Gen V Season 2 Episode 8 Review: The Guardians of Godolkin

The name Godolkin has been a defining part of Gen V even before he showed up in the flesh. The revelation that he’s still alive, thanks to using Compound V1 like Soldier Boy and tricking Marie, changes the game of the show.

It’s a frustrating turn to see both Marie, who admits Cipher got into her head convincing she was the chosen one, AND Sage being manipulated by Godolkin. Marie may barely be an adult, but Sage is supposed to be the smartest person in the world.

It takes until Godolkin’s chilling dance sequence where he puppets the unconscious students from his “seminar” for her to wake up. She realizes how unstable he is from being trapped all those years.

The idea that she couldn’t foresee how Godolkin would switch it up on her and their plans seems like poor storytelling. Hopefully her plot is redeemed in The Boys Season 5, though Homelander won’t be happy when he finds out about her betrayal.

Focusing on the Guardians, well they get the redemption they deserve by leaning into one of the most well-loved tropes in media: found family. Yeah, it’s cheesy but you’ll get a little emotional when Emma says they’re a “cute, little, f*cked up family.”

Doug’s admission to Polarity that Andre was his favorite and always challenged Cipher is also a heartwarming moment right before Black Noir kills Doug. Polarity has struggled this season with a reason to go on, but he’s inspired by his son and it’s a reminder that Andre and Chance Perdomo are not forgotten.

For the fans who are into blood and guts and more blood, Godolkin’s attempt at a Battle Royale to leave only the strongest standing is a nice set piece. Too bad Rufus couldn’t die for real, he would not be missed.

Unfortunately, Marie does end up puppeted by Godolkin just like Annabeth saw in her vision, but things work out. They get a much needed assist from Polarity thanks to Sage letting him go.

Although there are still some questions about why they chose to tackle Godolkin this season at all just to kill him, it’s a satisfying ending to see them all team up. Even the ones with “lesser powers” like Black Hole and Ally/Bushmaster are vital in defeating the eugenicist creep.

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows for Marie, especially since Jordan breaks up with her, but at least she’s got her sister with her. Even Starlight, who shows up again at the end to invite them to the resistance, is impressed with the team. 

The Boys and Gen V have always been intertwined, but this feels like a fitting ending to the season because it shows the group’s misery wasn’t for nothing and they’ve been building towards something. Emma rebuffs Annie’s invitation just a little, saying maybe they can combine their resistances, and she’s right to give themselves credit for the work they’ve done.

The final surprise cameo, the reappearance of A-Train, gave me chills and a spark of hope for this universe. He’s a character who I thought I’d never seen again but who proves that you can’t count anyone out. 

For a season that was filled with moments of dread and hopelessness, it ends on a positive note. Maybe, at least in this fictional world, the resistance can win.

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Season 2 of Gen V is streaming now on Prime Video. 

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