The latest episode of The Boys, titled “One Shots,” delivered on a long-standing fan theory by bringing together the original cast of Supernatural. However, rather than offering a nostalgic reunion, the episode used the return of Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, and Misha Collins to serve as a violent, chaotic conclusion to their shared creative history.
For years, speculation mounted after Ackles joined The Boys as Soldier Boy. Fans hoped for a crossover that would see him reunite with his former co-stars Padalecki (Sam Winchester) and Collins (Castiel). The show delivered this convergence, but the result was less of a celebration and more of a brutal deconstruction.
A Plot Device Dressed as a Reunion
Functionally, “One Shots” operates as a bottle episode, shifting perspectives between characters—including a surreal sequence from the viewpoint of Butcher’s dog, Terror. While much of the episode’s runtime focuses on subplots, the central narrative drive remains Homelander’s hunt for V-One, the original, volatile strain of Compound V that grants immortality.
Guided by a tip from his prisoner, former CEO Stan Edgar, Homelander and his reluctant ally Soldier Boy travel to Hollywood. Their target is Mister Marathon, played by Padalecki. Once the original speedster of The Seven before being replaced by A-Train, Marathon is now a washed-up figure dealing drugs and hanging out with celebrity friends, including cameos by Seth Rogen, Kumail Nanjiani, and others.
Also present is Malchemical, played by Collins, a Supe with the ability to emit incapacitating gas. The setting—a mansion poker game amidst an apocalyptic backdrop—initially evokes the satirical tone of This Is the End. However, the humor quickly gives way to violence.
The Trap and the Aftermath
The gathering proves to be a trap set by Marathon and Malchemical, who seek revenge against Homelander for ruining their lives. While Homelander falls for the ruse, Soldier Boy sees through it. In a display of growing, albeit twisted, loyalty to his sociopathic son, Soldier Boy refuses to take the bait.
What follows is a chaotic sequence of violence:
* Soldier Boy kills Malchemical, effectively ending Collins’ arc in the franchise.
* He then manipulates the environment, positioning Marathon’s celebrity friends in the path of the speedster.
* Marathon runs through them, resulting in a gruesome, blood-soaked spectacle that serves as dark comedy.
The scene culminates in a confrontation between Soldier Boy and Mister Marathon. While the interaction between Ackles and Padalecki recalls the emotional weight of their previous work—specifically Ackles’ death scene in Supernatural —the context here is entirely devoid of warmth. It is a transactional exchange of information leading to death.
Why This Matters: Closing the Book on Supernatural
The significance of this episode extends beyond The Boys plotline. It represents a deliberate narrative choice by creator Eric Kripke to draw a definitive line under the Supernatural legacy.
Supernatural was originally planned for five seasons but ran for fifteen due to immense popularity. The fandom endured years of resurrection cycles, hellscapes, and spinoffs that failed to capture the original magic. By placing the three main actors in a scenario where they are either killed or left amidst carnage, Kripke is not just writing a scene; he is signaling an end to the era.
“For Kripke, the Winchester brothers and their angel bestie Castiel, ‘One Shots’ is the final nail in the Supernatural coffin.”
This approach raises questions about how legacy IP is handled in the modern streaming landscape. Rather than milking nostalgia for comfort, The Boys uses it for shock value and closure. It suggests that the “family business” of monster hunting is dead, replaced by a cynical reality where heroes are obsolete and their pasts are buried in blood.
Conclusion
“One Shots” prioritizes thematic closure over fan service. By using the Supernatural cast to facilitate a brutal plot progression in The Boys, the show effectively buries its predecessor’s legacy, offering a messy, violent, and final goodbye to one of television’s most iconic trilogies.
