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Gen V’s first season made a huge impression, leading to a second installment being greenlit, and one tease hints at the spinoff setting up a feud that could rival Butcher vs. Homelander. While creating another The Boys spinoff sounded like a massive risk on paper, Gen V’s university setting helped the show stand out and excel, making the project a big hit. Not only did the series introduce its own memorable characters and interesting story, but it tied into the main show perfectly, resulting in Gen V being renewed for season 2, which will be released in 2025.
With The Boys season 4’s ending having big implications for Gen V’s second season, the stakes look to be higher than ever, with more conflict on the horizon. As a result, things are set to get more personal between the spinoff’s main protagonists and antagonists, with season 2 already teasing a big feud. Although Homelander and Butcher have been the franchise’s biggest rivalry ever since Prime Video’s universe began in 2019, their battle will likely come to a close in The Boys’ final season. However, Gen V may already have the perfect two characters to replace them.
Gen V Creator’s Season 2 Tease Sets Up Marie & Cate As The New Homelander & Butcher
Homelander and Butcher’s ongoing rivalry has been boiling for a long time and is full of hate and resentment, but Gen V season 2 looks like it could make Cate and Marie the next version of the duo. Like The Boys, Gen V doesn’t have a single protagonist, but Marie is the closest thing to the show’s central character and Cate could become the spinoff’s Homelander equivalent. Although season 2’s story has been kept relatively under wraps, Gen V’s showrunner teased Marie and Cate’s relationship being impacted by season 1’s finale, meaning things could get hostile between them.
During the battle going on at Godolkin, Cate tried to use her powers to control Jordan Li; however, Marie instinctively stopped her by using her blood manipulation to blow up part of Cate’s arm.
They are already on opposite sides of The Boys’ main storyline, as Cate officially joined Homelander’s supe army in season 4 while Marie tried to oppose him during Gen V season 1’s finale. During the battle going on at Godolkin, Cate tried to use her powers to control Jordan Li; however, Marie instinctively stopped her by utilizing her blood manipulation to blow up part of Cate’s arm. While Michele Fazekas’ hint didn’t necessarily indicate their relationship would be hostile, it’s hard to imagine things going back to normal after such an incident, making their season 2 dynamic more interesting.
A Showdown Between Cate & Marie Is Inevitable After Gen V Season 1’s Ending
Heartbreakingly, Marie and Cate were friends at the beginning of the show, but as Godolkin’s secrets slowly got revealed, the two drifted and now seem destined to come to blows. After The Boys season 4’s game-changing conclusion, the franchise looks like it’s only going to get more violent, especially as Homelander tries to seize ultimate control, meaning this tone will likely spill into Gen V. Even if the two don’t hate each other right now, Cate’s loyalty to Homelander and his vision seems like something Marie will heavily oppose, which could escalate their existing conflict even further.
Cate Dunlap, Sam Riordan, and Tek Knight all appear in season 4 of The Boys after debuting in Gen V.
In addition, with the spinoff likely acting as the perfect bridge into The Boys’ fifth and final season, it’s hard to imagine Gen V season 2 won’t end with a bang. Although Cate using her powers on Frenchie in The Boys season 4 would indicate she’s guaranteed to be involved in the main show’s last season, her part in Homelander’s plan could be explained in Gen V, meaning a battle with Marie could still happen. Their history and opposite ideologies are too significant for them not to clash over their differences, and a showdown between the two looks inevitable.
Season 2 Could Give Cate & Marie A Better Ending Than Homelander & Butcher
Although there is no way back for Butcher and Homelander, Gen V could still provide Cate and Marie a more hopeful ending. Early details about season 2’s story indicate that Marie and the other protagonists will make their way out of Vought’s facility and return to Godlokin thanks to Cate. While her actions could be at the orders of Homelander, it’s equally possible that Cate is still unsure about her role in the supe revolution. Her backstory showed that she suffered childhood trauma and was easily influenced, meaning she may finally see logic in season 2.
Cate’s views also aren’t anywhere near as extreme as Homelander’s – or Butcher’s for that matter – which suggests she can still be redeemed before it’s too late. She did show remorse when it came to betraying her friends, proving there is still good in her, and if Marie and the other protagonists can get through to her, Cate may switch allegiances and help fight Homelander. Sadly, The Boys franchise’s overall tone doesn’t leave room for many happy endings, but Cate joining Marie and the other central characters would be the sort of bombshell ending Gen V season 2 needs.
Therefore, while Homelander and Butcher’s story looks destined to end in tragedy, Gen V could reverse this with Marie and Cate, giving them a more wholesome ending that helps separate the spinoff from The Boys.
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