The Boys Should Drop This Running Joke

The Boys Should Drop This Running Joke

As a long-time fan of superhero stories, I have to say that “The Boys” is a refreshing take on the genre that doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of heroism and corporate greed. The show’s unique blend of humor, violence, and character development keeps me hooked season after season. However, one aspect of the show that I find myself cringing at every time it comes up is the constant animal cruelty jokes involving The Deep.


Initially, superheroes were not widely accepted or depicted frequently in movies and TV shows. But over the past few decades, there has been a surge of interest in superheroes, leading to their mainstream popularity. However, this immense love often triggers a counter-reaction, and that’s where “The Boys” comes in. This series, based on Garth Ennis’s comic, presents a world where superheroes have become corrupt and are controlled by corporations. Homelander, a character reminiscent of Superman, is particularly portrayed as morally degraded. The story unfolds when the protagonist, Hughie Campbell, witnesses A-Train, a parody of The Flash, running through and killing his girlfriend, Robin. This scene serves as a warning to viewers that they are about to experience an unsettling journey.

The humor in The Boys significantly contributes to its unique identity, distinguishing it from other superhero TV series. Butcher, our anti-hero protagonist, is known for his harsh language and carefree demeanor, with a questionable pursuit of vengeance. Kimiko, initially perceiving her powers as a curse, is an experiment created by a terrorist group. Initially portrayed as the moral compass, Hughie Campbell reveals his susceptibility to corruption, reflecting the corrupt nature of the world he inhabits. Even the ‘heroes’ in this show have no choice but to resort to violence to stay alive, given that superheroes and villains can effortlessly destroy ordinary people. The violence depicted is often exaggerated, creating a mental barrier between on-screen action and real-world familiarity. However, one running gag occasionally crosses the line.

The Deep’s Lewd Connection to Sea Life Is At Its Limit

The Boys Should Drop This Running Joke

In the series “The Seven,” The Deep, much like the other misfits, is far from an admirable individual. Unlike his comic book counterpart, he’s prone to inappropriate and manipulative behavior. He coerces Starlight into performing a sexual act during her initiation in the first episode. Despite his self-doubts and insecurities, he mirrors the behavior of his teammates.

Initially, The Deep was unintentionally involved in the demise of these marine animals. In the first season alone, we see him attempting to rescue a dolphin from a facility similar to Sea World. Unfortunately, his efforts lead to an accident where he applies the brakes too hard, causing the dolphin to be flung onto train tracks and get hit by a train. This incident could have been dismissed as a humorous mishap, but the show continued to exploit this plotline excessively.

In Season 2, The Deep faces the heartbreaking loss of a lobster he was trying to rescue after being exiled to Ohio, as it was slaughtered right before his eyes. Subsequently, while pursuing The Boys, he rides Lucy the Whale, but their vessel unfortunately collides with her. This marked a significant escalation in naming an animal. In Season 3, Homelander compels The Deep to consume his friend, Timothy, the octopus, making the act even more distressing because Timothy pleads for his life and mentions having a family.

During the same period, The Deep initiates a romantic relationship with Ambrosius, another octopus. This situation offers one of the most obvious humor opportunities for a writer considering The Deep’s abilities. In Season 4, things take an even more bizarre turn when Ambrosius is voiced by Tilda Swinton. Now, viewers are privy to her emotions. When The Deep smashes her tank during an argument about his relationship with Sister Sage, marking the first time he intentionally kills an animal, viewers hear that her final words were expressing love for him.

There Are Other Ways To Make Animals Funny

The Boys Should Drop This Running Joke

While The Boys have had a knack for using sea creatures in their killings, they aren’t the only animals used for comedic effect. In Season 3, when The Boys storm a Russian compound in search of BCL Red, Frenchie, Kimiko, and M.M. encounter a hamster named Jamie. This little guy turns out to possess abilities, thanks to being a test subject for Compound V. Jamie demonstrates his powers by escaping his container and taking down one of the scientists who had been conducting experiments on him.

In this narrative, the poignant moment arises due to Jamie’s vulnerable nature. He’s portrayed like a delicate creature that has endured trials, eventually turning the tables on his oppressors. This provides a sense of release or relief, much like it does in the famous rabbit scene from Monty Python. The violence is surprisingly humorous because the character, despite being small and adorable, unexpectedly displays such intensity.

Despite The Boys frequently employing shock humor, it’s important to note that no real animals have been harmed during filming. However, the repeated use of animal cruelty jokes throughout the four seasons has grown stale. Instead of using marine life as a source of suffering for humor, there should be alternative ways to create funny moments involving Deep. The scene with Jamie offers an excellent example of how other types of animal jokes can be incorporated into the series without relying on harming marine life. Given the over-the-top nature of The Boys, it’s safe to assume that their talented writers can devise even more outlandish and creative alternatives for humor.

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2024-09-20 01:06