Few TV shows have managed to maintain their gritty, satirical edge as well as The Boys. With each season, the Amazon Prime hit has upped the stakes, delivering blood-soaked battles, shocking betrayals, and sharp social commentary. But one thing has changed—for the worse.

Erin Moriarty’s Starlight (Annie January), once a fan-favorite beacon of strength and rebellion, has undergone one of the most baffling and disappointing transformations in recent TV history.

From her powerful introduction as a naive-yet-idealistic new recruit in Season 1 to her compelling moral struggles in Season 2, Starlight felt like the show’s emotional core. But in the later seasons, something changed—and not for the better.

Her character’s transformation has left fans divided, disappointed, and downright confused. What went wrong? Was it the writing? The direction? Or something deeper?

Let’s break down how Starlight’s metamorphosis turned into a TV disaster.

⚡ The Rise of Starlight: A Hero We Could Root For

Back in Season 1, Starlight was an underdog—a fresh-faced superhero raised in a religious household, believing in truth, justice, and the power of good. Unlike the corrupt Supes she admired as a child, she wanted to be better.

Her initial clash with The Seven, especially after learning the horrifying truth about The Deep’s disgusting abuse, set the tone for an incredibly compelling journey.

Starlight wasn’t just another superhero. She was the show’s conscience—the moral contrast to Homelander’s ruthless god complex and the cynical manipulation of Vought.

Her arc in Season 2 cemented her as one of the show’s best characters:

✅ She secretly worked with The Boys to expose Vought.
✅ She battled her own mother’s betrayal when she learned she was experimented on as a baby.
✅ She risked everything to help Hughie and bring down The Seven from within.

She was brave, vulnerable, and inspiring—a rare hero in a world drowning in corruption.

But then… Season 3 happened.

🛑 What the Hell Happened to Starlight?

By the time The Boys reached Season 3, Starlight should have been at the height of her power—a hero who had grown stronger, smarter, and more defiant. Instead, her transformation felt like a total regression.

Fans quickly noticed something was… off.

🔻 Her Personality Became Inconsistent

Instead of being the morally complex, determined fighter we loved, Starlight became a frustratingly passive character.

She spent most of Season 3 reacting instead of acting. While she did take a stand against Homelander in a dramatic on-air confrontation, she quickly fell into a repetitive cycle of hesitation, doubt, and lack of agency.

Even when she had the chance to step up as a true leader, she seemed uncertain and hesitant, a stark contrast to the bold, rebellious figure we saw in previous seasons.

🔻 Her Relationship with Hughie Became a Mess

One of Starlight’s most defining traits was her strong moral compass—she was the emotional grounding force for Hughie, always encouraging him to stay true to himself.

But in Season 3, their relationship spiraled into frustrating arguments, making both characters seem weaker. Starlight spent more time in personal drama than actually doing anything impactful, and Hughie’s overprotectiveness made their dynamic feel regressive and forced.

Where was the powerful, independent Starlight who fought for justice on her own terms?

🔻 No Standout Moments? Seriously?!

For a character who was once central to The Boys, Starlight had shockingly few standout moments in later seasons.

Compare this to Season 2, where she:
✔ Took down Vought’s security to steal Compound V
✔ Had a brutal, satisfying fight against Stormfront
✔ Risked her life to break free from Vought’s control

In contrast, Season 3 gave her no major victories, no jaw-dropping hero moments, and no satisfying arcs. She just… existed.

For a show that prides itself on pushing boundaries and defying expectations, Starlight’s decline was one of the most unexpected disappointments.

😡 Fans Are NOT Happy

Unsurprisingly, fans have been vocal about how much Starlight’s character has suffered.

▶ Reddit threads are filled with viewers complaining that she has lost her spark.

▶ YouTube breakdowns highlight how she went from a strong female lead to a passive side character.

▶ Even casual fans noticed that her storyline was given way less attention compared to characters like Butcher, Soldier Boy, and Homelander.

Some even believe the writers didn’t know what to do with her, which led to her watered-down, forgettable arc.

🛠 Can Starlight Be Saved?

Despite her decline, all hope isn’t lost. The Boys still has time to redeem Starlight and bring her back to her former glory.

Here’s what needs to happen in Season 4 and beyond:

✔ Give her more agency – Starlight needs to stop reacting and start making bold choices again.

✔ Bring back her moral dilemmas – She should struggle with difficult decisions instead of just being “the good one” all the time.

✔ Let her actually fight – More action, more strategy, and more unforgettable moments where she proves why she’s part of The Boys.

✔ Make her relationship with Hughie matter – Their romance should feel like a partnership, not a distraction.

If the writers step up and give Starlight the screen time and development she deserves, she could easily become one of the best characters again.

But if they keep sidelining her?

She may go down as one of TV’s most wasted characters.

💬 What Do YOU Think?

Did The Boys ruin Starlight’s character? Or do you think she still has a chance to shine again?

🔥 Drop your thoughts in the comments! Let’s discuss whether The Boys can fix one of its biggest mistakes before it’s too late.