Gen V Episode 7: A Riveting Tribute to The Boys

Gen V Episode 7 showcases a parallel emotional and satirical brutality reminiscent of The Boys. While certain dramatic moments may feel redundant, the narrative centers around high-stakes with the potential to alter the entire world. Building upon the shocking revelation in the sixth episode, it becomes evident that Dean Shetty has been leveraging Doctor Cardosa's expertise to develop a perilous virus that latches onto superhero DNA, transforming them into outcasts. What's even more alarming is Dean Shetty's desire to make this virus "contagious."

Last week's mic-drop was shocking and made us, the audience addicted to superhero content, question ourselves: what if she's correct?

Fortunately, Episode 7 doesn't shy away from this question. Despite our fondness for the Guardians of the Godolkin, is it possible that their whole operation is a dangerous trap, continuously causing immense destruction? Spoilers ahead...

Gen V Episode 7 is all about the Virus

In the sixth episode, it was observed that increasing the Virus dose by 5ml resulted in a horrifying demise for a superhuman. The seventh episode begins with imprisoned supes, who are doomed, anxiously holding their breath in a cell with an infected individual. These supes have been reduced to mere zombies, constantly vomiting blood and stripped of their humanity. Similar to the "rage" virus in the film 28 Days Later, this infection can only be transmitted through bodily fluids.

As a superhuman pounds on the glass door, desperately pleading for freedom and shouting apologies, Doctor Cardosa silences the room. However, Dean Shetty remains unsatisfied with the power of the Virus – she desires it to be airborne for increased contagion. Yet, the doctor insists on pausing and evaluating their long-term objectives. After all, if it were unleashed upon the "super-abled population" (ha!), it could rapidly disseminate.

Cardosa is naturally worried about the potential consequences of Vought discovering that he has created something capable of eliminating all superhumans. However, Shetty, on the other hand, is indifferent to these concerns. Additionally, she recognizes that Cardosa is trapped in his creation, as he is undeniably associated with it. "Now, complete it," she demands.

While Shetty is on the phone with Cate, she greets her with "Hello, sweetheart." Cate is curious about Shetty's whereabouts and expresses an urgent desire to meet. Understanding the need for secrecy in their rebellion, Shetty reveals that she is heading to the city and instructs Cate to take more medication and go to her house, where she can wait until Shetty returns.

Cate is overwhelmed by the thoughts of others. In a cafe, she can hear the inner dialogue of every patron, similar to rush hour traffic, and she must concentrate to lessen the volume. Meanwhile, right-wing anchorman Cameron Coleman is preparing for his town hall interview with Victoria Neuman, who is now a vice presidential candidate following the events of The Boys Season 3, despite being historically unpopular and labeled as a phony socialist scammer.

Cate explains the situation to Marie, Jordan, and Andre, but she struggles to focus as she can hear their thoughts. Despite their words, none of them trust her. Jordan angrily tells her to stay out of their heads before storming off. Marie tries to reassure Cate that she wants to believe her, but Cate dampens it by responding, "I know you do."

Outside, Marie confronts Jordan about their aggression, convinced that Cate deliberately messes with their minds. However, Marie defends Cate, believing that it is beyond her control. Marie also expresses her frustration with Jordan's tendency to adopt a masculine demeanor when trying to assert themselves. Surprisingly, the tension quickly dissipates as they share a laugh and exchange another kiss.

Marie emphasizes the importance of having Cate's help, but Jordan proposes an alternative plan. They suggest breaking into Dean Shetty's office, using a key they possess, to steal any relevant files related to the Woods and leak them online. Marie questions if people would trust a Black girl and a bi-gender Asian superhero over Vought. However, Marie suggests that there might be a solution: handing over the documents to Neuman.

Sam learns to party

After instantly recognizing Cate, Emma escorts Sam back to her dormitory. "Wow, you have quite a collection," he remarks while examining her rather extensive assortment of intimate toys. She advises him to change his attire - currently clad in a panda snuggie - yet he doesn't seem bothered. "It actually smells like you," he comments, to which she playfully replies, "You're such a sweetheart... when you're not ruthlessly dispatching a group of guys."

She instructs him to remain in the room, prohibiting him from answering the door to anyone due to safety precautions against strangers. While she goes to fetch him a Vought-A-Burger, he initially seeks solace by locking himself in her closet. This boy has grown so accustomed to forceful confinement that the freedom of being in a confined space overwhelms him.

Eventually, he emerges and begins exploring her dorm, playfully bouncing on the bed and curiously peeking into her underwear drawer, which contains her small-sized undergarments. While this behavior may appear unsettling, his innocence prevents it from being truly creepy. Suddenly, he hears commotion and laughter emanating from outside, prompting him to cautiously poke his head out the door. To his surprise, a group of intoxicated superhero individuals has transformed the hallway into a massive slip-and-slide covered in snow. Observing this spectacle, Sam becomes concerned about the repercussions they may face, but his worries are dismissed with arrogant confidence, echoing Homelander's demeanor: "We're superheroes, we can do whatever we please."

Dean Shetty’s truth is revealed

Sam not only participates actively, but he also quickly establishes a sense of comfort among his peers, as he smiles and casually drinks a beer. However, Rufus, one of the group members, manages to persuade Sam into joining them at a party. In his deceitful manner, Rufus even lies to Sam by claiming that Emma is already present at the party.

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In Shetty's office, Jordan and Marie surreptitiously explore the contents of her drawers. After some searching, they stumble upon a concealed blue folder amidst a stack of paperwork. Inside, they uncover records relating to Transoceanic Flight 37. This particular flight may ring a bell. It's the one Homelander and Queen Maeve failed to rescue back in Season 1, callously abandoning all the passengers mid-air and witnessing the ensuing tragedy as the plane and its occupants plummeted to the ground.

"Are they terrorists?" Jordan questions, but there seems to be something more to the situation. Marie comes across a passenger log for the flight and notices two names: Lily and Paul, the dean's deceased husband and daughter. This particular scene is perhaps the most intense moment in superhero pop culture, which undoubtedly allows Shetty to connect with the audience emotionally; she deserves her fair share of justice.

Suddenly, a intoxicated Cardosa barges into Shetty's office, muttering about her demands and expressing a desire to "kill them all". He proceeds to urinate in her decanter, slams his resignation on the table, and leaves. "Why don't you have a taste of that, Indira, you despicable person?" he says, as Marie and Jordan conceal themselves under the table.

Meanwhile, in the city, Shetty encounters someone she recognizes: Grace Mallory, the founder of The Boys. Shetty discusses the Virus and her goal of completely neutralizing the supe threat, but Mallory strongly opposes it. Mallory argues that it would be a war crime, while Shetty believes that it is a battle between "us against them," and that they have a responsibility to protect future generations from the inevitable tragedies caused by supes.

Mallory mentions that one of Shetty's compatriots is consumed by the same rage, cautioning her against following in his footsteps, presumably referring to Butcher. However, Shetty remains resolute in her plan, regardless of Mallory's support. When Mallory threatens to have her arrested or institutionalized, Shetty dismisses the threat, believing that deep down Mallory agrees with her.

Mallory dismisses Shetty without succumbing to any weak pressure, instructing her to return to her school. While walking away, Mallory retrieves her phone. "Did you capture everything? Monitor her closely," she utters - yet, the recipient of her words remains a mystery: MM, Hughie, Annie, or perhaps Butcher?

Polarity loses control

Andre and Cate wait at Shetty's house, savoring her delicious tea and snacks, as they watch Polarity's televised interview with Coleman. Polarity is introduced as a patriotic superhero who is deeply admired by the public. However, Andre is feeling disillusioned about his aspirations of following in his father's footsteps, especially after learning about his connection to Vought. He realizes that none of it really matters and wonders how anyone could be foolish enough to believe otherwise. This internal conflict is nothing new for Andre, making it feel less significant in this moment.

Nevertheless, the interview takes an unexpected turn. Polarity struggles to speak, and the broadcast becomes chaotic and distorted as he uncontrollably moves in his chair. It becomes apparent that he may be having a seizure, prompting Andre to rush to his aid across campus. They quickly transfer Polarity into an ambulance, but his uncontrollable powers pose a danger to everyone nearby. As Polarity experiences intense pain, the ambulance begins to contort, causing the paramedic to be struck by flying objects like fire extinguishers and sharp items. Andre desperately tries to counteract his father's powers, showcasing his own inexperience. Despite being barely conscious, his father still holds the upper hand, making the scene both thrilling and revealing.

Later, as his father lies in the hospital, Andre chooses to sit by his side. His phone rings, and it's Marie and co. calling him to join them. However, he intentionally ignores the call. Despite previously dismissing his father, Andre sets aside his anger for the moment and remains by his side, unwilling to leave him alone.

Emma looks for Sam as town hall descends into chaos

Emma searches the entire university for Sam but realizes he is not at a party. Instead, he is attending a town hall meeting with Rufus and his fellow aggrieved peers, passionately shouting slogans like "Supe lives matter!" On the stage, Neuman, facing comical questioning from Coleman, is confronted about Soldier Boy's near-deadly actions and other catastrophic incidents that have caused her approval rating to plummet by 30% among "one of America's most prominent minority groups."

Portraying a caricature of Tucker Carlson, Coleman's performance is both amusing and entertaining. Unfazed by the students' derogatory remarks, Neuman remains composed. Sam, curious about the reasons behind the anger, asks Rufus for an explanation. Rufus responds, "They're trying to suppress our abilities." Soon, chaos ensues as superhumans unleash their powers, launching projectiles towards the stage. Amidst Coleman's scathing criticism of Neuman's "un-American, anti-superhero agenda," Neuman coincidentally encounters Marie backstage. Marie urgently expresses the need for a private conversation, and Neuman, already aware of her identity, agrees to speak in a secluded location.

“Your powers are amazing. They are the most incredible I’ve ever witnessed,” Neuman compliments her, before asking Marie to "reveal something about me." As Marie concentrates on the blood flowing through Neuman's veins, she identifies Compound V. "I had faith in your abilities, well done," she acknowledges.

Neuman proceeds to slice open her own hand and demonstrates to Marie that she possesses the same abilities, implying that Marie could potentially be equally as mighty as Neuman. It is then divulged that Neuman couldn't bear to see Marie being sent to the adult facility, so she provided her with a "little enhancement" to gain admission to Godolkin. Neuman herself grew up in Red River, and despite Marie's distant demeanor, Neuman believes she is an "extraordinarily exceptional girl."

Neuman inquires about Marie's intentions, to which she promptly responds. "There's an undisclosed laboratory beneath the school known as the Woods, where they perform experiments on children. These experiments involve infecting them with a virus that has the potential to kill superhumans," she reveals, emphasizing the urgency of informing Vought about the situation. Neuman assures Marie that she will handle the matter and advises her to resume her role as a student.

Marie, indignant by this response, receives some wise and sobering guidance from Neuman. "God-U offers you the opportunity to finally exert control over your own life. However, you are unaware of the full extent of the situation. On the other hand, the first Black woman in The Seven possesses genuine power. She maintains connections with the vice president and has the potential to bring about significant political and cultural changes. Perhaps she may even assist in locating Annabeth. Two paths lie before you, Marie. It is imperative that you choose only one. Nonetheless, let us remain in contact."

This may be the best exchange in the entire series so far, encapsulating the central, cynical conflict of all supes: absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Cate handles Shetty… and Neuman handles the Virus

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In Episode 7, the storyline takes a dramatic turn as two major developments unfold. Firstly, as Shetty pleads for forgiveness, convincing the protagonist of her genuine affections for Cate, she is unexpectedly placed under the protagonist's authority, just moments before Marie and others make their entrance.

"Be quiet! You had your chance to speak; now it's my turn," Cate exclaims while Shetty pleads for help from the group. "I am aware that you have feelings for me, but it doesn't change the fact that you are a terrible person."

Cate demands that Shetty exposes her true intentions and the true purpose of the school: Godolkin is merely a facade created to understand the motivations of supes. "You are not here to learn; the school exists to study all of you," she reveals. Cate further confesses her desire for the Virus to spread worldwide, annihilating every supe on the planet. Marie quickly connects the dots and concludes that Homelander was responsible for the tragedy of Flight 37. "All of you leave a trail of devastation in your wake," Shetty says, tears streaming down her face.

Cate expresses her desire to reveal the true nature of the monstrous woman and suggests that they must take preemptive action against her. This sentiment reflects Magneto's disdain for humanity in X-Men. Cate compels Shetty to eliminate the threat she poses and prevents Marie from using her powers to intervene and save her.

Marie's reaction is filled with astonishment as she questions Cate's actions. Sam, whispering, affirms that justice has been served while acknowledging Cate. He adds that this justice is for all of them. Surprisingly, feelings of sympathy arise for Shetty. It seems that Cate and Sam are forming an alliance for the climax, even though they are considered to be the two most formidable individuals with superhuman abilities at the school. This realization is quite unsettling.

In a car park, Doctor Cardosa hands over the Virus to Neuman. He reassures her that it is not highly contagious at the moment, but it should be stored safely to prevent further harm to others. Neuman acknowledges the bravery required to speak out against Vought and promises to ensure the canister remains out of the wrong hands, guaranteeing the safety of the doctor and his family.

As Neuman praises him as a modern American hero, Doctor Cardosa notices that the card she gave him is blank. Suddenly, blood starts dripping from his nose and his head violently explodes. The song "Heads Will Roll" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs plays as the credits roll, signaling that supes no longer have any immediate concerns except for their own internal struggles.

Gen V Episode 7 review score: 4/5

Gen V Episode 7 shifts the hierarchy of power in troubling, shocking ways in its sharp, pulse-racing penultimate chapter.

You can now watch Episodes 1-7 of Gen V on Prime Video by signing up here. Explore our other coverage, including our Gen V review and individual episode breakdowns. Learn about the timeline placement of Gen V in The Boys universe, the cast and characters, cameos, runtimes, powers of Tek Knight and Jordan Li, the meaning of the Virus, and the reason for Soldier Boy's return. Get comprehensive explanations of all the supe's powers.

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