The Boysfeels undeniably different in recent seasons, andthe Amazon series’ Hughie failure explains why this is the case. AlthoughThe Boys’castis full of interesting personalities, Hughie is presented as the main character of season 1. As Butcher, Homelander, and the othercharacters inThe Boysbegin to take on bigger roles, the focus shifts — and Amazon’s alternative superhero show doesn’t necessarily juggle its storylines well. Indeed, this is why the pacing of season 4 feels off; there are too many subplots and characters to explore outside the central narrative.
And Hughie Campbell probably takes one of the biggest hits in terms of characterization. Jack Quaid’s character remains convincing and compelling, but he doesn’t driveThe Boys’ story in the same way he did during earlier seasons. Additionally,the show’s efforts to depict Hughie’s growth are, sadly, lacking. One of the biggest complaints aboutThe Boysseason 4 has to do with how it handles Hughie. This has been an issue for a while now, and it explains why the Amazon series has taken on a different feel from season 1.
Hughie’s Character Was The Reason Why The Boys Worked So Well
He’s The Original Focal Point Of The Amazon Show
Hughie is the reasonThe Boysseasons 1 and 2 work so well, even if the more dramatic storylines of Butcher and Homelander sometimes overshadow his.The Boyskicks off with Hughie’s girlfriend being killed by A-Train, and the entire series spins out from there. Without Hughie, characters like Butcher and Starlight would have very different arcs. They might even go in other directions, with Annie never coming to see The Boys’ perspectives and Butcher needing a new plan to go after the Supes. Butcher would also have given into extremist behavior far earlier.
He’s probably the most relatable ofThe Boys’ characters, making him an ideal way to connect viewers to the show.
And Hughie is fitting as the focal point ofThe Boys, sincehe — along with Starlight — is the moral compass of the show. Butcher and Homelander are two extremes, and the rest of the characters lean towards the side they’re most loyal to. Hughie is often the one to bring Butcher to heel, and he’s also the character who ensures The Boys team doesn’t stoop to Homelander’s level to defeat him. He’s probably the most relatable ofThe Boys’ characters, making him an ideal way to connect viewers to the show. Unfortunately, it treats him like an afterthought during its recent outings.
Hughie Has Felt Like An Afterthought In The Boys For A While Now
Seasons 3 & 4 Treat Him Like Just Another Character
Although Hughie starts off as the driving force ofThe Boys, seasons 3 and 4 move away from portraying him as the focal point of the show. Hughie still plays an important role in the narrative, but it often feels like he’s on the same level as characters like MM, Frenchie, and Kimiko.Butcher and Homelander certainly seem to overshadow himwith their plots, and that’s not to mention the major season-to-season threats that steal the show, like Soldier Boy and Victoria Neuman. These arcs leave little time to explore Hughie’s character, despite the whole show starting with his grief.
Hughie is still involved inThe Boysseason 3’s main story, but he spends much of it supporting other characters’ goals — from Butcher and Soldier Boy to Starlight. And in season 4, Hughie spends too much time separated from the group due to a subplot with his father that feels unnecessary and out of place. Hughie’s realization that The Boys should try to make peace with Neuman feels like a fitting return to form, but the foundation for it is shaky.
10 The Boys Characters Who Changed the Most from Beginning to End
Many of The Boys' characters change in major ways by the end of the story, with the weak becoming strong and good turning evil.
The Hughie we see at the end ofThe Boysseason 4 feels similar to the one we meet in season 1. However, he starts to adopt the same indifference to violence and cruelty as his teammates for a while. He even says as much to the others during the season 4 finale. Sadly, the show doesn’t dive too deeply into this, even if it finally addresses it in season 4. Season 4 is too occupied with Hughie’s dad and other characters to be thorough about his growth or his impact on the overall plot.
The Boys Would Have To Change Hughie’s Character Eventually
Anyone Would Be Different After What He’s Been Through
In addition toThe Boyssidelining Hughie,the fact that his character changes so much also alters the tone of the show. Hughie being shocked at the violence both the Supes and Butcher’s team are capable of is a huge part of his initial characterization. It’s what makes him relatable to the average viewer, and it sets him up to be the series’ hero — if such a thing exists inThe Boys. It’s the move away from this that makes Hughie feel overlooked later on.
Fortunately, Hughie never loses his humanity — but it makes sense that he grows throughout the Amazon show.
Of course,Hughie’s character needs to change throughoutThe Boys; anyone would after going through the things he does. His time with Butcher and his crew hardens him to the reality of Supes and what it takes to stand up to them. Fortunately, Hughie never loses his humanity — but it makes sense that he grows throughout the Amazon show. It’s just a shame that the series doesn’t handle his character well, as there are too many other storylines unfolding around his narrative.
How The Boys Season 5 Can Redeem The Show’s Hughie Mistake
Hughie Needs His Own Story Separate From Butcher & Annie
The Boysseason 4 makes multiple mistakes with Hughie, sidelining him and failing to thoroughly address all the trauma he faces. The latest episodes even treat his sexual assaults as a joke. It’s hard to watch how Hughie’s character is treated, but fortunately, there’s still time for the show to fix these missteps in season 5. In fact,The Boysseason 4’s endingsets the stage for Hughie to step into his own again, removing him from his team and Annie. This means he can lead his own storyline, and hopefully, showcase his growth from previous outings.
The Boysseasons 1-4 are currently streaming on Prime Video.
Being captured byHomelander’s Supe armywill give Hughie plenty of time alone, which offersThe Boysthe opportunity to unpack his feelings about everything that’s happened. The show can also give Hughie a storyline that’s all his own, as he’ll be separated from the rest of his team. The most important thingThe Boysseason 5must do is allow Hughie to have an arc removed from Butcher and Annie’s shadow. While they’ll likely all reunite before the series finale, it’s crucial he gets to shine on his own beforeThe Boysis through.
The Boys
Cast
The Boys is a gritty and subversive take on the superhero genre, focusing on a group of vigilantes who confront powerful superheroes abusing their abilities, exploring themes of corruption and moral ambiguity in a world where heroes are not always what they seem.
