The hit series Gen V, a spin-off of the popular show The Boys, introduced viewers to the chaotic world of Godolkin University, where young superheroes train to join the elite ranks of The Seven. With Gen V Season 2 set to premiere on September 17, 2025, here’s a recap of the key events, characters, and twists from the first season to get you ready for the new episodes.
The Premise and Setting
Gen V is set at Godolkin University, a prestigious institution founded by Vought International to train the next generation of superheroes. Unlike traditional heroes, these young supes know their powers come from Compound V, a substance injected into them as children. The series follows students competing for the top ranking, which guarantees a spot in The Seven, while uncovering dark secrets hidden within the university.
The show blends teen drama with superhero action, exploring themes like identity, power, and morality. It features a mix of new characters and familiar faces from The Boys, creating a seamless connection between the two series.
Main Characters and Their Journeys
- Marie Moreau (Jaz Sinclair): Marie is a freshman with the power to manipulate blood. Her abilities first emerged during her first period, leading to a tragic accident where she accidentally killed her parents. Throughout the season, she struggles with her past while striving to prove herself at Godolkin. Her journey involves uncovering the truth behind the university’s secrets and forming alliances with other students.
- Emma Meyer (Lizze Broadway): Emma, also known as “Little Cricket,” has the ability to shrink in size by purging (vomiting). She becomes Marie’s roommate and close friend. Emma’s storyline revolves around her insecurities and her growing confidence as she helps investigate the mysteries of Godolkin.
- Andre Anderson (Chance Perdomo): Andre is a sophomore with magnetic manipulation powers. He is the son of the famous superhero Polarity and feels pressured to live up to his father’s legacy. Andre plays a key role in investigating the death of his friend Luke and uncovering the Woods.
- Cate Dunlap (Maddie Phillips): Cate has tactile mind control abilities, allowing her to influence others through touch. She is initially portrayed as a loyal friend but is later revealed to be working with Dean Shetty to erase memories related to the Woods. Her actions lead to significant conflict in the season finale.
- Jordan Li (London Thor and Derek Luh): Jordan is a top-ranked student who can switch between male and female forms, each with unique powers. Their male form is indestructible, while their female form can fire energy blasts. Jordan faces discrimination due to their gender-shifting abilities but remains a formidable force at Godolkin.
- Sam Riordan (Asa Germann): Sam is Luke Riordan’s younger brother, possessing superhuman strength and durability. He is held captive in the Woods, a secret facility under the university, and becomes a central figure in the students’ fight against the institution’s corruption.
Key Events and Twists
The first season of Gen V is packed with dramatic events and revelations. Here are the major plot points:
- Luke Riordan’s Death: The season begins with the suicide of Luke Riordan (Golden Boy), the top-ranked student at Godolkin. Before his death, Luke kills Professor Brink, who was involved in hiding the secrets of the Woods. His death triggers the main characters’ investigation into the university’s dark operations.
- Discovery of the Woods: Andre, Cate, and Marie discover that Godolkin is hiding a secret facility called the Woods, where supes are experimented on. They learn that Luke’s brother, Sam, is one of the prisoners and that the experiments are aimed at controlling supes.
- Cate’s Betrayal: Cate is revealed to have been working with Dean Shetty to erase memories related to the Woods. Using her powers, she manipulates her friends into forgetting Sam and the facility’s existence. This betrayal leads to a rift among the group.
- The Supe Virus: Dr. Cardosa, the lead scientist of the Woods, develops a virus capable of killing supes. Dean Shetty, whose family was killed in a plane crash caused by Homelander, wants to use the virus to eliminate all supes. However, Victoria Neuman acquires the virus and kills Cardosa to prevent the knowledge from spreading.
- Season Finale Chaos: In the finale, Cate and Sam free the prisoners from the Woods and incite a riot on campus. Marie, Jordan, Emma, and Andre try to stop them, leading to a violent confrontation. Homelander appears at the end, blaming Marie for the chaos and placing her and her friends in a hidden location.
Connection to The Boys
Gen V is deeply intertwined with The Boys. The series is set between the third and fourth seasons of The Boys and features crossover characters like Victoria Neuman, Homelander, and Billy Butcher. The post-credit scene of Gen V shows Butcher learning about the Woods and the virus, setting up events for The Boys Season 4.
The show also explores themes introduced in The Boys, such as corporate corruption, the moral ambiguity of superheroes, and the societal impact of superpowers. The presence of Vought International as the overarching antagonist ties the two series together.
Tragic Loss of Chance Perdomo
Chance Perdomo, who played Andre Anderson, passed away in a motorcycle accident in March 2024. The producers of Gen V decided not to recast his role, and Season 2 will pay homage to his character. This loss has deeply affected the cast and fans, making Andre’s legacy an important part of the upcoming season.
What to Expect in Season 2
Gen V Season 2 will premiere on September 17, 2025, with the first three episodes releasing simultaneously. The new season will introduce Dean Cipher (Hamish Linklater), who believes in the superiority of supes over humans and trains them to become soldiers. The story will explore the brewing war between humans and supes, set against the backdrop of Homelander’s reign in the U.S.
The season will also feature crossover characters from The Boys, including The Deep, Firecracker, Starlight, Sister Sage, and Stan Edgar. These appearances will further integrate Gen V into the larger narrative of The Boys universe.
Also Read: Gen V Season 2 Release Time: When and Where to Watch the First Three Episodes
