In a world where everyone is an action hero (with the addition of the Compound V), The Boys has shown us that superheroes come in various sizes and shapes with all kinds of abilities. The superheroes of the world are not identical and with every new season in The Boys season 2 it is apparent that we will encounter new characters. Last week, we saw an whole hospital full of shady super-supes. They blew open the notion that our episode 1’s bubble might be more extensive than we had believed. This is a major reveal, and calls for larger reveal, like the oh, I don’t even have any idea… Supes hidden out in plain view. You know who’s ideal for a shocking reveal like this? Giancarlo Esposito’s Stan Edgar.
Yep. I’m suggesting the head of Vought International is an expert in pulling the strings of success because he’s pretty awesome himself.
In season 1, stan edgar is briefly introduced, Edgar is the CEO of Vought and is Madelyn Stillwell’s (Elisabeth Shue) boss. After her death at the conclusion of season 1of the show, season 2 shows it is Stan is now overseeing the day-to-day activities of Vought as she was. In the next episode, we find out the truth about how Stan has had an influence on his direction for the business. In the midst of a heated argument between Homelander (Antony Starr) and Edgar Homelander (Antony Starr), Edgar explains that Vought isn’t involved in the field of superheroes but rather pharmaceuticals. The Seven aren’t really the primary attraction for the company in the sense that Compound V is far more important and, in longer term and more profitable. Edgar is also able to give Homelander an introductory review of the man who invented Compound V, which, should you decide to go with me on this journey, might provide a clue to the future.
It’s possible that Stan Edgar could just be a shrewd businessman who wants to profit from the chaos around him to enrich himself as well as keep employees on track however, at the moment the writers are begging us to think Edgar has something hidden which could be another skeleton that’s been hidden in Vought’s cupboard or an espionage plot or even a sought-after dark saber (kidding -the last one is for those Giancarlo Esposito completeistsout here). Perhaps, however Edgar’s mystery is the fact that he’s been taking a few doses Compound V by himself.
It’s not exactly what you’d expect, I know, but it’s really not as that far from the truth, considering everything else we’ve seen from this show. The most recent episode “Butcher Baker, butcher and candlestick maker” included a long scene in which about two dozen heads burst into flames without explanation. there’s a possibility that someone could be been behind it (and judging from the look of surprise on Homelander’s face while she was sucked into the explosion and his head on the Seven is also puzzled. We did meet the new supe-turned-rogue Cindy in the past week and witnessed her using extremely similar abilities however, the possibility that she would arrive and completely disrupt Frederick Vought’s testimony which she probably knew nothing about is somewhat unlikely. Another person with power could be involved in this case.
The person who caused the chaos during the hearing There are other motives I would not be a little bit surprised to learn that Edgar had developed his own dose of Compound V and became a secret Supe. For example the fact that he’s completely dismissive and smug straight to Homelander’s face with not even a hint of fear in his expression. He is also adamant that he will not be afraid to speak up. Vought CEO also put the message that everyone in the Seven could be replaced on really extremely thick skin and perhaps to ensure that If all else fails, Edgar could step into one of their roles himself?
It’s not just me I’m sure it’s not just me. In an interview recently in CinemaBlend, Esposito appeared to make reference to Edgar taking the Compound V. When discussing the scene in episode 2 that sees Edgar put Homelander to shame, Esposito explained, “I do not believe Stan Edgar has any fear of Homelander in any way… Also, it’s hard to ignore the idea that Homelander can take you out. In my head I’ve had Compound V within my veins and I’m not worrying in the least.” Could this be an ode to the notion of Edgar being injected with Compound V for, say the purpose of acting or was Esposito actually fall spill blue beans over Edgar?
As we approach the finale in the series, all sorts of mysteries will be revealed which is getting ready for a major conflict between The Seven as well as The Boys, and between The Boys and The Seven (courtesy the show’s creator, Aya Cash’s Stormfront Naturally). It could be the perfect moment to allow Edgar to reveal his true nature however, if he doesn’t then I’m still not willing to let this idea be put to rest: think of the many possible Season 3 twists that are to be revealed.