Contents
“The Boys” is a series by Eric Kripke on Prime Video. It started in July 2019; the fourth season ran in 2024, the fifth and final one from April to May 2026. The series is set in a world in which superheroes are employees of the corporation Vought International. Vought markets them as role models and covers up their misconduct. At the top stands Homelander (Antony Starr). This fictional character is a good way to show the Quality of Character – through its absence.
Image and reality
Situation
In public, Homelander appears as a patriotic savior. Behind the scenes he despises everyone he considers weaker. He abuses his powers and becomes a murderer over the course of the series. Vought makes sure the public learns nothing about it.
Link to the quality
Character means that words and actions match, even when nobody is watching. The greater the gap between appearance and behavior, the greater the risk. Leaders should ask themselves whether their team experiences the same thing as the public.
Dependent on applause
Situation
Homelander grew up in one of the corporation’s laboratories, without affection. Despite his powers he is deeply insecure. He needs the admiration of the masses. He cannot bear criticism or rejection.
Link to the quality
What is missing here is the Quality of Security. Those who need acclaim decide by applause instead of conviction. A leader with character can be unpopular and still do the right thing.
The corporation tends the image
Situation
Vought makes money from the heroes and therefore protects the brand. The corporation covers up deeds instead of drawing consequences. Later Homelander forces CEO Stan Edgar out of office and takes control himself.
Link to the quality
Organizations help shape character. Those who shield top performers from consequences breed the problem themselves. Image management without substance only postpones the crisis – and makes it bigger.
When applause shifts the boundaries
Situation
In a public outburst, Homelander declares himself the savior of the world. With some people his popularity even rises. At the end of the third season he kills a protester in front of a crowd. The crowd cheers.
Link to the quality
Approval is no measure of right and wrong. Leaders need values that do not depend on the mood in the room. And they need people who are allowed to contradict them.
The end without a foundation
Situation
In the final seasons, Homelander reaches for power in the state and rules in an authoritarian way. In the finale he loses his powers and is defeated. His fall happens before the eyes of the world. His public image is destroyed.
Link to the quality
Talent and power take someone to the top. Character decides whether he stays there. What is built only on image does not survive a look behind the facade.
Key takeaways
Key lessons
- Act so that your behavior behind the scenes matches your public appearance.
- Make decisions by values, not by applause.
- Do not shield top performers from the consequences of their behavior.
- Invest in substance before you work on the image.
- Surround yourself with people who are allowed to contradict you.
Summary
Homelander has everything except character. He lives on applause, and a corporation polishes his image as long as it brings in money. The series shows in exaggerated form what often happens on a small scale: image replaces substance. In the end nothing of it remains.