Gen V is back with a vengeance

Satirical superhero drama Gen V, the acclaimed spin-off of the Emmy-winning The Boys, is back with a second season that blends biting social commentary, shocking twists and an emotional farewell to one of its stars.

Season 2 started yesterday, September 17, with a three-episode launch and will continue with weekly releases until October 22.

Set at Godolkin University, the series focuses on aspiring young superheroes, who compete for the university’s top ranking and a chance to join The Seven, Vought International’s elite superhero team.

The first season of the show took place prior to the events in the fourth season of The Boys.

This season is set after the events shown in the most recent episodes of the original series, after the university has undergone a dramatic transformation in the wake of The Seven’s leader Homelander’s rise to power.

Once billed as a training ground for aspiring Supes, the campus has now become a militarised space where students are moulded into soldiers. The new dean, Cipher, played by Hamish Linklater, is a staunch believer in the supremacy of individuals with superpowers.

His character imposes a chilling vision of eugenics and superiority that reflects the authoritarian politics reshaping the world outside the university.

Hamish, known for his acclaimed role in Midnight Mass, describes Cipher as ‘a true believer in creating a super race to rule them all.’

“The Superheroes have become the elite race, and Homelander has been put in charge of America,” he explained.

“I’m playing a Dean that he would think would be appropriate for his America.

“So that should tell you what a good hire I am. This Dean is a true believer in Superhero eugenics. In creating a super, super race to rule them all.

“All of that is in the first episode of the season. 

“Things have changed since the first season, where humans were normal people, non-Supes, running the country.

“Now, that’s been flipped on its head, and the slogan on the front of the school is ‘Make America Super Again’”

Marie (Jaz Sinclair), Emma (Lizze Broadway), and Jordan (London Thor and Derek Luh) return as they attempt to survive in an environment rife with betrayal and fear.

The group continues to grapple with being scapegoated for the bloody finale of Season 1, and now they must also navigate Cipher’s oppressive regime.

Adding to the intrigue, a secret programme known as Project Odessa hints at a deeper conspiracy linked to the university’s origins.

The new season will feature crossovers from The Boys, with Starlight, Black Noir, The Deep and Stan Edgar all making appearances.

Behind the scenes as well, the second season is defined by loss.

In March last year, Chance Perdomo, who played fan favourite Andre Anderson, died in a motorcycle accident.

The creative team chose not to recast the role and instead reworked the storyline to ensure that Chance and his character had a presence throughout the new season.

Showrunner Michele Fazekas said it was vital to ‘honour Andre and Chance’ in a way that felt authentic.

She explained that the writers had to grieve both the actor and the character, and took pride in the tribute that was crafted.

The new episodes also serve as a narrative bridge between Season 4 of The Boys and the eventual climax of the flagship series.

It is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.