Gen V: God U.

 "It's like a big, fiery cucumber..."

I had no idea what to expect from this university-themed spin-off from The Boys, full of very uoung actors who make me feel old, sort of, as their young people music sounds awfully... conservative? It seems as though this exists to tide us over during the long delay until the next season of the parent show.I have to admit, though, this first episode is bloody good. And absolutely as hilarious and dark in equal measure as is said parent show.

It's a good idea to have Marie as audience identification character, and Jaz Sinclair is superb. Not only is her backstory as tragically dark as hell, but her blood superpowers are the grossest thing ever. Then we have nice seeming Andre, whose powers are unclear; Cate, with her "these aren't the droids you're looking for" powers"; and Emma, who can shrink and is burdened, beneath the surface cheer, with low self esteem that leads her to be used, bless her. Then there's Jordan who, well, it's laudable to have a trans character, and I like the concept that being trans is heroic, nicely done... but is switching gender really a power that can be used to fight crime?

The question is perhaps not all that pivotal; it's made very clear that 90% of alumni are destined for showbiz rather than crimefighting, and even crimefighting classes are half about branding... and all bery much controlled by Vought. But the ending is shocking... Luke, Golden Boy, our pampered little Johnny Storm, ends up killing the superstar prof and then exploding himself. Wow. At least this means poor Marie isn't expelled in order to save the reputations of others further up the pecking order.

Why does Luke do this? What is "The Woods", where kids are seemingly sent? I'm sure we'll find out. I'm very much hooked.