Are you diving into the chaotic world of “The Boys” and wondering which episodes are essential and which you can afford to miss? With Season 4 on the horizon, now is the perfect time to catch up or revisit this subversive superhero series. This guide, inspired by the classic “Skip It/Watch It” format, will help you navigate through Seasons 1, 2, and 3, ensuring you’re primed and ready for all the Compound V-fueled action Season 4 will bring. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a curious newcomer, consider this your ultimate episode guide to “The Boys” Season 4 prep.
“The Boys” has quickly become a cultural phenomenon, turning the superhero genre on its head with its dark humor, graphic violence, and complex characters. But with three seasons packed with twists, turns, and shocking moments, knowing where to focus your viewing can be overwhelming. Fear not, because we’ve got you covered.
This guide breaks down each episode, offering a “Watch It,” “Skip It,” or “Maybe Skip It” recommendation, along with a brief explanation. We’ll help you prioritize the crucial plot points, character developments, and unforgettable scenes that make “The Boys” so compelling, while suggesting episodes you might skip if you’re looking for a more streamlined experience before diving into Season 4.
Remember, skipping episodes means you might miss some nuances or smaller character moments, but this guide is designed to ensure you don’t miss the core narrative threads essential for understanding the overarching story and being fully prepared for “The Boys” Season 4.
Let’s get started and carve a path through the mayhem of “The Boys”!
THE BOYS SEASON ONE
Season 1 of “The Boys” is all about establishing the world, introducing our main characters, and setting the stage for the epic clash between The Seven and The Boys. While it’s a strong season overall, some episodes are more crucial than others for the unfolding narrative.
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“The Name of the Game”: Watch It. The pilot episode is essential. It throws you right into the world, introduces Hughie and Butcher, and the inciting incident that kicks off the entire series. You can’t miss the beginning.
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“Cherry”: Watch It. Continues to build the world and introduces more of The Boys’ dynamic. We see Butcher’s methods and Hughie’s initial struggles. Essential for character development.
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“Get Some”: Watch It. Introduces Frenchie and MM, expanding The Boys team. The dynamic between the group starts to solidify. Plot progression and character introductions make it important.
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“The Female”: Watch It. Crucial episode as it introduces Kimiko (The Female) to The Boys. Her backstory and powers are vital for future seasons. A key character introduction.
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“Good for the Soul”: Maybe Skip It. Focuses more on Starlight’s internal conflict within The Seven and Homelander’s public persona. While it has character development, it’s less plot-heavy for the main Boys storyline. Can be skipped if you’re tight on time, but provides good context for Starlight’s arc.
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“The Innocents”: Watch It. Significant for Butcher’s personal motivations and backstory. We learn more about Becca and his drive against Homelander. Deepens Butcher’s character and his overall mission.
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“The Self-Preservation Society”: Watch It. Plot thickens with the introduction of Translucent’s replacement and more into Vought’s operations. Moves the plot forward and introduces new elements.
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“We Gotta Go Now”: Watch It. The season finale. Everything comes to a head, major confrontations occur, and significant cliffhangers are introduced that directly lead into Season 2. Absolutely essential viewing.
THE BOYS SEASON TWO
Season 2 escalates the stakes, delves deeper into Vought’s corruption, and explores the characters’ pasts. This season is generally more consistently plot-driven, making most episodes important.
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“The Big Ride”: Watch It. Season 2 premiere picks up directly from the finale, setting the new status quo and introducing new threats and challenges for The Boys. Essential for continuity.
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“Proper Preparation and Planning”: Watch It. Focuses on Butcher’s reunion with Becca and introduces Stormfront in a significant way. Stormfront’s introduction is crucial for the season’s arc.
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“Over the Hill with the Swords of a Thousand Men”: Watch It. The team dynamics are tested, and they start to understand the bigger picture of Vought’s global influence. Important for team dynamics and plot progression.
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“Nothing Like It in the World”: Watch It. Deepens the mystery around Stormfront and her increasing influence. Raises the stakes and reveals more about Stormfront’s nature.
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“We Gotta Go Now”: Watch It. (Yes, same title as S1 finale, different episode). This is the infamous “Herogasm” episode. While parts can be over-the-top, it’s a significant event in the comics and has plot relevance, plus it’s a major talking point. Culturally relevant and plot-progressing, despite its wild nature.
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“The Bloody Doors Off”: Watch It. Explores Sage Grove Center and reveals more about Compound V and supe abilities. Important for understanding Vought’s experiments and expanding the lore.
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“The Boys”: Watch It. Character-focused episode where The Boys are forced to confront their inner demons and past traumas. Deepens character understanding and motivations.
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“What I Know”: Watch It. Builds towards the season finale, with alliances shifting and tensions rising. Sets up the final confrontation.
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“Believe”: Watch It. The season finale. Major confrontations, reveals, and the culmination of the season’s storylines. Essential for resolution and setting up future seasons.
THE BOYS SEASON THREE
Season 3 is arguably the most explosive and impactful season yet, introducing Soldier Boy and pushing the characters to their limits. Skipping episodes here is highly discouraged as the narrative is tightly woven.
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“Payback”: Watch It. Season 3 premiere introduces Soldier Boy and sets the tone for an even more chaotic and morally gray season. Crucial introduction of Soldier Boy and season’s themes.
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“The Only Man In The Sky”: Watch It. Explores Soldier Boy’s backstory and his interactions with Butcher and the team. Deepens Soldier Boy’s character and his connection to the plot.
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“Barbary Coast”: Watch It. The search for Soldier Boy continues, and Starlight’s public role becomes more complex. Continues the Soldier Boy arc and Starlight’s evolving situation.
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“Glorious Five Year Plan”: Watch It. Focuses on MM’s backstory and his personal connection to Soldier Boy, making the conflict more personal. Deepens MM’s character and his stake in the Soldier Boy plot.
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“The Last Time to Look on This World of Lies”: Watch It. “Herogasm” 2.0 (though not officially called that). Again, a major event with significant character interactions and plot developments stemming from it. Like S2’s “Herogasm”, culturally relevant and plot-driven.
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“Laser Baby’s Day Out”: Watch It. Explores the consequences of Temp V and its impact on The Boys. Highlights the dangers of Temp V and its effects on the team.
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“Here Comes a Candle to Light You to Bed”: Watch It. Homelander’s grip on The Seven and Vought tightens, and his descent into further madness is highlighted. Shows Homelander’s increasing instability and control.
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“The Instant White-Hot Wild”: Watch It. The tension between Butcher and Hughie escalates due to Temp V, and alliances become more strained. Focuses on the negative effects of Temp V on the team’s relationships.
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“The Boys Presents: Diabolical”: Skip It. This is an animated anthology spin-off, not part of the main Season 3 narrative. Enjoyable extra content, but not essential for understanding the main storyline. Spin-off, not core season content.
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“Herogasm”: Watch It. (Yes, another “Herogasm” named episode, different context). While not the Herogasm event episode, it’s still crucial for the season’s climax and character confrontations. Leads directly into the finale.
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“The Peak”: Watch It. Builds directly to the finale with all storylines converging and major decisions being made. Sets the stage for the season’s climax.
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“A Train Runs Through It”: Watch It. The season finale. Epic confrontations, major character decisions, and a game-changing ending that will heavily influence Season 4. Absolutely essential viewing, sets up Season 4.
Get Ready for The Boys Season 4!
By following this guide, you’ll be well-versed in the chaotic and thrilling world of “The Boys” and fully prepared for Season 4. You’ll have witnessed the key moments, understood the character arcs, and be ready to dive into whatever madness Amazon Prime Video has in store next. Get ready for more Compound V, more supe mayhem, and more of The Boys pushing the boundaries of what superhero television can be. Season 4 awaits!
The Boys team ready for action.
Enjoy your binge-watching and get hyped for “The Boys” Season 4!
