The idea that good things are worth waiting for has never been more appropriate. While it was only a year ago that fans last saw Gen V characters Cate and Sam in The Boys season 4 finale, it’s actually been two years since the spinoff itself debuted. Thankfully, the creative team behind the program didn’t miss a beat as the second season is off to a strong start.
The season 2 premiere did a perfect job of reintroducing the cast of the show, establishing the storyline for the season, and making sure that audiences knew what had previously happened. Sometimes, that’s a difficult task. Thankfully, everything was told quickly and thoroughly throughout the first episode. This way, nothing was rushed, and the debut episode would go smoothly.
The season 2 premiere began with a few violent, creative, and hilarious deaths. But they weren’t bloody for the sake of it. The scene served a purpose. It was the origin of the biggest storyline of the show. Maybe even the universe, because it’s the possible key to defeating Homelander in the final season of The Boys.
They pulled it off brilliantly because you don't get the full story until a future episode. This was a reminder that Prime Video's format of premiering with three episodes is the right thing to do. You’re not given too much information in one episode. Instead, you get the right amount across all three and have a reason to tune in next week.
Without spoiling too much of this episode, Gen V spent a good amount of time establishing each of the characters’ roles. Like last season, Marie (played by Jaz Sinclair) is likely the focal point of the series. But, each of the others, like Emma (Lizzie Broadway) and Jordan (London Thor and Derek Luh), has important parts to play. They aren’t background noise. They’re all main instruments that make a beautiful song.
For example, the death of Andre Anderson (who was played by Chance Perdomo) is addressed and handled well. His passing, like in real life, affects everyone and connects them. Even the people who betrayed him were heartbroken. That leads to anger, resentment, and the near-death of a character. And that’s just episode one.
Lastly, the emotional parts of the first three episodes hit the hardest. You’re witnessing the characters deal with things ranging from self-harm, insecurity and various other mental health issues. There are also storylines about forgiving yourself and others. Hopefully, each character leaves this season better people than they arrived. Sadly, some of the heroes we love likely won’t survive. After all, this is The Boys universe.
So far, there’s already been a close call with one of the main characters, which is leading to major repercussions for everyone. That situation is reason enough to believe that anything can happen to anyone. Don’t be shocked when someone you love gets the Game of Thrones treatment when you least expect it.
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