The Deep's Ultimate Addiction Revealed: Unveiling the Secret Behind His Obsession with Fresca
Unraveling the enigma: The Deep's insatiable obsession with Fresca in The Boys Explore the symbolic significance and mysterious meaning behind his persistent affinity for the fizzy beverage Season 3 and even the cast fail to decipher this ever-puzzling Fresca joke
Summary
The Boys Fresca joke is a running gag in the series and has no deeper significance, according to showrunner Eric Kripke.
The Fresca joke possibly alludes to the trope of "drinking the Kool-Aid," implying the Church of the Collective's fixation on the soda. However, despite its prevalence in Season 2, the Fresca joke appears to have been abandoned in Season 3, indicating that it was merely a frivolous addition to the show's comedic elements.
The Boys Fresca gag is an ongoing, bizarre joke in the superhero series centered around The Deep. Despite being a character that is not particularly likable, Chace Crawford's portrayal of The Deep (known as Kevin to his friends) has undergone a tumultuous journey throughout The Boys. To the public, The Deep is viewed as a vain male model superhero who prioritizes Instagram likes and his hairstyle over saving lives. However, behind closed doors, he has revealed himself to be much worse, using his power to coerce Starlight into performing a sexual act to keep her job. As punishment, The Deep is publicly exposed as a predator and is quietly relocated from The Seven to a small, low-crime town. This is where the ongoing joke about Fresca begins.
In the second season of The Boys, The Deep joins a cult, which is true to his character. Having been indoctrinated by the Church of the Collective, he is encouraged to confront his self-esteem issues and regain his position in The Seven. The Deep embarks on this journey of self-discovery with the companionship of Eagle the Archer and Carol. Together, they engage in introspection and reflection while enjoying a refreshing can of Fresca. The references to Fresca in The Boys season 2 are so obvious and repetitive that it leads one to wonder if there is a deeper meaning behind them.
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Eric Kripke Says The Boys Fresca Plot Point Is A Joke
According to showrunner Eric Kripke, The Boys Fresca inclusion is simply an inside joke. Kripke explained that the writing team was brainstorming on what kind of non-alcoholic beverage cult members would consume, and Fresca became the amusing choice. As a result, it turned into a recurring joke whenever the Church of the Collective appears.
Taking the showrunner's statement into account, the reference to the Fresca joke might be interpreted as a clever variation of the "drinking the Kool-Aid" cliché. Whenever an individual embraces a conspiracy or cult, they are often described as "drinking Kool-Aid," and The Church of the Collective's fixation on Fresca could be considered The Boys' unique take on that familiar expression.
What The Boys' Fresca Joke Could Really Mean
The Boys Fresca joke is not the only instance of a random, unexplained running gag in the series. In the first season of the show, which premiered in 2019, there was a fly that appeared in multiple episodes, buzzing around the main characters. While showrunner Eric Kripke explained that the fly was included for comedic effect, it has sparked numerous fan theories suggesting that it may actually be a superhero, akin to Ant-Man, surveilling Vought's enemies. In The Boys season 2, Fresca seems to take on the role of the fly from the previous season - an element that could either be a trivial inside joke or a hint at a future storyline.
Heading into the realm of speculation, it's possible that The Deep is unknowingly part of a reality series similar to The Truman Show. Despite being sidelined by Vought, they would still seek to profit from their popular aquatic superhero. The Deep could unknowingly be trapped in an elaborate hidden camera scheme, with Eagle and Carol willingly participating. In this scenario, the ongoing Fresca joke could serve as product placement within the show, which could be called "Deep Undercover."
Alternatively, it is also possible that the leaders of the Church of the Collective are secretly drugging Fresca to make their new recruits more compliant. In The Boys season 2, The Deep exhibits both skepticism and unwavering devotion, and Fresca might provide an explanation for his behavior, making him more susceptible to the eccentric teachings of his cult comrades.
The Boys Season 3 Furthered The Idea That Fresca Means Nothing
The Boys Fresca storyline in season 2, while significant, appears to be a meaningless joke in season 3. The show has completely abandoned this joke, with no mention or presence of Fresca. Additionally, the Church of the Collective is no longer a prominent aspect of the show since The Deep has left to rejoin The Seven.
The sudden abandonment of this storyline is quite fitting. The Deep is the type of person who would only commit to a new religion until he achieved his desires, then swiftly move on. This implies that the Church of the Collective may no longer be a part of The Boys, leaving the Fresca mystery unresolved. Nevertheless, this could be for the best as the joke lasted just long enough to add a strange and humorous element to the show without becoming distracting.
Even The Boys Cast Don't Understand The Fresca Joke
The show's cast is even more unnerved by the fact that they don't understand the meaning behind The Boys Fresca joke. While Kripke's explanation of the joke may be simple, the cast members are also apprehensive, expecting more clarity. Erin Moriarty, who portrays Starlight, expressed, "I think we're all waiting for like, 'Okay, they'll tell us what the Fresca is about. We'll get there.' What's with the Fresca?" (via CBR).
Similarly, Crawford has confessed that he, too, is uncertain about the true significance of Fresca. This adds another layer to the joke, as even the actors are in the dark, allowing Fresca to maintain its humorous and enigmatic presence in The Boys season 3 and beyond.
The future of the Fresca references in The Boys season 2 and beyond remains uncertain. It's unclear if the references are just a harmless joke or if showrunner Kripke is hinting at something deeper. Regardless, it's entertaining to ponder what the future holds for The Deep's cult and the impact it has on Fresca. However, whether Fresca is pleased with their association with the Church of the Collective is a separate question altogether.
