en V pulls back the curtain on what happens when power falls into inexperienced hands. Set in the world of The Boys, this spin-off shows the intense personal struggles of young superheroes trying to survive and thrive in a system designed to exploit them.

The series combines teen drama, superhero action and the signature dark humour fans have come to expect. It also raises the question: would anyone tune in if it weren’t connected to The Boys?

Gen V pays homage to its predecessor while introducing a different angle on the superhero genre. The story is set at Godolkin University, a prestigious institution run by the ominous Vought International, where young, super-powered individuals are trained to become the next generation of heroes. But as viewers of The Boys would expect, this is no ordinary school for future saviours. Instead, Godolkin University is riddled with dark secrets, hidden agendas and the complex politics of fame and power.

The series peels back the layers of fame, exploitation and the personal toll that comes with power. It is a world where ‘supes’ are not just born with extraordinary abilities but are also burdened by the moral ambiguity that comes with their potential for destruction.

Gen V features an impressive cast. Jaz Sinclair, as Marie Moreau, takes center stage as the central protagonist. She portrays a young woman grappling with both the trauma of her past and the terrifying scope of her blood-manipulating powers. Sinclair brings a grounded vulnerability to the role that sets her apart from the more cynical, morally compromised characters that populated The Boys.

Alongside her, Chance Perdomo plays Andre Anderson, a hero-in-training with the ability to manipulate objects. He skillfully balances arrogance and charm while living up to his father’s legacy. Lizze Broadway portrays Emma, whose shrinking abilities add both literal and symbolic depth to the narrative. Her character arc is thoughtfully developed, evolving from insecurity to empowerment in line with the series’broader theme of identity.

In many ways, Gen V mirrors The Boys in its deconstruction of power structures, corporate greed and the murky ethics surrounding superpowers. However, it distinguishes itself by placing these heavy themes within the context of youth. The series is less about cynical, world-weary superheroes and more about the formative experiences of young adults trying to fight a system that seeks to exploit them. A sense of vulnerability, uncertainty and rebellion permeates the show, giving it a different energy than its predecessor.

In many ways, Gen V mirrors The Boys in its deconstruction of power structures, corporate greed and the murky ethics surrounding superpowers. However, it distinguishes itself by placing these heavy themes within the context of youth. The series is less about cynical, world-weary superheroes and more about the formative experiences of young adults trying to fight a system that seeks to exploit them. A sense of vulnerability, uncertainty and rebellion permeates the show, giving it a different energy than its predecessor.

Where The Boys leant heavily into horror and shock value, Gen V counterbalances those elements with more personal stakes. The action is present but is often secondary to the psychological and emotional turmoil that the characters endure. This is not to say that the series is devoid of thrilling moments — far from it. The fight scenes, when they do arrive, are as visceral and hard-hitting as fans of The Boys would expect, but Gen V tends to linger more on the aftermath and consequences of violence.

The series confronts important youth-related issues like mental health, body image and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The focus on Godolkin University as a microcosm of society’s larger ills is both clever and unsettling, drawing parallels to real-world issues of institutional corruption, media manipulation and the commodification of youth. This excessive emphasis can sometimes feel tedious and drawn out.

Gen V often struggles to find its footing. The exceptional quality of CGI that defined The Boys is sorely absent in the series. The visual effects are unimpressive. This is especially evident in the portrayal of blood and gore, diminishing the impact of its more intense moments.

It is fair to say that Gen V relies heavily on its predecessor’s reputation to draw viewers in. While it attempts to capture what made The Boys compelling, it often fails to carve out its own identity. Though it presents an interesting take on the superhero genre, it ultimately falls short of the heights achieved by The Boys.

For fans of the original series, Gen V may feel like a time-killing series rather than a must-watch. It offers just enough to keep one watching as a decent binge. All things considered, though, without its connection to The Boys, it is highly doubtful that this series would generate the same level of interest.

The author is a freelance contributor