By Abbijeet Jadhav | September 27, 2023
Superhero fatigue, a phenomenon that has crept into the hearts of mainstream audiences in recent years, has left many questioning the future of the genre. With plummeting box office numbers and scathing critiques of several superhero franchises, it’s clear that something fresh and engaging is needed to reignite our fascination with capes and powers. Enter Prime Video’s “The Boys” and its spinoff, “Gen V.”
When news broke of “The Boys” expanding its universe with a spinoff centered around young adults at a university, skepticism abounded. Superhero IPs haven’t always fared well in the coming-of-age genre (think Hulu’s “Runaways”), and concerns arose that the franchise might lose its edge in critiquing the superhero genre. Fortunately, “Gen V” proves those worries unfounded.
Gen V/First episode date
29 September 2023
“Gen V” kicks off with a startling introduction—a young girl, later revealed to be a young Marie Moreau (Jaz Sinclair), experiences her first period, with a twist. Her blood defies gravity, setting the stage for an eerie and violent narrative. From there, the story unravels into a gripping tale of young adulthood, laced with drunken escapades and moments of vulnerability. At its core, “Gen V” is a mystery that captivates viewers.
The plot thickens when Marie, now older and haunted by her past, gains acceptance to Godolkin University School of Crimefighting. This institution houses students with superhuman abilities, setting the stage for a rollercoaster of events.
“Gen V” takes viewers on a journey that exposes the messy side of young adulthood while weaving a mystery that keeps you guessing. Late one night, Marie witnesses university security personnel take a seemingly unstable young man, Sam (Asa Germann), into custody. Unbeknownst to her, this incident is not isolated, and it sparks a series of events that cast doubt on the students’ role in these disturbances.
Following a public student death and a subsequent cover-up, Marie unexpectedly becomes a hero in the public eye. She climbs the ranks at school and beyond, earning a spot on the school’s freshman power ranking roster. However, behind the cameras and makeup, Marie grapples with her own moral compass, questioning the authenticity of the hero persona thrust upon her. Guided by Superintendent Indira Shetty (Shelley Conn), Marie embarks on a quest for independence and self-discovery.
“Gen V” seamlessly blends laugh-out-loud humor with profound critiques, portraying young people attempting to mend the mistakes of their adult predecessors. Each character carries the weight of their parents’ actions, intentional or otherwise, but the series allows them to break free from these shadows. As the story unfolds, the characters forge a bond, transforming from adversaries into a chosen family.
Standout performances include Emma (Lizzie Broadway), Marie’s roommate, and Andre (Chance Perdomo), the wingman for Golden Boy (Patrick Schwarzenegger), the top-ranked student at Godolkin University. Initially seeming like sidekicks, these characters evolve to play pivotal roles in the narrative. Emma, with her ability to shrink to the size of a pinkie finger, and Andre, with his power of magnetism manipulation, deliver some of the series’ most emotional moments.
“Gen V” signals that fans of “The Boys” are in for a treat. Rather than a disastrous spinoff, it establishes itself as a standalone superhero franchise that understands what viewers desire. While there are occasional nods to “The Boys,” “Gen V” can be enjoyed independently, making it accessible to a wider audience.
In conclusion, “Gen V” is a captivating and thought-provoking coming-of-age drama, uniquely infused with superpowers. With its compelling characters and expertly balanced blend of humor and depth, it emerges as a welcome antidote to superhero fatigue. Get ready to be hooked when “Gen V” premieres on Prime Video on September 29th.
Kaiya Shunyata is a freelance pop culture writer and academic based in Canada. They have written for RogerEbert.com, Xtra, Okayplayer, The Daily Beast, AltPress, and more.
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