Gen V Season 2 Review
Despite everything that’s happened in the real world, The Boys still manages to be a compellingly gruesome look of today’s society. However, while The Boys tackled the intricate workings of corrupt corporations and close-to-home politics, its spinoff, Gen V took a different generational approach.
Not only did it introduce audiences to new characters that would become popular in their own right, but it also presented us a fresh perspective of the social challenges of a younger generation. Now, Gen V returns with another season with a mystery that has a larger narrative connection and more emotional and physical brutality.
Gen V picks up after the conclusion of The Boys Season 4, where the former “Guardians of Godolkin” were imprisoned. However, with the right amount of luck, these students-turned-heroes manage to find ways out. While Marie Moreau (Jaz Sinclair) still looks for her sister, Emma (Lizze Broadway) and Jordan (London Thor/Derek Luh) discover that Godolkin University has been taken over by the mysterious Cipher (Hamish Linklater). Now, as Goldolkin University becomes a super soldier haven, Marie and her friends must uncover this new conspiracy, make new allies, and mend old wounds.
If one is to fully divulge into Gen V Season 2, then one would have to recognize the impact Chance Perdomo has. Given his passing, it really made me wonder how the creative team would write around Andre’s arc given his importance on Season 1.
Fortunately, Craig Rosenberg, Evan Goldberg, and Eric Kripke integrate these consistent details that honor Perdomo’s role. This is mainly seen through Polarity (Sean Patrick Thomas), who has a more prominent role as he copes in a very bittersweet way. The way that Polarity’s arc, from deadbeat dad to a hands-on ally driven by characters like Emma, adds a heartwarming beat that was softly touched upon previously. Furthermore, the events surrounding Andre’s circumstances are truly the driving force of Season 2, bolstering the arcs of several other characters as well.
This influence plays a somewhat influential role on the mischievous Cate (Maddie Philips), who was previously set up to be the university’s “role model” alongside Sam (Asa Germann). Though it felt like Season 1’s conclusion established Cate to be another Vought pawn, Season 2 instead places her in an antiheroic setting. She’s stuck between being another good guy, as per her need to be accepted, and being another Vought-manipulated super.
Sure, initially, one might think that Cate’s arc had progressed a bit much since her last appearance. As one of the more popular characters of Gen V, it’s no wonder that fans wanted to finally see that change occur. However, once the reasoning for her change in personality becomes clear, it’s easier to realize why it needed to happen.
The same thing can be also said for Sam, whose arc is somewhat more personal given the family ties. Although, Season 2 also tries to pull off this love triangle arc between Sam and Emma that feels more like a “will-they, won’t-they” unlike their dynamic in Season 1. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t try to keep the realism of their relationship: they both know that they can’t reverse the past, but they can move on in the ways they can.
All this said, the main dynamic between Marie and Jordan is what absolutely carries Gen V Season 2 as they get tested to the max. The support they share for one another has a sense of beauty that was also briefly seen. Their dynamic really feels natural, highlighted by the stellar performances of Sinclair, Thor, and Luh. However, it’s when they butt heads that’ll make you truly scared for their relationship, especially by the later episodes. Though they might not be on the same page at times, you know that Marie and Jordan do want to see this through together.
The story of Gen V Season 2 leans more closer to being The Boys than Season 1 was, focusing on the larger conspiracy behind Cipher. It’s a redemption and rebellion narrative that satirizes real world popular events, from livestreamed sports fights to honors days, with a “not what he seems” overarching vibe that digs into Vought’s history ever more.
Throw in a few surprise appearances (some of which I genuinely did not expect) and a few bloody CGI fights and you get another well-rounded season. Although, there are some sequences that feel like they would’ve been better if they weren’t there (ahem, A.I. in the room.)
All in all, Gen V Season 2 is a strong sophomore outing that, while more narratively connected to The Boys’ future, keeps you captivated with its bolder characters and story that honors Chance Perdomo’s legacy. Even though it leans more on being more character-driven than thematically as Season 1 was, this season certainly lives up to the anticipation for The Boys fans.
Gen V Season 2 premieres on Prime Video on September 17 with the first three episodes followed by a new episode every Wednesday through October 22.
Rating: ★★★★
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.