Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Gen V episode 5!
Summary
In Gen V of The Boys franchise, Sam Riordan showcases extraordinary super-strength that surpasses the abilities of typical supes. As a result of his diagnosis with Compound V or the experiments he endured, Sam perceives other characters as mere puppets.
In Gen V, Sam Riordan possesses extraordinary powers that make him an enigmatic character. One of his abilities involves having visions with puppet manifestations, which amplifies the show's level of violence. Sam's involvement in the peculiar events at Godolkin University has made him the target of the Gen V gang's pursuit, as they strive to unravel the mysteries surrounding him. Despite Vought's relentless efforts to hinder their investigation, Marie, Emma, and the rest of the gang persist in their quest to uncover the truth. While much remains unknown about Sam's powers, here's a glimpse of what we do know.
The highly anticipated spin-off of Amazon Prime Video's The Boys, called Gen V, has finally been released. This new series takes a unique perspective on the universe of The Boys by centering around a college for supes called Godolkin University. The story follows Marie Moreau, a blood-bender, who gets the chance to attend this prestigious Vought-run college. However, as Marie and her friends start their journey, they stumble upon a massive conspiracy within Vought. Fortunately, they have enlisted the help of Sam, whose powers turn out to be a crucial asset in unraveling the mystery.
Sam Possesses Super-Strength In Gen V
There are many unknowns when it comes to Sam Riordan's powers in Gen V, but it is evident that he possesses extraordinary super-strength. In The Boys franchise, most supes have a certain level of enhanced strength compared to regular humans, but Sam's strength surpasses them all. He effortlessly tears Vought officers apart and can even leap great distances with his immense strength. Remarkably, Sam remains unscathed in his numerous fights throughout Gen V, suggesting that he may be invulnerable, although this has yet to be confirmed.
Although Sam's incredible strength is undeniable, it is unlikely that it is his only power, as The Boys' supes tend to possess much stranger abilities. Notably, the children of supes often inherit the same powers as their parents, as seen with Ryan Butcher and Maverick. It is possible that this correlation extends to siblings as well, indicating that Sam may possess a similar level of super strength to his brother, Golden Boy. The true extent of Sam's enhanced strength and durability has not been fully explored, but his encounter with Emma reveals that he is not invincible. Nonetheless, it is clear that Sam is formidable in a fight and can hold his own.
Why Gen V's Sam Sees Characters As Puppets
Throughout Gen V, Sam Riordan witnesses peculiar occurrences where other characters appear as puppets. He has hallucinations of a puppet show on TV, perceives Emma as a puppet, and engages in an extended altercation with puppet versions of Vought soldiers. While some viewers attribute these experiences to a mental health condition, it seems unlikely considering their specific and bizarre nature within the already unusual world of The Boys.
Sam, in Gen V, attributes his diagnosis to Compound V, implying that the puppet visions may stem from this very supe-transforming formula. The Boys franchise has documented the detrimental side effects of Compound V, making it plausible that Vought is responsible for these puppet manifestations. Additionally, it's conceivable that the visions are a result of the numerous experimental procedures Sam has undergone at Gen V's The Woods facility. Given Sam's extensive exposure to needle injections, these experimental treatments could have triggered these hallucinations.
Sam's Puppets Allow Him To Commit Gen V's Most Violent Scenes
The puppet scenes serve a practical purpose, enabling Sam to portray Gen V's most extreme and violent moments. In his battle against the Vought soldiers, the brutality and darkness are heightened, as the pleading soldiers are mercilessly killed by Sam without hesitation. To him, they are mere puppets and confetti. These puppet visions allow Sam to push the boundaries of violence in the show. It is conceivable that the origins of Sam's puppet visions stem from Vought's experiments, suggesting that he could be a weapon capable of killing anyone. As the future of Gen V unfolds, more details about Sam's powers are expected to be revealed.
Catch the latest episodes of Gen V every Friday, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.