‘Gen V’ Is Still Paying for the Sins of Its Elders in Provocative Second Season of Bloody Satire

Alci Rengifo

The sophomore season of Amazon’s “Gen V” reminds us that superheroes still have relevance in pop culture. What makes “Gen V” stand apart from an average Marvel or DC behemoth is that this series flows with blood-drenched social satire that comments on our modern world. The same is true of its predecessor, “The Boys,” but this one is charged with the uncertainty and passion of youth. If those college-aged years are about finding yourself then it must be even harder at a time when the world seems to be spiraling downward. Season two expands further on the concept of its young characters having great powers in a world dominated by political violence, prejudice, religious fanatics and authoritarianism.

Some research may be required for new viewers since this season takes place under the shadow of events that closed the latest season of “The Boys.” Tensions are rising between humans and “supes.” Proto-fascist Homelander (Antony Starr) reigns supreme while Starlight (Erin Moriarty) has gone into hiding. Emma (Elizabeth Broadway) and Jordan (London Thor, Derek Luh) have escaped from the Elmira Adult Rehabilitation center. Their release came with the high cost of the death of Andre (Chance Perdomo, who tragically passed away before production began). The two are brought back to Godolkin University and face friend-turned-traitor Cate (Maddie Phillips). They are also forced to make public statements distancing themselves from Andre and Marie (Jaz Sinclair), who is still on the run. When we catch up with Marie she is crisscrossing rural towns and staying in cheap motels searching for her sister Annabeth. She will eventually have to come out of hiding as God U has a new dean, Cipher (Hamish Linklater), a fascist eager to learn how her powers work. He also seeks to cut out any weaklings and form an army to take on the Seven.

A typical flaw with these comic book-inspired narratives is that they do become entangled story trees. If you missed the last season of “The Boys” or are barely jumping now into “Gen V” you might easily get lost. For devoted viewers this will prove to be an excellent follow-up to the initial introduction of these characters. There is more urgency and tension, not to mention fear. As satire the show enhances its bloodied edge to great effect. It is intelligent pop art in the way events are clearly referencing real headlines without letting the story get lost. As Marie wanders the country she fights with Homelander supporters attacking those backing Starlight, who are clearly meant to evoke MAGA fanatics. At God U an eerie super being leads gatherings meant to bring supe students closer to Jesus. The world of “Gen V” is one where young people are assaulted by their elders’ adherence to bizarre political doctrines. Cipher teaches a radical form of ethno-ideology warning the supes are a marginalized class oppressed by regular humans. You can imagine what his potential solution for the problem might be.

As a hybrid of the superhero genre and teen dramas, “Gen V” remains quite compelling as well. These are not stilted characters immune to real emotional shocks and pain. Emma becomes a virtual wreck after her forced statement exonerating God U from last season’s events, falling back into drinking and risky behavior. Even more wrenching is when she tries to talk with Polarity (Sean Patrick Thomas), Andre’s father, who will spend a lot of the season demanding answers over the death of his son. While Cate’s turn is a good plot device, the storyline also has real dramatic punch by exploring how friendships can collapse and turn into hatred. Marie’s own journey is one of self-discovery. She was introduced as having a strange ability to control blood but soon enough other, more mysterious abilities were revealed. Starlight recruits her to help uncover a dark mystery beneath God U connected to Cipher’s own diabolical plans. Yet, beyond uncovering new threats, Marie’s story becomes that of a young woman uncovering her origins and identity. Jaz Sinclair delivers a performance full of maturity and complex emotional levels.

Fans of the famous gory action in “The Boys” and “Gen V” will of course not be disappointed. Plenty of bodies get blown apart or grotesquely distorted. An early scene features a group of scientists who ingest a particular substance that obliterates them in quite disgusting ways. Yet, like its predecessor, “Gen V” isn’t as constantly graphic as one would think. It’s vastly more entertaining in how characters face moral dilemmas or confront enemies who have the much more dangerous power of fascist ideals. The writing actually gives meaningful conversations and character development proper space. Being young was never easy and in these tumultuous days it’s even more of an intense ride. “Gen V” absolutely understands that with heart and plenty of thrills.

“Gen V” season two begins streaming Sept. 17 with new episodes premiering Wednesdays on Prime Video.