Spoilers for the first three episodes of Gen V: The highly anticipated spin-off series, Gen V, has already garnered widespread critical acclaim after its release on Prime Video last week. Centered around a group of aspiring young heroes attending Godolkin University, a prestigious institution created by Vought International, Gen V has lived up to fans' expectations. Despite premiering just last week, Gen V has been hailed by The Boys' fans for its long-awaited arrival. However, there is speculation that the wait for The Boys season four won't be too long, with rumors suggesting an early 2024 release date after a delay caused by the recent writers' strike.
While being a spin-off of The Boys, there is some confusion among fans regarding Gen V's placement in the overall timeline of the series. With only a few months remaining until The Boys season four, it raises the question of where exactly Gen V fits in the timeline and how it is connected to the main series.
How Is Gen V Connected to The Boys?
Gen V drew its inspiration from the original comics of The Boys. The narrative of the series was loosely based on the seventh story arc of Garth Ennis’s comics, called ‘We Gotta Go Now’. While ‘We Gotta Go Now’ can stand on its own as a separate story, it is still interconnected with the overarching narrative of The Boys. This specific story arc satirizes the X-Men series, but it received criticism from some fans of The Boys. Thankfully, the creators of Gen V have clarified that the spin-off series is only loosely influenced by ‘We Gotta Go Now’ and often deviates from its original source material.
Although viewers don't have to be die-hard fans of The Boys to enjoy Gen V, the two series share strong connections. Gen V continues the satirical themes and impactful violence that The Boys is known for. Mocking Marvel and DC, both The Boys and Gen V aim to push the boundaries of the superhero genre, which is evident from the opening scene of Gen V. As expected, Gen V is filled with references to The Boys and even features a few familiar characters like A-Train, Ashley Barrett, and Soldier Boy.
When Does Gen V Take Place in the Boys’ Timeline?
In Gen V, audiences are introduced to a fresh set of ‘supes’ who possess unique and unforgettable superpowers. One notable example is Marie Moreau (Jaz Sinclair), the central character of the series, who has the extraordinary ability to weaponize her own blood. As season four of The Boys is just around the corner, there is a natural inclination to assume that the two series will have some connection. However, the first episode of Gen V unveils exactly where the spin-off series falls within The Boys’ timeline.
Following the third season of The Boys, Gen V is set in the aftermath of the events. In Gen V, a news report showcases the devastated Seven Tower, hinting at the epic battle with Soldier Boy in the season finale. Moreover, Gen V explicitly addresses Starlight's departure from the Seven, which took place leading up to the final episode of season 3. The connection to season 3's gripping conclusion is further reinforced by Gen V's subtle reference to Queen Maeve's 'death'. As a result, some fans speculate that Gen V unfolds only a few months after the events of The Boys' third season.
However, instead of being connected to The Boys' upcoming fourth season, Gen V will come to a conclusion before season 4 begins. Consequently, the latest spin-off series takes place between season 3 and 4 of The Boys. This information was confirmed by The Boys' official account on X when they stated, "If we're clearing up the timeline, @genv takes place between S3 and S4. So the kiddos at God U all saw Homelander laser a guy's head off to the sound of thunderous applause."
In Gen V, there are brief updates on Homelander for the audience. In the first few episodes, it becomes evident that Homelander is awaiting trial for murdering a protester. However, this hasn't stopped his influence from spreading. At Godolkin University, a student is spotted wearing a hat with the slogan "Keep America Safe", which fans may recognize as Homelander's catchphrase. While these references are scattered throughout Gen V, fans will have to wait until season 4 to uncover Homelander's ultimate fate.
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However, Gen V does not serve as a replacement for The Boys' fourth season. Despite being set in the same diabolical universe, Gen V offers its own humorous and satirical storytelling. The series has received acclaim from both fans and critics, with The Guardian describing it as "extraordinary." This indicates that The Boys' latest spin-off series is not to be overlooked.
The initial three episodes of Gen V can be streamed on Prime Video, and new episodes will be released weekly.