Of course it all came down to Homelander, The Boys’ loathsome supervillain, who is remarkably rendered by Antony Starr. The superhero drama’s most noteworthy character flew into the season-one finale of Gen V, the YA spin-off of The Boys, helping tie both shows together in exciting ways and setting up season four of The Boys. Obviously, Gen V was steeped in Boys territory from the get-go, with the series taking place at the Vought International-run Godolkin University, where teen supe students learn how to use their powers. Except, as the series eventually reveals, it’s the students who are being studied and experimented on, and Vought remains as nefarious of a corporation as ever.
The two shows link up without creating a huge lift for the viewer. That’s a markedly different approach from other pop-culture franchises, including Marvel, Star Wars, DC, and even The Walking Dead, where everything feels like homework is required. Gen V is more nuanced as it expands on The Boys’ mythos with notable cameos, curious bits of information, and savage action. And Gen V still develops a singularly wicked voice in season one—something less satirical and more self-aware—that deals with these complicated coming-of-age characters.
It’s really only in the last two episodes that Gen V embraces its position in the larger universe and lays the groundwork for season four of The Boys. Smartly, it ties back to Homelander’s actions in The Boys’ pilot. Remember when he gave zero fucks and crashed a plane full of civilians to reveal his true sinister nature? That flight was carrying the husband and child of God U Dean Indira Shetty (Shelley Conn), and she’s been hell-bent on revenge ever since, working with a doctor to create a virus that will kill supes.
The biological weapon will certainly play a big role in The Boys’ future, especially as a potential way to stop a misogynistic, racist, and increasingly popular Homelander from continuing his violent reign. (That is, unless he knew about it all along? We’re just theorizing here.) Homelander immediately displays his bigotry in Gen V, too. He lands on campus and straight-up asks Marie if she’s an animal because she accidentally blows up Cate’s (Maddie Phillips) hand to stop her from using her powers and manipulating Jordan (Derek Luh). Homelander can’t stand that a bold, brave Black woman is fighting for what’s right and harming fellow supes in the process. So he does what he does best and uses his strength to weaken her.
It’s a move that paves the way for Gen V and The Boys’ biggest crossover. Marie, Jordan, Emma (Lizzie Broadway), and Andre (Chance Perdomo) are now captives of Vought, held in a sterilized room without doors or windows. (This has to be in the main tower where the Seven operate, right?) There’s no better way to keep an eye on them. Meanwhile, Homelander smugly watches a news clip that declares Cate and Sam (Asa Germann) as God U saviors, even though they’re the ones who destroyed everything.
These surviving Gen V characters will evidently show up in The Boys now that Homelander is involved. They’ve got insider knowledge of Indira’s plans and are the only ones who can help start or stop the virus from entering the world, with Cate being the key. Plus, Vought needs new members of the Seven. And while Ashley (Colby Minife) was willing to offer a position to Marie if she attacked her friends, it’s likelier that Cate and/or Sam—Homelander’s faves—will now get included in the superhero group. And let’s not forget the post-credits scene: Billy Butcher (Karl Urban) arrives to explore the ruins of The Woods. It’s clear he’s the person Mallory called after meeting Indira, and his discovery will also lead to The Boys further investigating what God U’s former Dean was up to.
Gen V isn’t without its issues, as you might’ve read in The A.V. Club’s recaps, but this finale feels like a seamless transition of storylines. The show carves a distinct space for itself while forging ahead with The Boys, creating a franchise that stands out from similar genre content. And unlike most Disney+ Marvel shows, for instance, The Boys universe doesn’t require nearly as much effort to connect the dots. Hopefully, the journey continues in a similar fashion when The Boys returns in 2024.