaming service. It makes sense whyThe Boyswouldn’t feature him all the time, making his appearances in the show more impactful. Still, I was disappointed when season 3 seemingly wrote the character out of the show by sending him to prison. While I’m excited to see him back in season 4, there’s always room for more.
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Stan Edgar Needs To Play A Bigger Role In The Boys Season 5 & The Show’s Ending
Stan Edgar Needs To Factor IntoThe Boys' Ending
WithThe Boysconfirmed to be ending with the upcoming season 5, Stan Edgar needs to factor into the final stretch of the show. The series is already setting him up as a potential wild card, given the events of “Beware the Jabberwock, My Son.” Neuman’s decision to explode the head of the driver taking him back to prisoncould allow Edgar to become a secret weapon in Neuman’s pocket. His experience with Vought makes him one of the most powerfully knowledgeable figures in the show, with potential resources that could make or break Homelander’s schemes for the future.
Especially with the show coming to a close, it would be a shame if this was the last we saw of Edgar.He represents one of the biggest targets ofThe Boys' satirical look at the corruption of corporationsand the dangers they can unleash in the search for greater profits. Bringing back Edgar for season 5 could bring those elements back front and center, directly contrasting it with the rasher, ruthless approach to power that Homelander represents. Stan Edgar is an underappreciated aspect ofThe Boys, and his season 4 appearance just leaves me wanting more.
The Boys
Cast
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.
