As a fan of THE BOYS graphic novels, I found the first season of the Amazon TV series to be a fantastic adaptation. It struck a perfect balance, appealing to us long-time fans while also being welcoming to newcomers. The creators nailed it in terms of smart storytelling, stunning visuals, and especially in the depth they gave to the characters. However, as the series progressed, it seems they've lost a bit of that finesse. The adaptation of characters like Soldier Boy and storylines like Herogasm felt toned down, almost as if they were filtered through the worries of executives concerned about conservative audiences or international market sales. These parts of the show seemed a bit sanitized, lacking the raw edge that made the first season stand out. Don't get me wrong, the show is still a fun watch, but I can't help but miss that original energy and unapologetic boldness of the first season, especially when it seems the bravest moments mostly exist now for comic, not narrative or character, effect.