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what-do-1000-swords-look-like · 9 months

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I'm finishing up my rewatch of season 3 of The Boys before I begin my SPN rewatch (got 2 more episodes left) and watching Jensen's performance as Soldier Boy just absolutely floors me.

It floors me because I've seen antis time and time again claim that Soldier Boy/Ben was essentially Dean in a superhero suit, that Jensen has one note acting, that he watered down the character by refusing to do scenes that made him uncomfortable (especially by one anti blog in particular who claims to be an acting expert, you know the one), and that his acting is very bland.

But in studying his performance because I'm studying the character (for writing purposes), these people couldn't be more wrong. I will admit that the only time I got a semi-Dean vibe from him was during the scene where Soldier Boy tells Butcher about his father. Which doesn't surprise me because Jensen himself said he leaned into the Dean/John dynamic for that scene.

But otherwise, I don't see anywhere where their claims hold any water. I mean, have you actually watched his scenes?

This scene is so important. Annie is getting ready to face off with this guy and even though she knows he's dangerous (after seeing he results of one of his explosions up close and personal), but she has no idea how dangerous, not really. This isn't Dean. This isn't Beau. This is the dangerous side of Solider Boy and had Hughie not intervened, there's a good possibility shit would have gone even more sideways. Especially, with Ben coming off of the confrontation with Countess, her hitting him where it hurts the most (meaning she tapped into one of his biggest insecurities. That explosion wasn't an accident (like NYC or even at Herogasm with the Twins). Ben didn't black out here. That's shown to us by there being no Russian trigger, despite him learning that Countess and his team handed him over back in 1984 and didn't even get paid for it.

I mean, look at this expression right here. His body is moving but his eyes don't. He's getting into position, ready to take out the next threat. Only when Hughie steps in and Annie's eyes dim does he step away, assessing her as not a threat. This is the weapon that is deadly enough to take on Homelander and no matter where you stand on Jensen as an actor, he pulls it off here.

The physicality he utilized in this role speaks volumes. And it's not about Soldier Boy being a Supe or being in a suit or having to look pissed off all the time (minus the few times he's amused). It has to do with how he embodies that character, carries him, and if he pulls it off. Spoiler alert: he did.

This scene exemplifies exactly what I'm talking about. I have watched it countless times and this part of it always sticks out to me every single time. Look at that expression, look at the eyes. Ben is not going all out to sell this belief let's call it to Hughie. He's giving him a look that says "this is the truth and you better believe it or else". He's not smiling for news cameras or doing propaganda or greeting fans of his movies decades prior. He's not selling the Soldier Boy is America's Greatest Hero image here. He's subtly threatening Hughie, and this is where he begins to have an issue with him. Because Ben wants to see himself as the good guy, something Kripke, Jensen, and the cast have talked about in promoting the season. In his own mind, he is the good guy; he's a legend in his own mind so to speak. He's bought the hype about himself. And anyone who doesn't see him that way is an enemy aka a threat.

It doesn't mean he doesn't know he's doing things that aren't right (as we saw in those outtakes of the 'Don't-do-drugs' commercial). He's very self-aware but he justifies it to himself because he's Soldier Boy and almost like Homelander always says, he can do what he wants. Not necessarily that he has a god-mentality that rivals Homelander's but everything is justifiable in his mind because he's a Supe, or more precisely the Supe, and he's protecting his country. And it also keeps that insecurity of being a disappointment at bay that he has from his childhood. It's all layered into his make-up so to speak. So not only is Hughie a threat (not physically obviously but to Ben's image of himself) but is also bordering dangerously close to reminding him of the very thing he hates: a mirror that reminds him that maybe his dad was right about him (not saying he was, I'm saying this is potentially what is running through his mind). So not only does it share a brilliant parallel between Hughie and Annie when it comes to Soldier Boy that eventually plays out beautifully in the Tower Scene in the finale, but it also is sewn into the issue between Hughie and Annie this season in their own relationship.

But the way Jensen plays that scene is phenomenal because if you watch it, you realize if Hughie says one wrong thing, he may be in trouble.

Which is then continued in this scene:

In this scene, Hughie is mentioning there's a lot of people inside Herogasm and here we get Ben's reaction to Hughie saying that. Then he tells Hughie as long as the people stay out of his way they should be fine. But again, watch how he says it, his expression, focus on his tone, his body movement. He clearly is not happy that Hughie says this (it literally is a continuation from the hotel room scene) and again has that subtle threat vibe, even with Butcher standing there (because let's face it, to him, even with temp V, Butcher is no threat). And of course, we all know the slap scene and the punch scene that happens later. Not only does Hughie get switched out for Ryan later on who Butcher ends up protecting from Soldier Boy, but it all plays out beautifully as all of the connections, overt and subtle, unfold throughout the season.

But back to Jensen's performance. There is so much to appreciate in how he fully embodied this character. And that's not saying it through an AA haze of "omg he's so hawt!" or "omg did you see his ass?" That's appreciating the amount of work that he put into this role when the cameras started rolling. He literally became Soldier Boy and he embodied him even outside of the suit.

As an actor, Jensen is very nuanced. He consistently adds in these little things that help make the character even more multi-dimensional than what is written on the page or what is called for int he scene and how it's blocked. This is why there is a certain small group of people on here that repeatedly talk about Jacting Joices, it's not just related to Supernatural or Destiel or Dean. It's about Jensen as an actor, as a performer, and how much he actually pours into these characters he plays. Whether it be the way he moves (or walks), or the expressions he uses, his eyes (yep, he does that too, see above), with his hands, even down to the way he delivers a line. All actors do this in their own way obviously, lean into physicality as well as their performance, but he definitely has his own unique style that I just don't see anyone else replicating. I think there's a reason so many people say no one else could have played Dean the way he could have for example. And if you watch his characters, really watch them, you'll see what he does each and every time. Even smaller characters like Jason from Smallville or Tom from My Bloody Valentine or Alec from Dark Angel. It's all right there on the screen.

So I guess my whole long point is I don't get why antis rip him apart when it comes to this role of Soldier Boy (other than being antis I guess) or say he can't act or that has no idea how to properly analyze his character because he actually did put a ton of work into this specific character (as well as all the others he's done) and you can clearly see it as you watch his scenes in the show. While I wish we could have seen Homelander and Soldier Boy go at it a bit more, and see Soldier Boy truly unleash that Alpha-ness of being the original Supe like had been talked about in promotions and interviews, it doesn't diminish that this character was fascinating and he brought it to life from the script in a way that complemented his own unique style as a performer.

tl;dr Jensen crushed Soldier Boy and Ben (yes, two different characters to embody actually) and I cannot wait to see more of him in any future Boys-related visual story telling, on the show or others.

#jensen ackles #jensen ackles appreciation #anti antis #the boys #theboysposts #soldier boy mention #on a completely related note #the boys is awesome #i seriously love this show so much #just more of kripke's brilliance shining through #rewatching and i'm seeing even more parallels throughout season 3 #just so well done #though i could have lived without THAT scene #kripke you sick fuck #if i ever see you in a sushi restaurant i am RUNNING

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loki-lover84 · 2 years

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Chapter 7 Season 3 Episode 6 Part I

We climbed into Butcher’s car and he drove us to a dingy looking motel, I mean they’re all in some way dingy looking but still.

“You two are staying here until further notice.” Butcher says firmly as we climb out of the car.

“We could’ve just stayed at my apartment.” I complain.

“No we couldn’t, we broke your bed.” Ben whispers to me as we share a laugh.

“Fine.” I say as we wait for Hughie to get our room sorted.

Hughie comes back over to us and leads us to our new residence. I throw myself on the bed whilst Ben stays stood up looking intimidating to the duo.

“We’re hungry.” He states expectantly.

“Look, we’re not your fucking-” Butcher begins.

“And we can’t go out in public so…I guess that makes you our errand boys if you want us to help.” I observe logically.

“Fucking supes.” Butcher grumbles as we give him our food order, request of clothes and a few ‘other’ things. “Hughie keep an eye on them.”

“We don’t want a cuckold.” Ben counters glaring at Hughie.

“I-I could come with you, make sure you get everything?” Hughie suggests as Butcher gives in.

“Fine. We’re going now.” Butcher says despite it being at least two a.m.

Hughie rushes to join Butcher as they stroll out leaving us alone. Once they’re out of sight Ben sits down on the bed ad relaxes as I sit up to join him wrapping my arms around him and nuzzling my face into his neck placing a few delicate kisses on his neck as he moans against me. I’m tempted to ask him if he’s okay, I know he’s not and he knows I know it’s a pointless question.

“How can I make it better?” I ask running one hand through his hair as he relaxes into my touch.

He remains silent before looking down and grabbing my left hand from his waist as he massages his thumb on the back of my hand as he notices I put my ring back on.

“Do you remember when I gave you this?” He asks.

“Yeah it was a year to the day that we met.” I laugh. “You said it’s a promise.”

“It took us four months to find a gap in our schedules, for me to fulfil that promise.” He sighs nostalgically.

“Gunpowder was doing his first feature film so I got Black Noir to be our witness.” I add.

“The only thing he did well…he stood in the same room as us as we eloped. That was his greatest achievement.” Ben grumbles with a hint of venom.

He never liked Noir, I however classed him as a friend at the time but now…every surviving member is awaiting their overdue execution.

“Do you reckon we have time?” He asks turning his head to look at me a wicked gleam in his eyes as his smirk held every hidden desire.

“No…doesn’t mean we can’t do other stuff though.” I say placing my hands on the side of his face pulling him in for a passionate kiss as I start to lie down pulling him on top of me.

He bites my lip making me gasp as he takes the opportunity to snake his tongue in, we fight for dominance for a minute until he tugs my hair stealing the advantage. He begins grinding against me and I feel myself getting wetter and wetter as he grows harder and harder. Ben breaks the kiss grunting as he lowers the bottom half of his suit, pushing my silk underwear to the side quickly thrusting in.

“Shit…” I can’t help but cry at the sudden intrusion before he claims my lips once again.

“You know you want this.” He teases as my hips meet his thrusts.

“What if they comeback…” I say feeling a little anxious.

“Never bothered you before.” Yes it wouldn’t be a first I mean he created Herogasm for fucks sake just so we could fuck without judgement.

“I-It’s been a while since…I can’t.”

“Don’t be getting all embarrassed on me now, Sweetheart. You know you love it really.” His hips start moving faster and harder and I once again hear the bed springs scream before breaking.

“We’re gonna break this bed.” I whine as he bites down on my neck lifting us off the bed essentially ramming me into a wall as hear is creak with each movement.

I cling to his neck, nails breaking his skin as light trickles of blood trail down his neck coating his suit as his body automatically heals.

“Shit…I’m close.” I scream tugging his soft hair.

The door creaks open and I hide my face behind Ben’s shoulder. Felling my discomfort he stretches his back out his muscular build blocking me and them from view, well aside from my legs that are wrapped around his waist.

“You look at me. They aren’t there it’s just you and me.” Ben coos reassuringly as my eyes lock on his hypnotic green eyes.

“Fucking hell. We can’t leave supes alone for two minutes.” Butcher complains his irritation evident.

“Knock next time.” Ben yells over his shoulder never once slowing his thrusts. “Get the fuck out, you fucking perverts.”

The door slams shut.

“Cum…baby, be my good girl and cum for me.” Ben encourages as I re-focus on us.

I can feel myself getting closer again, my stomach fluttering as I stare into my husband’s eyes clenching around his member as pleasure washes over me spasming against him as his cum fills me up and he growls in satisfaction.

“Good girl…you did so well.” He praises carrying me back over to the bed finally slipping out of me as he readjusts himself and readjusts my underwear. “Keep that inside.” He whispers kissing my forehead before opening the door to an agitated Butcher and mortified Hughie.

“Clothes, food and drugs.” Butcher announces dumping everything on the table.

Ben drags the table towards the bed with everything on grabbing our clothes helping me stagger into the bathroom as we change into the oversized comfy clothes. It was so good finally getting out of my suit as we re-enter the room Ben emptying the bag of greasy fried chicken and chips onto the table.

“Where’s the Chop Socky Oriental sauce?” Be asks looking rather displeased.

“They don’t have that…anymore.” Hughie replies cautiously.

“Why the fuck not?”

“Uh, many…many good reasons.” Hughie says clearly just making up his answer.

“Did you get the other shit?” Butcher reaches into another brown paper bag placing a bottle of whiskey and drugs on the table.

“Here you go, guv.” Butcher says as Ben grabs the pills emptying three onto the table.

“Man. I missed bennies. It’s how we won D-Day, you know. We were wired to the fucking gills.” My husband says using the handle of his blade to crush the pills.

“Listen, let’s have a little chat about this team up, yeah?” Butcher says standing far too close for comfort.

“Yeah, what the hell do I need a team for? The last one handed me to the reds.” He states as I hold his free hand.

“And we got you out of that little pickle.” Butcher insists and I can’t help but scoff.

They wouldn’t have known a fucking thing if it weren’t for me however, I did need their contacts to find out what happened and where he’d be.

“We wrapped up Crimson Countess and delivered her like a fucking Christmas turkey, and I even sorted Gunpowder for you.”

“Why am I supposed to be impressed with that? That’s like killing Emmanuel Lewis.” Ben mocks with a snigger before snorting his drugs.

“Yeah, well, he grew up a bit since you last saw him.” Butcher says as Hughie fails to pick up the shield.

“Hands off the fucking shield.” He says still looking intimidating to Hughie even with the white powder on the side of his nose.

“Anyway you want payback on Payback, don’t you? Well it just so happens that we are experts at exterminating shitbag supes.” Butcher says putting his arm round Hughie forcing him closer to us. “You see, it’s a whole different world out there now, son. We’re here to help you find your way.” Butcher pitches.

“I have Y/n for that.” My husband says taking a bite of his food as I do the same.

“Are you sure?” Hughie asks flashing me a pleading look. “Do you know what a GPS is? Or-or Bluetooth? Or, I mean…the internet.” Hughie chuckles at the end.

I hope he remembers his lesson with my smart phone but I know he won’t.

“You made those words up.” He answers confidently and I can’t help but face palm gaining his focus.

“No he didn’t, remember I was showing you at my apartment.” I try biting back a grin.

“Before or after we broke your bed?”

“After. Remember we were looking at new beds on the internet?” He looks at me trying to focus before shrugging.

“See? You need us.” Hughie tries again.

“Y/n can still do it.” Ben insists as I nod in agreement.

I do want to see Homelander and his all powerful mightier than thou self destroyed, I don’t like the idea of Butcher using Ben.

“All we ask is that you add one more name to the list.” Butcher says sitting down his confident charade not once wavering.

“Who?”

“A right cunt, named Homelander.”

“I’ve seen pictures, who is he?”

“He’s the want to be new you.” I chime in.

“No one’s the new me.” Ben says calmly. “But why him?”

“Let’s just say, you’re not the only one that wants payback.” Butcher says sounding ominous.

“Hmm…All right. You help us find the rest of my team, and we’ll help you with this Homelander.” Ben agrees snorting another line.

We finish eating our food and I get up to turn the TV on before sitting back on the bed snuggling next to Ben, who acts disinterested due to Hughie and Butcher’s presence but still wraps his arm around me. After the show ends ‘Red Thunder’ begins playing and I can’t help but laugh at the bad acting and terrible script. Butcher leaves to be have a productive day, tracking down the twins

“These fucking twins. You know they couldn’t hit their fucking marks.” Ben complains swigging his whiskey. “Fucking unprofessionals is what they are.”

It’s a bit awkward with Hughie sat on the sofa in the corner monitoring Ben’s radiation levels and looking like a scared kid whenever Ben gets annoyed. I snuggle up to him more placing an arm over his stomach.

“It’s alright, they’ll be dead soon.” I say kissing his jaw and his beard scratches against my lips.

“Yeah.” He smiles back at me kissing my forehead.

“Hey, uh, yeah Butcher’s gonna find them. Why don’t you, uh, why don’t you get some sleep?”

“No. I’ve slept enough.” My husband dismisses as an ad for Starlight diapers plays with a man with a baby carrier on. “Do men really walk around like that?”

“Yeah. I mean dads do.” Hughie answers.

“Okay, well Bill Cosby is America’s dad, and, tell you one thing he wouldn’t be caught dead in that pussy gear. The Cos…that’s a real man, holy shit did he make some strong drinks.” Ben chuckles. “But, seriously, what classes as a man today? Christ on a cross.”

“He’s not a good topic of conversation nowadays.” I intervene. “Besides I think you’d look great wearing one.” I tease earning an unimpressed look whilst he pours himself another cup of whiskey.

“I read that we were ass up in Afghanistan. The fuck is up with that? They were the good guys. I mean, when I left, it was uh…”

“Yeah, you know…” Hughie tries to cut in.

“I mean, goddamn it, we-we were ten and one, you know? I lead the 116th onto Omaha Beach. I was in the fucking eagle’s nest. I fought for this country!” Ben says standing up in frustration. “I fought for this country.” He sighs under his breath. “And what did I get for it? Forgotten. Left to rot by my own team.”

“You weren’t.” I insist standing up. “I didn’t forget you I’ve spent the best part of my life looking for you. The world mourned you. But you were never forgotten…not by the people that actually cared about you.” I snap at him fighting the urge to slap his handsome face, as Hughie sits there not knowing where to look.

I kiss him instead, it’s the only act I can commit if I’m not to hit him. His hand gropes my but as he leans down with the motion deepening the kiss before we slowly separate sitting back on the bed. Hughie looks at us still bewildered before adjusting.

“You know, we always wanted some rug rats of our own.” Ben says to Hughie.

“We had one…but Vought fucking stole him from me. I still haven’t found him.” I say clenching my fists as Ben holds me.

“Now, we can start again. Have some boys raise them up to be real men.” Ben says once again reassuringly.

“Hey, um, can I ask you something?” Hughie begins. “What happened in mid-town?”

“I don’t know.”

“I mean your team wasn’t there so did someone do anything or, say something?”

“I said I don’t know.” Ben raises his voice glaring at Hughie.

“Okay. Okay, yeah.” He says cowering.

“There was some music playing.” I add.

“I blacked out. About ten minutes. When I came to, the damage was done. I didn’t mean to hurt those people. I’m not a bad guy.” He says solemnly.

“That won’t happen again, right?” Hughie questions.

“Only if they’ve got it coming.”

“Oi, oi.” Butcher says entering the room.

“You’re bleeding.”

“Not mine. Got an address. We’re going to Vermont.” Butcher declares.

Ben and I suit up in the bathroom, coming out in time to see Hughie and Butcher shooting up temp-V like drug addicts.

#soldier boy x reader #Soldier Boy #angst #fluff #smut #reader #supe reader #Season 3 rewrite #Butcher #Hughie #temp V #drug use #cute #love #The Boys #mentions of Herogasm #drinking

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