Review: Gen V
“The Boys” fans have been eager for a fourth season since 2022. During the wait, the masterminds behind the hit Prime Video show released a spin-off series: “Gen V.” With the idea of Generation Z growing up with superpowers and attending college, the show brings a unique spin to the oversaturated superhero genre.
“Gen V” premiered its first three episodes on Prime Video on Sept. 29. The show takes place between season three and four of “The Boys,” but context from the show is not necessary to understand the plot. The quality and writing of the show are notably on par with the pre-existing series.
The series follows the students trying to make it through college at Godolkin University, a superhero school run by Vought. Students are ranked depending on their popularity and performance, with Luke Riordan “Golden Boy” (Patrick Schwarzenegger) ranking No. 1 at the start of the show. Dean of Students Indira Shetty (Shelley Conn) acts as the series main antagonist. The group tries to figure out what Shetty is up to while struggling with their own personal problems.
The main character, Marie Moreau (Jaz Sinclair), is a compelling protagonist, matching in similar strides to Starlight (Erin Moriarty) from “The Boys.” Her roommate Emma Meyer (Lizze Broadway) has many humorous yet heartfelt moments and the use of her size-changing powers is entertaining. Cate Dunlap (Maddie Phillips) brings a frightening yet interesting premise to “The Boys” universe with her telepathy powers. London Thor and Derek Luh’s performances as Jordan Li were charming, balancing humor and seriousness for the group. Sam (Asa Germann), a Supe with schizophrenia, brings a humorous yet morbid presence to the rest of the cast. Moments in which he sees people as literal puppets bring a unique gorey twist to the universe, with tongue-in-cheek marionettes ripping each other apart.
The show also delivers a touch of realism, matching “The Boys” with its inclusion of pop culture references and clever parodies. Despite being “super,” characters still deal with real-world problems. The show touches on mental health themes, which feel realistic and believable. Issues such as body confidence, eating disorders and self-harm affect the main cast and do not feel overexaggerated.
Gen V has received positive reviews from audiences and critics. The tie-ins the show made with “The Boys” are enjoyable, with entertaining cameos and characters referencing events from the original. With the events of Gen V setting up plot points for “The Boys” season four and having a second season approved, fans are excited to witness more of the Supes in action.
5/5
