It was almost 20 years ago when WildStorm/DC Comics first published a comic book called The Boys, about a group of individuals who monitor and often clash with the egotistical, corrupt superheroes that "supposedly" keep the world safe. In 2019, the comics were brought to life when Eric Kripke (Supernatural) helmed a limited series that debuted on Amazon Prime Video. Since its inception, the series's four seasons have received critical and audience praise despite being politically charged at times. The success of the show has created a franchise that includes an animated series, Diabolical, a web series, Seven on 7, and a second live-action series, Gen V - the latter of which will premiere its second season on September 17, 2025, on Amazon Prime Video.
Gen V is based on the next generation of superheroes, a group of young adults who were given V as babies and who now possess superpowers. Many of them attend Godolkin University School of Crimefighting, where their moral boundaries are tested by competing for the university's top ranking and a chance to join The Seven, Vought International's elite superhero team. However, when, in season one, the students discover the school's dark secrets, they must decide what kind of superhero they want to be.
Season two picks up pretty much where season one left off. Cate (Maddie Phillips; Teenage Bounty Hunters) is queen bee of Godolkin, Marie (Jaz Sinclair; Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) is in hiding after having escaped, and Jordan (Derek Luh; Shining Vale/London Thor; The Rolling Soldier), Andre (Chance Perdomo; Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) and Emma (Lizze Broadway; Ghosted) are still being held. God U has a new dean, Cipher (Hamish Linklater; The Big Short), however, like almost all the Supes, he is hiding his own secrets that will be revealed in the 8 episodes of the second season.
The returning cast is as good, if not better, this second time around. Sinclair leads the group with a maturity no 18-year-old should possess (which isn't surprising since she is 31 in real life). Phillips has a more challenging arc this season, but lives up to the challenge, and Luh and Thor once again give Jordan depth as they tackle playing the same person who switches back and forth from male to female in the blink of an eye. However, the standout once again, and perhaps even more so than in the first season, is Broadway. Her perky, yet sarcastic wit makes almost every scene she is in memorable.
Of course, the writing is half the reason the cast is as good as they are. With the same crass, inappropriate mindset that is so prevalent in The Boys, this spin-off is perfectly matched to the other show and the comic book. If one expects similar dialogue and outlandish behavior, you have come to the right place. There seems to be a plethora of bodies emerging from other bodies' anuses, and there is a fair amount of implied/actual nudity to go around. There is also plenty of blood and violence to appease the action/horror-minded viewer.
For a sophomore effort of a spin-off of a top-rated, streaming show, Gen V doesn't disappoint. It has a solid plot that moves the storyline from the first season along while offering crossover moments to The Boys. There are a number of cameos that lend credibility to the spinoff and set up the final season of The Boys nicely.
The eight episodes of Gen V season 2 never drag or include superfluous details to slow down the storyline, and those who fell in love with the series in season one will not be disappointed.
Grade: A-
