The Female of the Species (The Boys episode)

"The Female of the Species" is the fourth episode of the first season of the American Satirical superhero television series The Boys, based on Garth Ennis' comic book series of the same name. The episode was written by Craig Rosenberg and directed by Fred Troye. The show depicts a world where superpowered individuals, known as "Supes," are portrayed as corrupt individuals rather than heroes, which is a more common depiction.

The episode follows team of superpowered individuals the Boys, now consisting of Billy Butcher, Hughie Campbell, Mother's Milk, and Frenchie, as they investigate a clue from Popclaw about Compound-V in the hope of learning more about the drug and finding a way to prevent Supes from joining the military. The investigation leads the team to a Japanese woman, "The Female," whom they pursue through the city's subway tunnels. Meanwhile, Homelander and Queen Maeve are tasked with saving a plane full of passengers. When their mission fails, Homelander leverages to situation to personally gain supporters and attempt to convince the government to allow Supes to join the military.

"The Female of the Species" was released on streaming service Amazon Prime Video on July 26, 2019. The episode received critical acclaim, who praised Karen Fukuhara's performance, the introduction of her character the Female, the episode's plane sequence, and Homelander's speech in the closing scene.