The Boys Season 3 Review: 8 Ups & 2 Downs

As teased in the trailers, one of the season's big twists came in the form of Queen Maeve giving Billy Butcher some temporary Compound V (the controversial drug used to give supes their powers) so he can stand a chance fighting Homelander and unstable newcomer Soldier Boy.

Of course, this new weapon has its startling downsides, not only leaving Butcher with irreparable brain damage, but also leading to a conflicted Hughie taking the drug in an attempt to finally be of use on the battlefield.

This leads to some brilliant development from both broken men, but more than anything it allows the writers the chance to inject more action to the drama. On more than one occasion, Butcher and Hughie come to blows with Homelander, and are -- with some help -- able to give him a run for his money.

Up until this season, most of the war between Homelander and The Boys had been psychological and threatening rather than physical, but Compound V has finally given the team chance to bring the fight to their enemies, and even put Homelander on edge.