Warning: Spoilers ahead for Gen V.
Summary
The Gen V expansion of The Boys universe sheds light on the possibility that Hughie and his comrades could be the true antagonists following their exposure to Compound V.
While The Boys' main group may engage in morally ambiguous actions, their endeavors to dismantle Vought International and confront Homelander are often justified.
Exposing Compound V, Hughie and Starlight's decision revealed the truth about Vought's exploitation of children but inflicted trauma upon young Supes. Focusing on young Supes aspiring to be heroes, Gen V showcases the disturbing possibility that Hughie Campbell and his companions may actually be the true villains of The Boys. Despite expanding The Boys universe effectively, Gen V may also unmask the less heroic nature of the main show's heroes. While it is evident that the actions of Billy Butcher and even Hughie reside in morally ambiguous territory, they are still portrayed as the protagonists attempting to bring down Vought International and Homelander.
In their quest to eradicate Supe corruption from the world, the primary faction known as "The Boys" successfully eliminates formidable figures like Translucent and ultimately dismantles The Seven. Although confronting Homelander proves to be an immensely challenging undertaking, even with the aid of Compound V, they do manage to expose his true nature to the general public. While The Boys' methods may not always align with ethical standards, their intentions usually strive to uphold justice. Likewise, there is no indication that Gen V suggests otherwise. Nevertheless, it reveals the severe consequences that unfold after the group unveils the inner workings of Compound V, which has a devastating impact on the young Supes of Gen V.
Gen V Makes Hughie's Compound V Reveal In The Boys Season 2 Much Darker
In The Boys season 2, Hughie and Starlight successfully leak Compound V to the press, revealing its sinister nature to the entire world. The revelation takes on an even darker tone in Gen V's perspective. Unveiling Vought's secret of how Supes are created is celebrated as a monumental triumph in The Boys. The team uncovers Vought's greatest hidden truth: the source of their Supes' extraordinary abilities lies within this chemical. The company collaborates with parents to administer the serum to their children. The Gen V spinoff of The Boys delves into the reactions of these young individuals when confronted with their parents' decision to allow them to be injected with this substance — and the consequences prove to be devastating for some.
Were Hughie & Starlight Right To Expose The Truth About Compound V?
Gen V's Godolkin University offers Supes the opportunity to refine their powers, but contrary to its tagline, it poses a significant danger. Although the Godolkin Dean understates the impact, there were only a few reported suicides following Hughie and Starlight's revelation. However, for those affected students, these incidents were not insignificant, revealing the extent of the trauma caused by the leak. Sam, Golden Boy's brother, also grapples with the weight of this public secret, possibly leading him to end up in the Woods. While the disclosure of the truth about Compound V may have harmed Vought, it also inflicted pain on innocent children.In The Boys, Hughie and Starlight decide to expose the secret of Compound V, but some argue that it isn't their place to do so. Revealing the truth showcases how Vought exploits children for their transformation into heroes, yet it also exposes that parents consented to this exploitation. The consequences of making this information public were inevitable. The emotional trauma experienced by the Supe kids after discovering their parents' lies is explored in Gen V, which begins to portray Hughie and The Boys as villains.
The Boys Season 4 Must Deal With The Dark Side Of Hughie's Actions
Some individuals may value uncovering the truth as a positive experience, while for others, it can utterly shatter their lives. This aspect is prominently exemplified through Sam's situation. Considering how resentful Starlight becomes towards her own mother upon discovering the truth, she should have exercised greater caution before making the truth known to the public. Furthermore, Starlight's response to Hughie's consumption of Compound V only serves to drive them further apart and inflicted damage upon their relationship, underscoring the profound impact the drug has on even The Boys.The Boys fearlessly reveals the repercussions of the characters' choices. An infamous instance is the demise of Supersonic. Starlight alerts him about the true nature of Homelander and endeavors to rally other Supes to dismantle The Seven's leader. As a punishment for Starlight's audacity, Homelander inflicts a merciless death upon Supersonic. This event unmistakably demonstrates that The Boys does not spare even its most courageous characters from facing consequences. Consequently, in The Boys season 4, it is imperative to portray the impact of the characters' actions related to Compound V, mirroring what Gen V is already accomplishing.
The Boys' protagonists need to witness the consequences of their actions, whether it's through an encounter with Gen V's characters or by publicly acknowledging the impact of Hughie and Starlight's announcement. This realization may deeply upset Starlight and Hughie, possibly leading them to reconsider their fight against Vought or become even more determined to stop those responsible. Season 4 of The Boys promises unexpected twists, especially with the introduction of Gen V. It remains uncertain to what extent the show will portray the main group as villains, but they must confront the fallout from their actions.