Warning! This review contains SPOILERS for Gen V season 2, episode 7.Gen V season 2 finally reveals who Cipher really is by confirming the superhero series’ biggest theory, and the result is thrilling. So far, Gen V‘s sophomore outing has proven a competent follow-up to season 1, although it’s yet to reach the same level as the first season, which was more consistent.
Episode 7 is a big step in the right direction to set up a finale that could bring along major repercussions for The Boys season 5 and Gen V‘s future Last week’s episode was slower, with nice character development and Stan Edgar helping Marie work it out that Thomas Godolkin was likely the old man Cipher claimed was his father.
Cipher’s Secret Is Out & Marie Deserves To Lose This Round
Gen V season 2, episode 7 tests that theory, proving it to be true. Hamish Linklater shows a new side of his character, as Cipher was never real, with Thomas Godolkin controlling Doug, a nobody, to use as his puppet while his body was damaged. I loved how the show had Godolkin trick Marie into healing him.
It confirmed what seemed to be the case since Cipher started helping her develop her powers. It was always the plan for Marie to become powerful enough to heal Godolkin’s body, allowing him to stop controlling Doug and act as himself once again. She played right into his hands, which I felt she deserved after her actions this episode.
I believe that in trying to be the hero that could save everyone, Marie closed herself off to reason and to what was the right way to go about things.
After all, Marie’s sister, Annabeth, had a vision of her dying and tried to get her not to go to Godolkin. What did Marie do? Use her powers to incapacitate her friends momentarily and carry on with her plan anyway. Marie even went as far as asking Cate to force them to leave with her powers in exchange for being healed, which was quite dark.
In trying to be the hero that could save everyone, Marie closed herself off to reason and to what was the right way to go about things. As such, seeing her do exactly what Godolkin wanted was somewhat gratifying. That is not to say I don’t like the character; I simply want to see Marie evolve past this lone wolf persona.
Marie has the tools to make things right in the finale. She’s now powerful enough to restore Polarity to full health, and he has the ability to interfere with Godolkin’s powers, which could prove useful. If Marie also heals Cate and allows her friends to help her take down Godolkin instead of trying to go at it alone, then her chances increase exponentially.
Thomas Godolkin Is Back & He’s Already Terrifying
I thought Linklater’s Cipher was a scary villain, but he seems to hold no candle to Ethan Slater’s Thomas Godolkin. Cipher’s true self has been unleashed, and he is unhinged. Godolkin has barely been healed when we see him kill someone in cold blood for the first time, showing that he is coming back with murderous intent and the power to realize it.
I have to praise Slater’s performance. Before the show, I had only seen the actor in Wickedwhere he played the lovable Boq. The actor delivered such a charming performance in the film; the dark persona he employs now as Godolkin is so wildly different and welcome.
Slater was quite impressive. While Linklater’s take on Cipher was one of The Boys universe’s best villains, Slater’s Godolkin might surpass him quite quickly. The actor brings a somber attitude to the character and an intensity that highlights just how dangerous Godolkin is.
I can’t wait to see what Slater can do with the villain in a full episode, with Godolkin now powerful enough to completely transform God U. All season long, we have been following Marie on her journey to becoming a Supe powerful enough to rival Homelander. Having her fight Godolkin head-on should be interesting.
All in all, Gen V season 2, episode 7, does a perfect job setting up the finale. The stakes are set and the highest they have ever been on the show. After being tricked into doing what the villain wanted, Marie now has to rise up to defeat Godolkin and prove herself the ultimate hero. If she does so, I need Homelander to be next.
Gen V season 2 releases new episodes weekly every Wednesday on Prime Video.
- Release Date
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September 28, 2023
- NETWORKS
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Prime Video
- Directors
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Nelson Cragg, Clare Kilner, Philip Sgriccia, Sanaa Hamri, Shana Stein, Steve Boyum
- Writers
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Craig Rosenberg
- Franchise(s)
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The Boys
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Lizzie Broadway
Emma Meyer / Little Cricket
- The Cipher twist is masterfully executed.
- Ethan Slater makes Thomas Godolkin a scene-stealer.
- Gen V season 2’s finale could not have had a better setup.