Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Gen V episode 6!
Summary
Gen V's main storyline establishes a plot that reshapes the universe in The Boys, with the antagonists unveiling schemes that reflect Billy Butcher's ultimate objective in the comic series.
The inclusion of a superhuman virus in Gen V parallels the presence of Butcher's superhuman weapon in the comics, foreshadowing a comparable narrative in The Boys.
The virus storyline in Gen V sets up The Boys season 4 and potentially the show's conclusion, with Butcher's mission to acquire the virus taking center stage.
The main story in Gen V has the potential to permanently alter the universe of The Boys, as the show's antagonists are already laying the groundwork for Billy Butcher's ultimate fate as depicted in the comic series. Although initially appearing as a spin-off within The Boys world, it has become evident that Gen V is a crucial component of the franchise. The villains in Gen V have now revealed their master plan, which has the potential to rock the supe world to its core. This twisted Gen V plot is likely to attract Butcher's interest, as it closely mirrors his own agenda from The Boys comics.
Gen V has finally arrived, as season 1 of the long-anticipated spin-off of Amazon Prime Video's The Boys is now being released. This latest installment of The Boys franchise introduces a fresh twist, centering around Godolkin University, a college for supes. The series follows Marie Moreau, a young blood-bender who is offered a coveted spot at the prestigious Vought-operated school. However, upon her arrival, Marie and her friends stumble upon a massive conspiracy. Although they are yet to discover its full extent, Vought's newest scheme has the potential to bring about significant change - and aid Billy Butcher in his relentless pursuit to bring down Homelander and The Seven.
Gen V's Virus Is Very Similar To Butcher's Supe Weapon From The Boys' Comic Ending
In Gen V episode 5, it was revealed that Dr. Cardosa was researching a mysterious virus, while the full extent of Vought's plan was unveiled in episode 6. The Woods facility, operated by Vought, served as a platform for conducting experiments on supes in order to develop a virus capable of controlling them. This control would allow Vought to have complete authority over all supes, preventing any potential threats from individuals like Homelander. The notion of a mind-controlled Vought army is deeply unsettling, particularly due to the near-successful development of the virus.
However, episode 6 takes an even more alarming turn as it becomes apparent that the virus serves a much more sinister purpose, resembling Billy Butcher's supe weapon from The Boys comics. Dr. Cardosa administers a higher dosage of the virus to an electric supe, which ultimately leads to her demise. While Cardosa considers this a failure, Dean Shetty eagerly requests him to make the virus contagious, revealing her own hidden agenda. It becomes evident that Dean Shetty is plotting against Vought, with intentions unknown, taking on the role of Butcher.
Late in The Boys comics, Billy Butcher comes up with a plan to ultimately eradicate the supes. Butcher acquires a modified version of Compound V, and he proceeds to a warehouse where he employs this weapon to eliminate over 150 supes in one powerful strike. This biologically-induced massacre deals a severe blow to Vought. Although Amazon's rendition of Butcher has yet to mention this strategy, the presence of Gen V's virus instills an inevitable sense of its execution. If Billy Butcher manages to obtain The Woods' supe virus, then The Boys could unfold in an astonishingly parallel manner to the comic series.
Gen V's Virus Story Sets Up The Boys Season 4 (& The Show's Ending)
With the introduction of a super virus in Gen V, The Boys season 4 is poised to set up the conclusion of the show. Throughout the franchise, the Boys have been on a mission to find a way to eliminate Homelander. This newly discovered virus might just be the solution Butcher has been searching for. Willing to go to any lengths, even resorting to using a contagious virus, Butcher is determined to take down Homelander and the other supes. If news of this virus becomes public knowledge by the end of Gen V, Butcher's interest will definitely be piqued.
It appears that The Boys will continue the Gen V virus storyline in season 4, focusing on Billy Butcher's quest to acquire the virus. Obtaining the virus may involve a complex plan to steal it from Vought labs, similar to Hughie and Butcher's Temp-V storyline in season 3. Alternatively, they may need to track down Shetty or Cardosa and coerce them into handing over the virus. The virus, capable of killing all types of supes, is expected to be the most coveted item in season 4, prompting a race among the Boys to acquire it.
Additionally, Gen V's supe virus sets the stage for other potential plotlines in season 4 of The Boys. If the virus is contagious, it poses a threat not only to evil supes, but also to good ones like Starlight, Kimiko, and Queen Maeve. While Butcher may be indifferent to their potential demise, characters like Hughie and Frenchie will certainly object, leading to further division within the group. Homelander and other supes will likely want the virus as well, aiming to prevent its use as a biological weapon. This means that the Boys will face competition from The Seven and Vought in their race to obtain it.
Gen V's Story Is Too Big To End Before The Boys Season 4
The super virus unveiling is a monumental moment in The Boys franchise, indicating that Gen V's storyline cannot be wrapped up before Season 4. This crucial plot element must carry over into the main series, because even if the Gen V group succeeds in eradicating the virus, the recipe still exists. The genie cannot be put back in the bottle now, and considering the widespread impact of the super virus on The Boys characters, it is difficult to envision Season 4 exploring anything else.
Various individuals associated with Gen V have hinted that the series will pave the way for The Boys Season 4, and thus far, the super virus is the only aspect that has achieved this. It is conceivable that Gen V characters may make appearances in The Boys, particularly Dean Shetty and Dr. Cardosa. Finding a satisfying resolution for the Gen V arc while keeping the momentum for The Boys Season 4 intact will pose a challenge, but it is certainly feasible with the transformative effects of Gen V's super virus.
New episodes of Gen V release Fridays on Amazon Prime Video.
