Gen V Episode 7 Review – “Sick”

Reviews

We’re Approaching the Explosive Season Finale of Gen V

We’re rapidly approaching the thrilling conclusion of the first season of Gen V, and the latest episode, “Sick,” is packed with shocking revelations. Audiences finally learn the identity of Marie’s secret benefactor and the motive behind the creation of a virus that aims to eradicate superheroes. The Boys has never been a series that leaves its viewers in the dark for long, and Gen V upholds that tradition. This approach allows for plenty of climactic moments and conflicts that will carry over into Season 4 of The Boys, where the events of Gen V will directly impact the ongoing feud between Butcher and Homelander on Supes Gone Wild, Prime Video’s flagship show.

Cate Takes the Spotlight and Raises the Stakes

Cate, initially portrayed as one of the more submissive students at Godolkin, takes charge in “Sick” and navigates the story into dangerous territory. We witness these vulnerable young adult supes making choices that will shape their futures forever, influenced by the society that created them. While some of Cate’s decisions may be rash, they serve as catalysts for the escalating tension leading up to the finale. However, her aggression is driven by more than mere bloodshed. It underscores one of the show’s most tragic storylines, showcasing Maddie Phillips’ impressive evolution of Cate’s character from Luke’s accessory to a vengeful assassin.

“Jumanji” is an exploration of the emotional turmoil experienced by Godolkin students as they navigate the chaos of becoming superheroes. Maddie Phillips brilliantly portrays Cate’s traumatic upbringing, conveying a profound sense of despair and opening the door to an episode that delves into the plight of children failed by Compound V, their families, and societal pressures. Beneath all the lies and corruption, a glimmer of hope shines through, setting Gen V apart from The Boys’ darker tone. Though things are bound to worsen leading up to the finale, it’s heartening to witness Gen V’s portrayal of heroes in a world overshadowed by Vought’s insidious influence.” – Matt Donato

Read the full review of Gen V Episode 6 – “Jumanji”.

Sam Falls Into a Dangerous Crowd

We can’t overlook poor Sam, who aligns himself with the red-hat-wearing “MAGA For Superheroes” crowd and embraces their #SupeLivesMatter agenda. While we’ve seen Homelander manipulate social media in a Trumpian fashion, Sam presents us with an alternative perspective on how someone might gravitate towards the exclusive “Keep America Safe” movement. For outcasts like Sam, these messages can be empowering after a lifetime of pain and shame. Rufus successfully sways Sam to join the dark side of supe politics during Emma’s brief absence as she shops for snacks and hideout essentials. With everyone losing control, it seems that Sam may not support Marie’s plan to expose The Woods in the proper manner.

Victoria Neuman’s Arrival and the Reality of Godolkin

The appearance of Victoria Neuman, a candidate for the White House, introduces intriguing complications to Gen V. Cross-overs were inevitable, and Neuman easily fits in with ties to The Boys. However, her connection to Marie, both of whom possess bloodbending powers, adds an interesting twist. It was always expected that the Godolkin-Vought pipeline would lead to shady dealings, but the falseness of Godolkin’s educational facade reaches new nihilistic depths. In “Sick,” the wheels come off, and major players reveal themselves, ensuring that the episode remains action-packed. As fans have come to expect from this intense universe, everything that could go wrong does, and the consequences are dire.

Gen V’s first season has continually examined the essence of heroism, and “Sick” brings these questions to a boiling point. The wrongdoing within The Woods is undeniable, and Dean Shetty shoulders the blame. Something must be done. Marie, Cate, and Sam find themselves at a crossroads as they contemplate what heroism truly means in a world where Homelander is the standard of American virtue. The showrunners, directors, and writers of Gen V have masterfully explored the coming-of-age themes throughout the season. As Marie confronts Victoria’s coercion and Cate weighs the value of a human life, these critical moments will define the paths their hero arcs take. Will Marie become another freedom-fighting Starlight, or will Cate follow in Homelander’s footsteps, embracing murderous injustice to achieve her goals? As if Gen V hasn’t already captivated audiences enough, the upcoming episodes promise even more intrigue as the Guardians of Godolkin determine their destinies and face the consequences of their actions.