The Boys’ Hughie Failure Explains Why The Prime Video Show Has Felt So Different

The Boys feels undeniably different in recent seasons, and the Amazon series’ Hughie failure explains why this is the case. Although The Boys’ cast is full of interesting personalities, Hughie is presented as the main character of season 1. As Butcher, Homelander, and the other characters in The Boys begin 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 drive The 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 about The Boys season 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 reason The Boys seasons 1 and 2 work so well, even if the more dramatic storylines of Butcher and Homelander sometimes overshadow his. The Boys kicks 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 of
The Boys
’ characters, making him an ideal way to connect viewers to the show.

And Hughie is fitting as the focal point of The Boys, since he — 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 of The 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 of The 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 him with 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 in The Boys season 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.

The Hughie we see at the end of The Boys season 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 to The Boys sidelining 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 in The 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 throughout The 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 Boys season 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 Boys season 4’s ending sets 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 Boys
seasons 1-4 are currently streaming on Prime Video.

Being captured by Homelander’s Supe army will give Hughie plenty of time alone, which offers The Boys the 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 thing The Boys season 5 must 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 before The Boys is through.