The Boys Season 1 Surprise: Gen V Unearths a Forgotten Supe in the Most Bizarre Fashion

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Gen V episode 5!

Summary

In Gen V episode 5, there is an unexpected appearance by Mesmer, a mind-reading super from The Boys season 1, in the form of an episode of The Mesmerizer. This marks Mesmer's return to the series after season 1, and his cameo effectively references the character without the need for new filming.

The inclusion of older footage implies that this may be Mesmer's final appearance in The Boys franchise, as the child actor has likely outgrown the role and the character's older version is deceased in the show's universe.

Although several beloved characters from The Boys have made appearances in the spin-off series, Gen V has taken a peculiar approach by reintroducing a lesser-known character from The Boys in a unique manner. Gen V has been abundant in cameo appearances and hidden references that connect back to the main series, showcasing the interconnected nature of the franchise and laying the foundation for The Boys season 4. However, an instance of worldbuilding in Gen V episode 5 features a cameo from a largely forgotten character, potentially going unnoticed by many viewers.

Gen V has finally arrived, with the highly-anticipated live action spin-off of Amazon Prime Video's The Boys now airing its first season. This series takes a fresh perspective on the world of The Boys, focusing on a supe college called Godolkin University. Gen V centers around Marie Moreau, a young blood-bender who seizes the opportunity to study at the prestigious Vought-run university. However, upon her arrival, Marie and her friends uncover a massive conspiracy. Throughout Gen V's main story, there are numerous small details and Easter eggs to be found, including a clever nod to a forgotten character from the original series.

Gen V Brings Back Mesmer From The Boys Season 1

Mesmer returns to the spotlight in Gen V episode 5 with a notable cameo. Known for his role as a mind-reading supe and former child star in the fictional TV series The Mesmerizer, Mesmer's adult version last made an appearance in The Boys season 1. However, this time Mesmer's appearance is brief, occurring near the end of the episode in the form of an episode of The Mesmerizer. The clips give a glimpse into the show's premise and history, marking Mesmer's first appearance in Gen V since The Boys season 1.

How Gen V Recreates Young Mesmer From The Boys

Despite the passage of several years since the filming of The Boys season 1, young Mesmer's appearance remains strikingly unchanged. Interestingly, the production accomplished this feat by repurposing footage of The Mesmerizer from the original season. This allows Gen V to reference the character without the need to employ an older incarnation of the former young Mesmer actor.

Given Gen V's utilization of archival footage, it is unlikely that any new scenes were filmed for the latest season. Consequently, these clips may serve as the final appearance of Mesmer in The Boys franchise, as the child actor has undoubtedly aged, and the older version of Mesmer is deceased within the show's universe. While this may signify the character's conclusion, it is a commendable worldbuilding element for Gen V to acknowledge this forgotten character from The Boys.

New episodes of Gen V release Fridays on Amazon Prime Video.