The electrifying momentum of “The Boys” Season 5 continues as it introduces a slew of new and intriguing characters. Following the dramatic unveiling of Ashley’s (portrayed by Colby Minifie) enigmatic abilities and her strategic marriage to the fresh face of Oh Father (played by Daveed Diggs), the series’ final chapter is bringing back familiar foes in Episode 3.

Indeed, viewers are treated to the return of Stan Edgar (Giancarlo Esposito) and Madelyn Stillwell (Elisabeth Shue). After his last appearance in Season 4, Edgar remains distanced from the corridors of power, wisely steering clear of Homelander (Antony Starr). However, his reappearance is sparked by his possible insights into the V-One serum—a formula Homelander covets for immortality, and one the Boys aim to thwart. Much of the episode unfolds in a fortified bunker where Edgar is hiding out with Victoria Neuman’s (Claudia Doumit) daughter Zoe (Olivia Morandin) and Translucent’s (Alex Hassell) son Maverick (Nicholas Hamilton).

In contrast, Stillwell, who met her end at the hands of Homelander, re-emerges as a spectral vision. She urges Homelander towards a messianic role peppered with destructive intentions. Her surreal reappearance seamlessly ties into Homelander’s deepening alignment with extremist religious ideologies.

Stan Edgar’s interactions with the Boys render his comeback less startling, yet his nonchalant declaration of becoming M.M.’s (Laz Alonso) ultimate adversary is gripping. By shedding light on the lawsuit M.M.’s father, Walter Milk, filed against Vought, and hinting at his ambitions to regain control of the corporation, Edgar sets the stage for a showdown. Expect these two to clash again, sans the pleasantries of cigar exchanges.

Stan Edgar has interacted with the Boys so much that his return is the less surprising of the two. However, the way he almost casually turns himself into M.M.’s (Laz Alonso) endgame villain by discussing the lawsuit the latter’s father Walter Milk challenged Vought with and revealing that he plans to take back control of Vought is nothing short of impressive. Expect these two to meet again before the show is over, and this time it won’t be over cigars.

Madelyn Stillwell’s return, on the other hand, had already been teased with the bright light that has been shining on Homelander’s face. Of course, her angelic presence is just another aspect of the volatile supe’s numerous issues, but it just might be the most dangerous one yet. After all, the only thing more dangerous than an egomaniac Superman with no qualms about taking lives is one that believes he has the divine right to do whatever he likes, no matter how many people die on the way. 

Combine all this with the return of Soldier Boy (Jensen Ackles), which was already teased in the ending of “The Boys” Season 4, and it seems that the show is fully committed to bringing back every available antagonist it can possibly get for the endgame. If things stay as horrifyingly inventive as the tactic to bring Stillwell back, we’re certainly not complaining. 

“The Boys” Season 5 is streaming on Prime Video.