I am a HUGE fan of Amazon Prime's "The Boys". It is one of my favorite shows of all time. I love how they explore superheroes in a more realistic way. Of course a corporation would find a way to make money off of superheroes. Of course many "heroes" would only be heroic when the cameras were rolling. And of course, since absolute power corrupts absolutely, the most power would be the worst offender.
So when Gen V started a few years ago, I figured it would be a nice filler while I was waiting for the main course, The Boys, to get to the table. After a few episodes of season one of "Gen V", it seemed I was right. It was just going to be a silly one off aimed at the teenybopper crowd. Then about half way through season one, I realized it was not just a filler that I could take or leave. it was an essential accompaniment to the main course. Kind of how like a great glass of red wine makes steak taste better. It doesn't change the steak, it just amplifies it. That is what it turned out Gen V was doing. The fact that there were some cameos and direct crossovers with the main show really helped me enjoy Gen V. By the end of season one, I could not imagine watching the Boys without having seen these extra pieces of the big picture.
On top of that, season one of Gen V had some awesome characters and some of my favorite effects and battles I have ever seen. Without providing too many spoilers, one of the college age superheroes has sever mental health issues. He often sees reality as a muppet show. As a result, some of his bloodiest battles are him, in muppet form, tearing apart other muppets with red streamers flying everyone instead of the typical the Boys gore. Although super R-rated, it is one of the funniest things I have seen in a while.
Season two picked up right where season one left off (although there were far too few muppet battles for my liking). By the end of season two, it becomes crystal clear that the events of Gen V are going to be essential for The Boys Universe. These aren't just throwaway characters. They are going to play a major role in what happens with Homelander, the Seven and Star Lighter... I mean Annie... and her pals.
Even though Gen V is clearly an important part of the bigger story, they still manage to mix in some Old School type college humor. There are frats, hazing, and drunken parties. Some of the students' powers are hilarious even if they seem pretty useless at first. To give you a taste, look out for a student named Black Hole whose power consists of being able to hide anything in his ass. Think Hermione's magic bag... but in butt form. Imagine how much beer he can drink through it. Never mind. You won't have to imagine.
The final episode sets up the next chapter quite well. I can't wait to see what happens next in The Boys' Universe!
I've never watched either of these shows, but the boys has been on my list for a while now. I'm starting to get to the point where I realize I may never be able to watch all the shows I have in my lists to watch.
I like how you explained that Gen V isn’t just a side story but an important part of The Boys universe. The way you described the characters, humor, and deeper themes makes it sound really worth watching. It’s nice to see how this series adds more depth and sets things up for the future of the franchise.
That thing of turning the fight into Muppet fight is pretty fun 😄
So, a lot of people like this kind of program, which shows more realistic things, so I will definitely watch it too. I liked your review
One thing I really liked about your writing is that you presented Gen V as an essential part of the main universe, not just a spin-off.
There are series that we viewers don't expect much from, and they end up surprising us, like that series Gen V. For you, it's the first time I've heard of it, so from what you've said about it, I really like how realistic it is—no flattering or misrepresenting the heroes. On the contrary, as you rightly point out, with that great power, they aren't exempt from always doing things right; they can have their problems like any normal person.
I love how Gen V makes The Boys feel even bigger . Like extra lore without feeling forced. Good stuff!
The main series, let's say, is "The Boys," and within it there are universes like those of "Generation V." I'd have to watch it to give my opinion, although with the references about it in its publication, I think most of us would like it because of how realistic it is in showing the heroes as they are, with their successes as well as those not-so-good moments.
Great review, I also thought Gen V would just be extra content, but it really adds a lot to The Boys. The mix of dark humor and crazy powers makes it super fun to watch.
@hanshotfirst,Gen V always leaves you on a cliffhanger so you have to watch and I hope there is going to be a season 3.