Homelander's ass and mister marathon's return: ‘the boys’ season 5 throws explosions and secrets at viewers
Prime Video’s ‘The Boys’ is ramping up the chaos with a teaser for this week’s episode, dropping a bombshell: the return of Mister Marathon and a seriously uncomfortable close-up of Homelander’s backside. But the surprises don’t stop there – a newly introduced mystery character and a potential game-changer are poised to disrupt the already volatile landscape of Vought.
A flash of the past, a glimpse of the gruesome
With the series nearing its conclusion, showrunners are pulling out all the stops. The teaser reveals Jared Padalecki as Mister Marathon, the original super-speedster sidelined by A-Train, making a dramatic return. Alongside him is Jensen Ackles’ Soldier Boy, embroiled in a desperate search for information regarding V-One – the original, and incredibly dangerous, super serum. But it’s the introduction of Misha Collins’ enigmatic role that’s truly piquing interest.
The scene depicts a tense confrontation between Soldier Boy and Homelander, seeking answers from this new player. Homelander’s relentless pursuit of immortality through V-One is laid bare: “What do you know about V-One?” he demands, receiving a chillingly simple reply – “You’ve come to the right place.” The visual of Misha Collins’ character being violently attacked, with a gory explosion engulfing him, suggests a swift and brutal end, though showrunner Eric Kripke hints at a more substantial role than a simple cameo. “I want a meaty, fun role that really turns the story,” he stated. The layered references to Supernatural – the cast’s history on the CW show, Terror the bulldog enjoying a particularly messy moment, and a pointed nod to Stan Edgar’s anticipated “delightful reunion” – add another layer of intrigue.
New faces, old secrets
Beyond Marathon and the mystery character, Season 5 is introducing Bombsite, played by Mason Dye, a product of Vought’s early superhero films. The teaser also flashes a glimpse of Terror, Billy Butcher’s loyal English Bulldog, engaged in some decidedly inappropriate behavior. And let’s not forget the unavoidable, and frankly appalling, toilet incident involving Homelander – a moment that speaks volumes about the show’s willingness to push boundaries. It's a calculated move, exploiting the nostalgia of the Supernatural cast, reminding viewers of the shared history and simmering tensions beneath the surface of this brutal world.
Kripke acknowledges the difficulty of integrating new characters so late in the series, noting the challenges of satire in a world saturated with real-world conflict. But ‘The Boys’ isn’t one to shy away from the absurd, and this season is delivering a potent blend of action, intrigue, and darkly comedic moments. The return of Mister Marathon isn't just a nostalgic callback; it’s a strategic maneuver, suggesting a crucial power shift within the Seven. And with a future filled with potentially explosive reveals, one thing is certain: ‘The Boys’ is far from finished.