The New Seven Finally Have Two Blacks and One Unspecified: ‘The Boys’ Say “Go Woke, Get Yoked”
‘The Boys’ is taking a bold stance in its fourth season on Prime Video. The show has faced backlash from some viewers who claim it has become too overt with its political themes, especially with the inclusion of a queer romance, clear anti-Far-Right criticism, and more pronounced political commentary. The show’s response? A cheeky acknowledgement that it saw these criticisms coming.
One clear moment this season comes from The Deep during a fan expo where Vought introduces new shows and movies. He announces ‘Black At It,’ focusing on BIPOC heroes like A-Train and Sister Sage. He throws in a quip, saying while some might think ‘get woke, go broke,’ Vought’s motto could be ‘get woke, get yoked.’ This line isn’t just for laughs; it’s a direct hit back at the show’s critics who miss the deeper satire of the series.
The show has always woven political satire into its storyline, right from the first season. From Starlight’s #MeToo inspired experiences to confronting supremacist ideologies with Stormfront in Season 2, who turns out to be a Nazi. Each season builds on this foundation, making clear references to real-world issues through its hyperbolic superhero narrative.
In Season 4, the plot thickens around Victoria Neuman’s political aspirations and a larger conspiracy to elevate Homelander as a global leader. This season also doesn’t shy away from showing how corporations like Vought exploit social movements for profit, mirroring real-world commercialization of ‘wokeness.’
We’ve seen this coming. The series has never hidden its intent to critique society through a superhero lens. It’s more upfront now than ever, blending gruesome action with sharp societal critiques. This makes ‘The Boys’ not just another superhero show but a reflection of our times.
So, as we watch, let’s remember that ‘The Boys’ is more than just entertainment. It’s a mirror to our world, dressed up in capes and costumes, making us think while we enjoy the show.
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