“The Boys” Season 4: Impact of “Gen V”
SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for Episode 8 of “Gen V,” the Season 1 finale (“Guardians of Godolkin”), now streaming on Amazon’s Prime Video.
In the Season 1 finale of “Gen V,” the spin-off to Amazon Prime Video’s “The Boys,” characters Homelander and Butcher make key appearances, setting up the storyline for both “Gen V” Season 2 and “The Boys” Season 4. “The Boys” showrunner Eric Kripke and “Gen V” co-showrunner Michele Fazekas discussed how these cameos came about and their implications for the future of both shows.
For Butcher’s cameo, the idea emerged from the need to introduce the supe virus plotline in “The Boys” Season 4. They wanted to show Butcher’s awareness of the virus without relying solely on dialogue. By coordinating with “Gen V,” they inserted Butcher into the finale, indicating his pursuit of the virus.
As for Homelander’s appearance, it was a carefully planned moment, showcasing his character’s significant impact on the events at Godolkin University. The decision to spin the narrative around Cate and Sam as the “Guardians of Godolkin” was influenced by Homelander’s intervention, emphasizing his perspective on the situation.
Regarding the fate of characters like Marie, Andre, Jordan, and Emma, the showrunners remained cryptic, suggesting that viewers might have to wait until “Gen V” Season 2 for answers. When asked about potential “Gen V” cameos in “The Boys” Season 4, Kripke remained evasive, neither confirming nor denying the possibility.
The timeline of the mid-credits scene featuring Butcher aligns closely with the events of “Gen V.” The showrunners emphasized their intention to keep the timeline straightforward to avoid confusing viewers, placing each season in a modular, sequential order.
In terms of the in-universe presidential election, it is nearing Election Day, adding an additional layer of complexity to the unfolding events. While Kripke assured that work on “The Boys” Season 4 was progressing well, he did not provide a specific premiere date, leaving fans in anticipation.
