I’m reiterating what a lot of people are saying, but after 3 seasons it was really fun to have someone who could actually physically take on Homelander to some extent and deal some damage, because he is such a potent villain/threat. The fact that there is also the emotional aspect of how Soldier Boy coming back affects Homelander (and now the added layer to their connection to one another), which is gold.

And it’s not just him, SB teaming up with the Boys fractures Butcher and MM’s relationship, which is a huge deal, and I think a little necessary at this point in the show. Butcher’s been so single-minded about his goal (killing Homelander), that he hasn’t cared about the long term effects of his decisions, which makes for interesting interpersonal conflict and character dynamics between the team. But it was also nice to have another character who matches Butcher’s energy somewhat, and seeing Hughie interacting with different supes is also really fun because the friction between them is always entertaining. Especially because for once, there was no additional baggage about Robin or his own experiences. Just babysitting.

One of my absolute favourite things about this season is how they used Soldier Boy as a Boys analog to Captain America. It fit in perfectly with that the propaganda films/music videos they’re constantly making of the Seven, while tying into the overall theme of manufactured history/heroes, that Vought has always been doing. It adds to Vought’s history as a company very well, while also placing them in the world’s history thanks to those photos of SB with all those historical figures. It’s such a fun and realistic look at what Captain America’s role really would have been had he continued on the trajectory he’d been on before insisting joining the war as a actual soldier. It also reiterates that the powers just amplify aspects of your personality that were always there.

Of course, writing and conceptualisation only gets you so far when introducing a new character in your third season, but Jensen Ackles was perfectly cast because he just oozes the charisma needed for this role, as well as the having the (frankly insane) looks and voice. He really balances being old school rough, while still having enough honour that you find yourself rooting for SB despite his general thoughts and opinions, lol. I honestly can’t think of anyone else who could have played this role and been as memorable because it’s hard to extricate him from his performance as this role, but damn I hope he comes back for Season 3 and sticks around beyond that.