A-Train is a controversial and complex character in the popular TV series The Boys. While he works as a superhero for Vought International, his actions and motivations are often morally dubious. Let’s analyze A-Train’s character to determine if he can truly be considered a “good guy.”
A-Train’s Superhero Status
On the surface, A-Train fits the role of a traditional superhero. He has superhuman speed powers and works for Vought International’s elite team The Seven. His job is to protect citizens and stop villains, classic superhero duties. Additionally, A-Train enjoys fame, fortune, and status as one of the most popular heroes. To the public, he represents justice, strength, and safety.
However, a deeper analysis reveals A-Train’s superhero status is largely a façade. He abuses his powers frequently for selfish gains. Additionally, Vought prioritizes appearances and profit over actual heroic acts. So while A-Train holds the title of superhero, many of his actions are far from heroic.
A-Train’s Immoral Actions
Throughout the show, A-Train commits many egregious acts that contradict a “good guy” image. Some of his worst offenses include:
- Killing his girlfriend Popclaw by accelerating her aging
- Running through Robin and killing her in a high-speed collision
- Blackmailing Starlight to keep her quiet about sexual assault at Vought
- Repeatedly abusing Compound V against orders to maintain his powers
- Participating in Vought’s coverups and putting the company’s interests before morals
These actions reveal A-Train’s true ruthless and self-serving nature. He kills innocents, abuses drugs, and enables Vought’s corruption. A truly good person with integrity would not commit such terrible deeds.
A-Train’s Redemption Arc
In Season 3 of The Boys, A-Train is on the path to redemption. After a health scare, he realizes the harm he’s caused and tries to make amends. Key positive changes include:
- Apologizing to Hughie for Robin’s death
- Testifying to Congress against Vought and Homelander
- Exposing crimes and corruption at Vought
- Saving Starlight instead of furthering Homelander’s blackmail
These acts require moral courage and show A-Train developing a conscience. He begins prioritizing truth and justice over his self-interest. However, his redemption arc is still a work in progress by the end of Season 3.
Conclusion
Overall, A-Train spends most of the series acting as a villainous character rather than a hero. However, his redemption arc introduces complexity to his moral alignment. While his past actions are undoubtedly evil, his recent choices show promise for becoming a better person who does good. Only time will tell if A-Train can fully transform into a true hero.
A-Train’s Character Evolution
| Season | Key Events | Personality & Motivations |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 |
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| Season 2 |
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| Season 3 |
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This table summarizes how A-Train evolves across the seasons of The Boys. In early seasons, he acts immorally and cruelly. But after a life-changing health scare in Season 3, he works to become a better person and do the right thing, even if it endangers him.
Comparing A-Train to Other Characters
To fully evaluate A-Train’s moral compass, it helps to compare him to other characters on both sides of the good/evil spectrum:
Homelander
As the main antagonist, Homelander is pure evil. He is a psychopath who cares only about his status and will murder anyone who threatens it. Homelander feels no remorse and never redeems himself.
Starlight
Starlight is the most consistently good character. Despite temptations and threats, she stays dedicated to being a true hero who exposes evil. Starlight risks her life and career to bring justice.
Butcher
Butcher leads The Boys against the superheroes. While his hatred of supes is understandable, Butcher goes too far by endangering innocent people in his ruthless quest for revenge.
Compared to these characters, A-Train falls somewhere in the middle. He has done terrible things, but also shows capacity for redemption, unlike Homelander. A-Train becomes more heroic, but still has moral lapses unlike the truly good Starlight. Overall, he is neither a clear-cut hero nor villain by the end of Season 3.
Conclusion
In summary, A-Train begins as a villainous character who causes death and destruction in his reckless disregard for human life. However, his redemption arc in Season 3 introduces complexity to his morality. While his change of heart appears genuine, it remains to be seen whether he can maintain this heroic path. A-Train’s further character progression in The Boys will determine if his “good guy” transformation endures or if he reverts to his former villainous ways.
Additional Discussion Questions
Does having superpowers make someone inherently good or evil?
Superpowers simply provide abilities, but morality depends on how someone chooses to use those abilities. A-Train’s powers don’t make him evil; it’s his selfish motivations that lead to immoral actions. Meanwhile, Starlight dedicates her powers to doing good. Therefore, superpowers themselves are neutral – the individual wielding them determines heroism or villainy.
Can people truly change for the better?
A-Train represents how people are capable of change, even after committing great wrongs. His efforts to redeem himself show that people can acknowledge past mistakes and work to change their character. However, meaningful change takes time and consistency. Only future seasons will reveal if A-Train’s change is genuine long-term character growth.
Should we forgive A-Train for causing Robin’s death?
A-Train clearly regrets losing control and killing Robin. However, it’s understandable some characters like Hughie cannot forgive A-Train, at least not yet. No apology can erase A-Train’s careless actions. But if he remains committed to exposing Vought’s corruption, it suggests true remorse and desire to prevent similar tragedies. In time, a willingness to forgive could help healing, but forgiveness must be earned.