Welcome again to a different recap of The Boys Season 3. This time, we’re making our manner by Episode 7, titled “Right here Comes A Candle To Gentle You To Mattress”, which already has me loads intrigued. Notably following the explosive battle between Butcher, Soldier Boy, Hughie, and Homelander that occurred on the tail finish of Episode 6. (For all its speak concerning the evils of poisonous masculinity and such, The Boys positive does know tips on how to ship testosterone-fueled motion.) We’d have additionally seen the demise of A-Prepare, who died honorably, I feel (if he even died in any respect), and should have even seen the tip of Butcher’s crew, which has splintered off into three factions — Butcher and Hughie; Starlight/Annie and MM; and Frenchie and Kimiko — every with differing opinions about tips on how to take down Homelander. (There was additionally an orgy, however we prob don’t must delve too deeply into that one.)
Extra importantly, Episode 6 ended with Annie roughly rescinding her position as Starlight through a stay stream on social media throughout which she additionally revealed the reality about Homelander and Soldier Boy. In different phrases: shit’s about to get actual.
What Occurred in The Boys Season 3 Episode 7
“Right here Comes A Candle To Gentle You To Mattress” begins with one other collection of RoboCop-esque information programming/advertisements. On this case, Ashley seems on The Cameron Coleman Hour to defuse the hoopla generated by Annie’s stay stream revelation. Ever the sly public relations specialist, Ashley claims Annie is making an attempt to incite concern and notes her ties to the “terrorist” Kimiko as proof of her madness. (Information anchor Cameron Coleman suggests Annie is little greater than “one other girl scorned by Homelander.” Ouch.)
We then lower to an Elvis Presley-like musical, albeit that includes Soldier Boy singing a rendition of Jimmy Soul’s “If You Wanna Be Comfortable” alongside a gorgeous girl in a purple costume. Paul Reiser’s Legend begrudgingly watches the goofy flick from his chair, and tells Hughie: “I truly produced this piece of shit.” (Nice line alert: “If you happen to ask me, Soldier Boy did to singing what pantyhose did to finger fucking.”) Hughie is like all of us in that he nonetheless desires to imagine within the movie star heroes he grew up idolizing. He suggests Soldier Boy is a hero for storming Normandy.
Legend chuckles on the remark. “Yeah, two weeks after D-Day for the picture op.” Soldier Boy is something however a hero. He’s a Hollywood actor within the vein of, dare I say it, John Wayne, who likewise averted WW2 however nonetheless managed to look in quite a few warfare movies. (To his credit score, the Duke always regretted his decision to keep away from fight. Additionally, I’m not casting judgment — I grew up with John Wayne — simply relaying what The Boys appears to be relaying to its viewers.) Soldier Boy definitely performs the a part of an American hero fairly properly, even when he might have had one thing to do with JFK’s assassination.
“To be American means understanding you’re the hero,” Legend says bitterly. “So what will we do? We sweep all our filthy shit beneath the rug and we inform ourselves a fable like Soldier Boy. And I get stinking wealthy promoting it.” I’m abruptly reminded of my go to to the O.Okay. Corral, the situation of the legendary gunfight between Wyatt Earp and a gang of outlaws. Hollywood has romanticized the story quite a few occasions (and glossed over any wrongdoings dedicated by the Earp brothers) in movies corresponding to Gunfight on the OK Corral and Tombstone, however the true story is way much less attention-grabbing. In reality, in response to our tour information, nobody gave a rattling concerning the comparatively temporary shootout till Wyatt Earp bought his story to a Hollywood producer, who then bought stinking wealthy promoting it to the general public. As they are saying in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, “when the legend turns into truth, print the legend.” (Now, whether or not that is strictly an American ideology is up for debate.)
In any case, we’re solely about 4 minutes into this episode. Let’s get shifting.
Butcher, Hughie, and Legend confront Soldier Boy, who’s busy pleasuring himself in entrance of some very previous ladies. (I didn’t must see that, however that’s The Boys in a nutshell.) Butcher is having problem finding Soldier Boy’s remaining crew, however Hughie, after studying the following goal, Mindstorm, is bipolar, suggests combing the native pharmacies for lithium prescriptions — a suggestion that earns excessive reward from Butcher.
After the title card, Homelander steps into a jail cell the place Maeve is being held captive. He desires to know the situation of Butcher and Hughie, however all she will do is name out the very noticeable bruises on his face. Sensing her defiance, Homelander switches ways and divulges he needed to have youngsters with Maeve again within the good ole days. Their children can be good, he states. Maeve warns Homelander that she’s going to, properly, vaporize his dick if he tries to pressure himself on her. He scoffs, “We’re not savages. I might by no means pressure myself onto you, however I’m going to reap your eggs.” Yikes. “I’m not letting you reside,” he continues. “I’m retaining you alive.” (Bizarre how Homelander’s dialogue with Maeve echos Soldier Boy’s ultimate dialog with Crimson Countess. They’re the identical, you see.)
Maeve, unfazed, shoots again, “That is nonetheless a high three day in my life as a result of that is the day I noticed you scared.” Homelander smiles oddly at this line and promptly exits. I’m undecided he has something to be petrified of. Butcher, Soldier Boy, and Hughie had him lifeless to rights and he nonetheless bought away. Hell, one may even say he gained that combat.
Elsewhere, a battered and bruised Frenchie and Kimiko meet up with MM and Annie.
We then lower to Soldier Boy, Hughie, and Butcher in the course of a forest the place they focus on Mindstorm. “Simply don’t make eye contact with him,” Soldier Boy warns, which implies somebody is completely going to make eye contact with Mindstorm. (I ought to point out that Jensen Ackles is totally killing it as Soldier Boy. He’s a douche, however nonetheless sort of a cool man … it’s straightforward to see why so many individuals purchased into the facade.)
Hughie asks Butcher why he retains shopping for weed for Soldier Boy. “It helps maintain his thoughts off his PTSD,” Butcher replies, noting the occasions of Herogasm during which a PTSD episode prompted Soldier Boy’s newest detonation. When Hughie factors out that they’re counting on a nuclear, self-destructive, self-medicating soldier affected by PTSD, Butcher arms him a syringe containing a brand new batch of superhero serum and quips, “I imply, what unhappy bastard self-medicates like that, eh?” Hypocrisy throughout. The truth is, Butcher will be the solely character on the present who doesn’t attempt to disguise his private blemishes.
The present then jumps to Black Noir hiding out in an undisclosed restaurant. He feasts on black beans with … some animated animals, which is … ah, attention-grabbing. “We’re your finest buddies, aren’t we,” a kindly animated squirrel asks. “We bought you thru that erection within the seventh grade and that Arduous Rock Cafe bloodbath in Lagos.” I imply, gawd. The squirrel tells Noir he can’t disguise from Soldier Boy like he did when he paralyzed that child all these years in the past. By golly, his associates will assist him by this newest episode. Noir ignores their recommendation and sits in a nook by himself.
In the meantime, again with the Butcher trio, Soldier Boy snaps at Hughie. “What did you say,” he asks. Besides, Hughie didn’t say something. The person is nuts. Following a quick bit during which Butcher wipes a few of his leaking mind off his ear, Soldier Boy steps right into a booby lure and the three are instantly propelled backward by an explosion. Butcher involves and finds himself face-to-face with Mindstorm.
We enterprise into Butcher’s thoughts the place he sees his mum … all of the whereas he’s rendered unconscious (and dying) in the actual world. Hughie panics and implores Soldier Boy to pressure Mindstorm to assist his good friend. “If you happen to’re gonna act hysterical, I’m gonna slap you want I’m Connery,” Soldier Boy says (open-fisted, in fact). I’m utilizing that line endlessly. Hughie ultimately agrees to go away Butcher behind to perform the mission however locations his head on a gentle bag earlier than taking off. It’s the little issues that rely, individuals.
Again in Butcher’s thoughts, two younger males are abused by their father. Parallels to Butcher’s violent actions towards Gunpowder aren’t misplaced on our protagonist. Is he turning into his previous man?
Elsewhere, Frenchie and MM research up on tips on how to take down Soldier Boy, and it’s clear each males are in actually dangerous situation. There’s numerous psychological wrestle occurring on this present. Within the different room, Annie and Kimiko share some whiskey and focus on Hughie (“He doesn’t need to be saved,” Annie laments) and whether or not or to not use Compound V to assist Kimiko regain her powers.
Hughie and Soldier Boy proceed their pursuit of Mindstorm. Soldier Boy (who smokes some weed while recalling the variety of individuals he locked up again within the day for doing that very factor) notices Hughie wanting over his shoulder for Butcher and asks why he cares about him a lot. (I’m paraphrasing. Soldier Boy’s remarks are fairly crude.) “He saved me, okay,” Hughie says. Soldier Boy scoffs and recollects how he stormed Normandy, fought the Nazis, and didn’t remorse the lads he left behind as a result of he’s not a “pussy.” (Clearly, this man has not seen Black Hawk Down.) Hughie takes a verbal swing: “You didn’t storm shit,” he snaps, and Soldier Boy slaps him for the comment. This isn’t going properly. How lengthy earlier than Butcher calls Homelander for assist?
Randomly, we leap over for a quick bit with Deep and his “spouse” Cassandra. Everybody’s favourite Aquaman seems like their relationship wants a little bit of a lift and suggests they department out with some, um, sea life. Particularly, a fish mollusk named Ambrosius. Cassandra justifiably freaks out and asks how lengthy Deep has been screwing “it” behind her again. “Okay, it’s not an ‘it,’” he says. “It’s a ‘her.’ Get your pronouns proper.” Lol. The pair roughly break up. “You’re an fool,” Cassandra snaps. Effectively, Deep is an fool (and a creep), but additionally … properly, half fish. At the least his attraction to sea animals retains him from sexually abusing ladies. (As a facet: Deep is humorous and all, however I’m undecided I perceive the purpose of his storyline apart from to supply a couple of comedy beats. He’s indirectly tied to the primary plot, and the operating sex-with-fish gag has sort of worn skinny. Do we want extra scenes of mollusk intercourse to get the purpose?)
RELATED: The Boys Explained: Black Noir and Soldier Boy’s Past Revealed
Again with Black Noir, our troubled mute continues his psychological detour together with his animated furry associates. They reenact a reminiscence between him and Soldier Boy, during which the latter blocked his makes an attempt at touchdown the lead in Beverly Hills Cop (by saying imply issues behind his again to Don Simpson). When Noir presses, Soldier Boy beats him to a pulp. (Three issues I hate seeing in films/TV exhibits: 1) Characters ingesting infinite quantities of alcohol 2) Characters throwing up 3) Characters beating one another to a pulp. One or two hits drive the purpose house, children.) “If I see you getting out of line once more, making an attempt to maneuver on up, I’ll put you within the fucking floor,” Soldier Boy warns. Enjoyable man.
Butcher continues his descent down reminiscence lane and basically sees the downfall of his brother brought on by his father. Hopefully, this occasion causes Butcher to appreciate he must be a greater father determine for Ryan.
In any case, Soldier Boy and Hughie occur upon a priest and a nun caught coping with automobile bother. I imply, positive. Because the group exchanges pleasantries, Soldier Boy pulls out a gun and shoots the priest, explaining that they’re beneath the management of Mindstorm. Hughie freaks out and screams, “You may have PTSD!” Out of the blue, the nun assaults and Soldier Boy takes her out. “That is being a soldier,” he says. I’m shocked the writers had sufficient restraint to make the pair a nun and priest fairly than a mom and an toddler.
Elsewhere, Homelander offers a Trump-like speech (he’s Trump, you see?) during which he goes off-script to inform attendees they’ll’t belief the media, who’re mendacity about Starlight and Soldier Boy to instill concern within the public. He then goes to a close-by barn and milks a cow for … causes. AOC Victoria Neuman interrupts his milk-drinking session and instructs Homelander to inform the reality about Soldier Boy and take management. Homelander grabs Neuman by the neck, however she retains her cool and suggests a team-up and arms him a chunk of paper. “The place did you get this,” Homelander asks, shocked by the doc. (Did we see this in earlier episodes?)
We then lower to a hospital the place we see A-Prepare awaken — ah, so his storyline isn’t over. The truth is, primarily based on what we be taught on this scene, his arc has simply begun. After Ashley blames Blue Hawk’s loss of life on Soldier Boy, she explains that A-Prepare now has a brand new coronary heart — Blue Hawk’s coronary heart. Now, that’s some heavy-duty irony proper there. (Kudos to the sound staff for the guts monitor beeping within the background.) The excellent news is that A-Prepare has a totally functioning coronary heart and, after “insane quantities of rehab,” will be capable of run once more. The query is: what is going to he do together with his second likelihood at life? Would possibly we see the speedster truly do the suitable factor — assuming he doesn’t settle for a job in his biopic alongside Tom Hanks?
Again with Frenchie, he discovers Soldier Boy was subdued by gasoline. That means, they’ll have to move again to Russia to get extra. Kimiko arrives and shares a delicate dance with Frenchie earlier than saying Annie has gone to get extra Compound V. She shares a letter written to Annie, during which she states the necessity for energy to be able to defend Frenchie. (“You don’t want to avoid wasting me,” Frenchie doesn’t say.)
Talking of which, Annie smuggles some Compound V out of a lab and discovers a notepad helpfully containing all of the unwanted effects of the method.
Returning to Black Noir, we see an animated recreation of his dialog with Stan Edgar in Nicaragua shortly earlier than the hero misplaced the flexibility to talk. Edgar shares with Noir particulars a few younger boy who can fly (Homelander); and who will ultimately substitute Soldier Boy because the chief of Payback. The dialog is interrupted by the beforehand seen assault, besides this time we be taught that Payback tried to cease Soldier Boy. Sadly, the star-spangled chief was too highly effective and in the end overpowered and severely beat Black Noir, rendering him speechless. Finally, Mindstorm managed to distract Soldier Boy lengthy sufficient for Crimson Countess to knock him out with the substance Frenchie probably found within the earlier scene. Soldier Boy was then handed over to the Russians, and our animated squirrel buddy helpfully factors out that Noir knew he would return in the future.
“Bravery isn’t having no concern,” the squirrel says. “Bravery is having concern, however you d-d-d-do it anyway.” Clever phrases.
In the meantime, MM confronts Todd about taking his daughter to a Homelander rally. After some not-so-subtle political backwards and forwards revolving round Homelander’s lies (and people of the media machine), which have successfully captured Todd’s consideration. MM says that Todd can imagine within the bullshit, however wants to take action with out Janine. “You’re not her father,” MM snaps. “Somebody needs to be,” Todd says, maybe taking two large steps over the don’t cross line. MM responds by blasting Todd within the face together with his fist as Janine watches in horror from afar — in case you didn’t get what the present was making an attempt to say: violence is incorrect, of us. I’m wondering how typically this precise scene has performed out in American houses since 2017 when public opinion about politics abruptly reverted again to the late ’60s.
Reducing again to Annie, she’s virtually house free (but additionally casually strolling round with out a lot care) when Homelander seems and instructs her to recant all the pieces she stated on the stay stream. Annie counters by saying she plans to hunt out Soldier Boy earlier than extra individuals die, and intends to search out Maeve. “Your fame is the one factor defending you,” Homelander says.
“I’m not afraid of you anymore,” Annie says. “As a result of I see how small you’re.” She noticed it the night time he killed Supersonic. When Homelander counters by repeating his menace to kill Hughie, Annie brandishes a telephone and lets her 190 million followers in on the dialog. Homelander tries to play it off however finally ends up wanting like an ass.
Truthfully, although, we’re not studying something new in these episodes. The Boys continues to show that Homelander is a egocentric, immature, tiny man in a superhero costume … however we already knew that. TV is irritating generally.
Lastly, after hours of trekking by the forest, Hughie and Soldier Boy occur upon Mindstorm. Earlier than Soldier Boy can have interaction, Hughie teleports Mindstorm to Butcher and asks for his assist. “I’m simply making an attempt to get away from the voices,” Mindstorm screams. Hughie explains that he’s not with Soldier Boy and simply desires to get his good friend and go away. “I need to go house,” he says.
“I’ve been inside his head,” Mindstorm says of Butcher. “That man’s a chunk of shit.” Hilarious.
“I don’t need to be somebody who leaves individuals behind,” Hughie says. “I need to be somebody who saves his household. And for higher or worse, he’s household.” He guarantees to teleport Mindstorm away from Soldier Boy — away from everybody — as long as he wakes up Butcher.
Talking of Butcher, the poor man is dealing with his worst reminiscence: the second he left his brother Lenny behind. The present does a neat job slicing between the totally different characters — Butcher, Lenny, Hughie, Butcher’s dad (young and old) to tie all of them collectively. Months later, Lenny pulls out a gun and speaks on to older Butcher. “Anybody who’s ever cherished you … you at all times get ’em killed,” Lenny says earlier than pulling the set off. The second snaps Butcher awake (or happens the second Mindstorm awakens him), and his first phrases to Hughie are, “I’m so sorry!” Awwwwww ….
Earlier than Hughie may also help Mindstorm, Soldier Boy arrives and brutally kills the previous dude, however solely after listening to a chunk of information that enrages him additional. Hughie and Butcher can solely watch. Yeah, they’re completely teaming up with Homelander to take down Soldier Boy.
Later that night time, Butcher will get a name from Annie who warns Butcher that three to 5 doses of Temp V (Compound V? Are they the identical?) kills you. Uh-oh. He must warn Hughie however as a substitute implores him to get extra of the serum. At this level, they’re fucked anyway, so they could as properly end the job … oh no, now I’m beginning to assume like Soldier Boy.
Lastly, Kimiko will get a pleasant dose of blue liquid juice that magically restores her powers. Additionally, Annie says she plans on saving Hughie whether or not he desires her to or not. Isn’t that each one he needed to do for her? Oh, by no means thoughts.
Within the ultimate scene of the episode, Homelander gazes at an handle on the yellow piece of paper given to him by the Head Popper — 715 County Freeway 2, Aldrich, MN. Seeing how this season has handled the round nature of abuse, I’m wondering if that is associated to Ryan … which works hand in hand with my concept that Ryan will chunk the large one and ship Homelander utterly over the sting within the ultimate episode. Perhaps.
Earlier than we get an excessive amount of data, Homelander will get a name from Soldier Boy. After which the large twist that we ought to have seen coming, however didn’t … Soldier Boy is Homelander’s father. I imply, wow. It was proper there the entire time hidden in plain sight. Earlier than you criticize me, simply know that my thoughts is previous and stuffed to the brim with ineffective data. I can’t pack rather more thought into my mind. (Although, I didn’t assume the present would traverse that much-trodden path … it appears each TV present and/or film franchise offers with paternal guilt sooner or later or one other.)
Ultimate Ideas on The Boys Season 3 Episode 7
In any case, cool episode. Extra filler than obligatory, but it surely gave the characters an opportunity to breathe and supplied extra perception into everybody’s motivation. So, now that everybody is correctly motivated to roughly take down Soldier Boy, subsequent week’s grand finale ought to be a doozy. Once more, I feel a combat happens between all of the dads — Butcher, Homelander, and Soldier Boy — that ends with Ryan getting killed, successfully inflicting that already large rift between our protagonist and antagonist to widen even additional. Ought to be good!
