‘Gen V’ Season 2 Review: Hamish Linklater Brings A Dark Future

Following a well-received first season, all eyes were towards what Gen V would bring audiences for its sophomore outing. The first season ended on an explosive but bloody note that saw franchise villain Homelander (Antony Starr) stop our protagonists in their tracks. Excitement levels reached even higher when the finale episode of The Boys season four weaponised some of the Gen V cast members against the titular Boys (Laz Alonso, Jack Quaid, Tomer Capone, Karen Fukuhara). But when the actor behind metal bender Andre, Chance Perdomo, tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident, the show was forced to rework around such a central character no longer with us.

Gen V is a spin-off of Prime Video’s The Boys series, which was adapted from the comic series of the same name by Garth Ennis. The series is set at the super “hero” school Godolkin University and follows a group of college students who grapple with their powers and uncover a conspiracy that can change their lives as they know it. Season one ended with them thwarting one of these conspiracies, only for some friends to betray each other and others to land in prison. Season two picks up where we left off, bringing a new Dean into the fold, Cipher, played by Hamish Linklater.

The Gen V writing team made an interesting decision with Gen V season 2. Instead of recasting Perdomo or moving away from Andre’s influence on the plot, they doubled down and made his absence a plot of growth for our other leads. It’s something that I am not entirely sure works for the show, but I can respect the decision to take this route, honouring the late actor whom the second season is dedicated to. It’s hard to say whether the rest of the cast step up to fill the void left by Chance, considering that their performances are more or less the same, but one casting addition in particular does elevate this season giving a sense of urgency and chaos. 

Hamish Linklater plays the new university Dean, named Cipher, and he is easily the scariest and most exciting villain in the franchise since Homelander, giving a brilliant performance touched with mystery. Linklater, of course, is a frequent collaborator with director Mike Flanagan, and previously starred as Batman in Batman: Caped Crusader from producer Matt Reeves, also for Prime Video. This role proves that he is a clear underrated talent in today’s market, and is someone I would personally keep my eye on as he is going to further his career in a big way very soon.

The plot this season is plenty serviceable, and the show has even toned down with the shock factor this franchise has become so well known for. Yes, it is still there, especially in an episode revolving around a toilet, and a very unflattering perspective. But, the team shows some restraint, instead choosing to focus on the story. The story itself works, even if the central mystery isn’t very interesting or compelling. It’s almost as if the writing team saw the concept work in the previous season, and decided to do it again. It works for what it is, but it is hardly a creative masterwork. 

That is not to say this season isn’t entertaining, as it is very. The plot is gripping and holds your attention for all eight episodes very well. Where I think this season excels particularly well is in making the worldbuilding front and centre. There are many appearances from other The Boys characters, and the production design only helps this further with amazing statues, posters, and in-universe collaborations working greatly towards this cause. 

Gen V is largely just as good as its predecessor, doing a few things better, but feeling a little less creative. It’s a great time and fans of the now seven-season-long franchise will have a field day with it. 

Gen V Season 2 stars Jaz Sinclair as Marie Moreau, Lizze Broadway as Emma Meyer / Little Cricket, Maddie Phillips as Cate Dunlap, London Thor and Derek Luh as Jordan Li, Asa Germann as Samuel “Sam” Riordan, Sean Patrick Thomas as Polarity, and Hamish Linklater as Dean Cipher, with Ethan Slater starring as Thomas Godolkin.

Additionally, Erin Moriarty, Chace Crawford, and Giancarlo Esposito reprise their roles as Starlight, The Deep, and former Vought CEO Stan Edgar.

Watch Gen V on Prime Video below: 

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