The Boys is an insane show, but a fresh twist on the mythos around Compound V may be too far. Based on the comic books of the same name, The Boys presents a universe in which superheroes exist, but the most of them are corrupt or outright wicked. Since its premiere in 2019, The Boys has earned a reputation for its extreme parody and over-the-top style, with the most disturbing moments including an octopus love scene and a room full of people’s heads bursting. However, a recent modification is potentially the most stupid thing the show has ever done.

In the first season of The Boys, it was shown that superheroes obtain their abilities from a substance known as Compound V. Compound V, created by the evil superhero conglomerate Vought, modifies a normal person’s genetic makeup, giving them unique abilities. The serum has played a significant role in each season of The Boys. A new teaser for The Boys’ upcoming season 4 reveals Compound V will be employed in a new and, frankly, strange way.

Super-Animals May Be A Step Too Far For The Boys Season 4

It’s Silly Even By The Show’s Own Standards

“Flying sheep and seemingly un𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁able chickens is possibly where The Boys crosses the line.”

The trailer for The Boys season 4 appears to show animals with special abilities. At one point late in the clip, a single sheep, one that is covered in blood and demonic in appearance, can be seen levitating off the ground. Prior to this, a flock of chickens is unfazed and unharmed by bullets being fired at them. It all heavily implies that, at some point during the new season, Compound V will be used to give animals superpowers.

The Boys, by its nature, is ridiculous. A satire, the series goes to extreme lengths to poke fun at the superhero genre, power structures, and media. While the show has done many outrageous things in the past, flying sheep and seemingly un𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁able chickens is possibly where The Boys crosses the line. After all, as well as providing comedy, The Boys makes deep and intelligent points about the things it is mocking. Additionally, the show’s humor has always been balanced out by real pathos and drama. Season 4 risks not being taken seriously with its decision to include super-animals.

Why Animals Have Compound V Powers In The Boys Season 4

It Could Prove To Play A Crucial Role

Elsewhere in the trailer for season 4, Karl Urban’s Billy Butcher reveals to the other members of the Boys that he has discovered a virus capable of 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ing supes, and it certainly seems like this will play a big part in the upcoming season’s overarching story. It’s likely the virus will be man-made as a weapon to rid the world of superheroes once and for all. It’s possible, therefore, that the animals are test subjects for the virus; first, they are injected with Compound V to give them powers, and then they are subjected to the virus.

While this is merely a theory, it does explain why superpowered farm animals feature in The Boys season 4. Of course, it’s entirely feasible that the animals exist purely to give the season a lighthearted sequence, possibly in between the show’s weightier moments. And this might not necessarily be a bad thing. After all, many of the show’s previous antics would’ve no doubt looked bad on paper. There’s a chance, then, that The Boys‘ superpowered animals subplot might end up being the show’s latest fan-favorite moment.