AceShowbiz - The Boys Season 5, Episode 5, titled "One-Shots," delivers a surprising crossover moment with a reunion of stars from the hit series Supernatural. This episode not only brings back Jared Padalecki as Mister Marathon and Misha Collins as Malchemical, but also features several notable Hollywood cameos that add humor and tension to the storyline involving Jensen Ackles' Soldier Boy and Antony Starr's Homelander.

The Prime Video series has a history of nodding to creator Eric Kripke’s former show, with references such as Jim Beaver's character Robert A. Singer and the use of “idjit” in the Season 4 finale. However, this marks the first on-screen reunion in years for Padalecki, Collins, and Ackles, making this chapter especially notable for fans.

The episode opens by catching viewers up on various characters, including Firecracker, Black Noir 2, and Butcher’s dog, Terror. The main plot follows Soldier Boy and Homelander as they travel to Los Angeles in search of more V1 serum. Their mission is driven by Stan Edgar's revelation that former Seven member Mister Marathon might hold answers. The visit to LA quickly escalates into a violent confrontation, but not before a series of entertaining cameos highlight the Hollywood setting.

Jared Padalecki debuts as Mister Marathon, a super-speed hero who once held the title of the world's fastest man. His character is a reimagining of a figure from The Boys comics, where the original Mister Marathon died on a mission and was replaced by A-Train. In the show, Mister Marathon’s resentment toward Homelander is clear, fueled by his replacement by A-Train after his speed declined. Though he doesn’t provide much information about the V1 serum, he admits to knowing Bombsight, the V1 super who stole the remaining serum from Fort Harmony.

The tension between Mister Marathon and Homelander intensifies quickly. Mister Marathon, along with Misha Collins' Malchemical, appeals to Soldier Boy to kill his own son, but Soldier Boy refuses. The resulting battle is brutal, with Soldier Boy dispatching the group efficiently, though Mister Marathon plays a significant role in the fight. Ultimately, Homelander delivers the fatal blow to Mister Marathon, marking his exit from the series.

Misha Collins appears as Malchemical, completing the Supernatural reunion in a twisted form. Unlike the comic version, where Malchemical is a shapeshifter, the show depicts him as a toxic gas-emitting super who briefly incapacitates Homelander. Malchemical shares Mister Marathon’s disdain for Homelander, criticizing his plans to ban pornography and abortion. His role is short-lived, as he is the first character Soldier Boy kills after siding with his son.

In addition to the Supernatural reunion, the episode features a host of celebrities playing fictionalized versions of themselves, creating a satirical commentary on Hollywood's response to the show's dystopian political climate.

Seth Rogen, an executive producer on the series, appears as himself in a poker game scene with other celebrities. Despite portraying a stoner image, Rogen humorously denies liking weed during the gathering. The conversation touches on the impact of freedom camp round-ups on Hollywood talent, revealing a fractured community. Rogen narrowly escapes the violent chaos but is ultimately killed by Mister Marathon.

Christopher Mintz-Plasse, known for his iconic role as McLovin in Superbad, also plays himself. He humorously references his co-star Michael Cera by wondering if Cera is a Starlighter, a nod to the competitive nature of Hollywood roles. Mintz-Plasse's character meets his end when Soldier Boy misleads him and Kumail Nanjiani into the path of Mister Marathon’s attack.

Kumail Nanjiani, recognized for his roles in Marvel's Eternals and the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, joins the celebrity group advocating for action against Homelander. He stresses the responsibility of storytellers with influence to inspire change. Despite his intentions, Nanjiani is killed alongside Mintz-Plasse due to Soldier Boy’s deception.

Will Forte, an SNL alum, plays a skeptical version of himself who questions the purpose of standing up to Homelander. He cynically claims that actors who portray revolutionaries only collect their residuals and points out that Bill Hader's fictional execution in the show removed competition for him. This inside joke also highlights the real-life collaboration and friendship between Forte and Hader.

Craig Robinson has the briefest but most comedic cameo in the episode. Known for roles in comedies like This Is the End and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Robinson’s character misses most of the action because he’s in the bathroom recovering from Danny Trejo tacos. Upon returning, he is immediately used as a human shield by Soldier Boy and killed off before he can react.

The cameos add layers of humor and satire to the episode, emphasizing the fractured nature of Hollywood and its inhabitants amid the oppressive regime of Homelander. The episode also furthers the show's narrative by setting up key character dynamics, particularly between Soldier Boy and his son, and by expanding the mythology surrounding the V1 serum and The Seven.

Overall, "One-Shots" stands out as a memorable episode in The Boys Season 5, thanks to the unexpected reunion of Jared Padalecki, Misha Collins, and Jensen Ackles, alongside notable celebrity cameos that enrich the show's sharp commentary on fame, power, and rebellion. Fans of both Supernatural and The Boys will find plenty to enjoy and discuss.

What did you think of the Supernatural reunion and the Hollywood cameos in The Boys Season 5, Episode 5? Share your thoughts in the ComicBook Forum and join the conversation today!