Summary
In Gen V, Marie's narrative closely parallels that of Starlight from The Boys season 1. Both characters come to realize that the superhero lifestyle is far from the glamorous façade that Vought presents.
Marie and Starlight both come to the startling realization that being a top-tier hero requires them to compromise their principles and confront the presence of corruption within Vought. Although their character arcs share similarities, Marie's unique background and unfortunate upbringing distinguish her from Starlight, which could potentially impact her response to the sudden surge of fame and accomplishments.
Marie Moreau's storyline in Gen V, the spin-off of The Boys, is mirroring Starlight's storyline from season 1 of the main series. Based on Garth Ennis' "We Gotta Go Now" story arc from The Boys comics, Gen V is set at Godolkin University School of Crimefighting, where young adult supes train to become successful superheroes with Vought International. Jaz Sinclair portrays Marie, the standout character, who possesses the ability to control blood and gains unexpected fame through her rebellious actions after curfew.
In Gen V, Marie's character development bears several similarities to Annie January's story in season 1 of The Boys. In the initial episode, Annie assumes the superhero identity "Starlight" and swiftly realizes that the superhero lifestyle portrayed by Vought's propaganda is far from glamorous or morally upright. Similarly, the early episodes of Gen V showcase Marie experiencing this same revelation as Vought prepares her for a profitable career in crimefighting. While Marie and Annie share a nearly identical character arc in The Boys universe, there is one significant difference between Marie's and Annie's versions.
Marie Moreau's Gen V Story Is Almost Identical To Starlight's In The Boys Season 1
Marie's storyline in Gen V closely mirrors Starlight's storyline from The Boys season 1. The spin-off introduces Marie as an aspiring and well-intentioned hero, similar to Starlight. Both characters genuinely care about making a positive impact on people's lives and being role models. However, their paths take a dark turn when one of Marie's college friends accidentally injures someone while trying to impress a woman with his powers. Marie, just like Starlight, responds quickly and uses her own powers to stop the bleeding. Despite facing expulsion initially, Marie is ultimately chosen by Vought for greatness and becomes a celebrity.
As Marie and Starlight undergo grooming by Vought, they both come to a shocking realization - being a top-level hero is an incredibly unpleasant existence. The members of The Seven are nothing more than puppets controlled by the corporate agenda, and many are more concerned with self-preservation and public image rather than actually saving lives. Marie is deeply troubled by this revelation, much like Starlight was when she first joined The Seven. On her very first day as a Vought-sponsored hero, Starlight experiences sexual harassment from The Deep, shattering her illusions about the supe world and the idols she once revered. Similarly, Marie's journey in Gen V follows a nearly identical arc.
Marie Moreau's Story Is Different To Starlight's In 1 Major Way
Marie and Starlight's current character arcs are similar, but their backgrounds are very different. Starlight never experienced discrimination until joining The Seven, while Marie faced a difficult life with her mother's controlling behavior and lack of privileges. Marie's journey to fame holds a deeper significance due to her heartbreaking past, which makes her appreciate her success more than Starlight.
In the pilot episode of Gen V, Marie is introduced as a tragic character when it is revealed that she discovered her blood-bending powers at a young age, accidentally causing the death of her parents. This traumatic event shaped Marie's childhood, as she grew up as an orphan in an unfeeling facility. Her main goal is to remain at Godolkin, as she fears returning to her bleak past. Although Starlight's upbringing was not perfect, it was still far more favorable compared to Marie's tragic circumstances.
Starlight's The Boys Story Foreshadows Marie Moreau's Future
Starlight's character development in The Boys can be seen as a foreshadowing of how Marie's arc will unfold in Gen V. Just like Starlight, who turned against The Seven and joined Hughie and Butcher's vigilante crusade, Marie's disgust towards The Seven's corruption indicates that she will likely follow a similar path and eventually rebel against Vought. It is possible that the college students in Gen V will establish their own vigilante squad, inspired by The Boys, to fight against the corrupt supes.