Performers of the Week: Jack Quaid and Simon Pegg
THE PERFORMERS | Jack Quaid and Simon Pegg
THE SHOW | The Boys
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THE EPISODE | “Beware the Jabberwock, My Son” (June 27, 2024)
THE PERFORMANCES | It wasn’t the suped-up, flying farm animals who stood out during this week’s episode of the Prime Video series, but a very human father-son moment from series regular Jack Quaid and guest star Simon Pegg. The Boys often traffics in bonkers twists and unbelievably gory scenes, and the storyline between Hughie and his father, Hugh Sr., certainly had its fair share of those as Hugh found himself phasing through hospital walls and patients’ insides after being injected with V. But in the midst of the insanity were two incredibly moving and relatable performances from Quaid and Pegg.
With Hugh facing a version of superpowered dementia, the confusion and fear was evident in Pegg’s eyes as his character tried to make sense of what was happening to him. There was also horror at the sight of what he had done, followed by such strong anger at his ex-wife for abandoning their family that we truly feared for her life. As Hughie tearfully tried to get his father to come back to him by recalling a childhood memory, Quaid heart-wrenchingly declared, “You’re my hero, dad.” With that, recognition clicked into Pegg’s features, and the actor masterfully transitioned back into the Hugh we know and love. But it wasn’t enough to stop what was happening to him, with distress, shame and panic lacing Pegg’s voice as Hugh exclaimed that there was something wrong with him.
So Hughie injected his father with a drug to help him peacefully pass on. (Pegg’s quivering “I’m scared” nearly killed us.) In doing what needed to be done to spare his father, and losing a beloved parent, Quaid’s portrayal matured from boy to man.
Emotional, tender and absolutely heartbreaking, Quaid and Pegg stole the show with their father-son goodbye.
Scroll down to see who scored Honorable Mention shout-outs this week…
HONORABLE MENTION: Sam Reid
Interview With the Vampire fans were still on a high after Lestat’s jaw-dropping return at the end of Episode 6, and actor Sam Reid made sure they stayed there with his captivating, unflinching performance at Louis & Co.’s trial in Episode 7. We weren’t quite sure what to expect after he opened with a joke (“I prefer the old place”), but it’s just as well, because we were wholly unprepared for how deeply affected we would be by his work in this breathtaking hour of television. The despair in Lestat’s eyes as he recalled the pain he inflicted upon Louis, and the vulnerability he displayed as he revealed his truth, were impossible not to feel. The entire proceeding may have been a miscarriage of justice, especially for poor Claudia, but we the jury find Reid guilty of devastating us with an unforgettable performance. — Andy Swift
HONORABLE MENTION: Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria commanded Episode 2 of Land of Women by artfully blending comedy and drama, delivering a jolt of unexpected energy that will make you remember why you love watching TV. As Gala, Longoria’s public display of disdain toward Santiago — tromping out into the vineyard in her white pumps and clucking maniacally at the group of onlooking women — was a perfectly choreographed confrontation. She proved her expertise in the art of feminine rage thanks to delightfully timed verbal outbursts (“You’re a thief!”) and a memorable mocking of Santiago’s “cocky little smile.” And despite her abrasive personality, we never grow tired of her. Though we sense some sexual tension brewing between Gala and her on-screen nemesis, we can’t help but hope for more quarrels ahead as Longoria clearly thrives in the chaos of conflict. — Claire Franken
HONORABLE MENTION: Ebon Moss-Bachrach
We loved watching Ebon Moss-Bachrach‘s grumpy slacker Richie turn his life around last season on The Bear, transforming himself into a top-notch restaurant host. But he’s not done growing yet, and Moss-Bachrach tugged on our heartstrings in Season 3’s fourth episode as Richie reckoned with his ex-wife Tiff getting remarried. Moss-Bachrach brought out Richie’s tender side as he tucked his daughter into bed, promising her a hundred candles for her birthday. But Richie’s guard went back up as Tiff’s fiancé Frank (played by Josh Hartnett) sought his blessing, with Moss-Bachrach’s face tightening in anger as he tried to keep his cool. His vulnerability was heart-wrenching, too, as Richie wondered to Nat if he should step back from his daughter’s life: “Maybe it’s weird that I’m around.” Richie has come a long way, but he still has a long way to go, and Moss-Bachrach has made every step of his journey utterly fascinating and ultimately inspiring. — Dave Nemetz
Which performance(s) knocked your socks off this week? Tell us in the comments!
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