Gen V: A Review of Prime Video’s New Spinoff of The Boys
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Photo: Brooke Palmer/Brooke Palmer/Prime Video
In the debut episode of Gen V, the new spinoff of The Boys on Prime Video, we are taken back eight years ago to witness a significant moment: the announcement of A-Train as the first Black member of the Seven. This moment holds great significance for the Moreau family, who witnessed it from their home. It represents progress, change, and the possibility of anyone becoming a hero. However, the primary purpose of this scene is to establish Marie Moreau’s tragic past.
Marie discovers her superhuman abilities at the age of 12 when she realizes she can control her menstrual blood. In a horrifying turn of events, her shock and embarrassment cause her powers to spiral out of control, resulting in the death of both her parents. This opening scene not only provides crucial information but also sets the tone and premise of the spinoff.
While Gen V introduces new original characters, it is deeply rooted in The Boys universe. Unlike the parent series, which focuses on famous supes and their resistance, this spinoff offers a more grounded perspective. We witness how the rest of the country perceives supes, and Marie serves as the embodiment of an idealistic fan consumed by the image and messaging of Vought International. However, The Boys already revealed the truth behind the popular conception of supes as tools of capitalism rather than heroes.
Godolkin University, the superhero school Marie attends, is a marked improvement from the Red River Institute, where most young supes end up. Marie aspires to become a crimefighter but realizes she lacks the name recognition and connections needed to major in the field. The reality for students at Godolkin is that they either earn their way to chosen-one status or contribute to Vought’s profit through the performing arts.
With themes of capitalism and influencer culture, Gen V offers a fresh, satirical take on the superhero genre. The villains, including Marie’s mentor Brink, represent the lower-level managers who perpetuate an unfair system. As Marie delves deeper into this world, she begins to understand the sacrifices and challenges that come with being a hero.
The episode takes a dark turn when an innocent woman’s throat is accidentally slit at a club, and Marie uses her powers to save her. This moment becomes Marie’s viral breakthrough, potentially granting her admittance into crimefighting. However, Brink exploits Marie’s abilities to cover up the crimes of other young supes, leading to her expulsion and isolation.
In a surprising turn of events, Luke confronts Brink and ultimately kills him, thereby ending the life of the chief antagonist. Golden Boy, Luke’s mentor, also meets his demise. While these developments raise various mysteries and conspiracies, it is crucial for the show to balance its plot with meaningful character exploration.
Gen V promises to deliver an intriguing and action-packed storyline, but it must not forget the emotional journeys of its young adult characters. As the series progresses, it should reflect on the implications of this world for those involved while keeping viewers engaged and captivated.
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