The latest episode of The Boys season 5 has stirred controversy with a reference to late children's entertainer Shari Lewis. In episode 3, Soldier Boy (Jensen Ackles) boasts to Firecracker (Valorie Curry) that he 'railed Shari Lewis on the balcony of Studio 54'. The comment has divided fans, with some finding it distasteful given Lewis's legacy as a beloved children's TV host.
Shari Lewis, who died in 1998, was a Peabody Award-winning ventriloquist and puppeteer, best known for creating the sock puppet Lamb Chop. She won 12 Emmy Awards and was a cherished figure in children's entertainment. The reference occurs roughly a decade after Soldier Boy was captured by the Russians in the show's timeline, adding to the incongruity.
Episode 3 also reveals that Soldier Boy survived the supe-killing virus from episode 2, thanks to the original V formula in his blood. He later sleeps with Firecracker, a member of The Seven, leading to the controversial pillow talk. The encounter is likely to anger Homelander, Soldier Boy's son, when he finds out.
New episodes of The Boys stream every Wednesday on Prime Video, with the first three episodes now available.
