Gen V Season 2, Episode 6 Review: ‘Cooking Lessons’

If I thought Episode 5 was intense and a complete jaw-dropping episode, Gen V Season 2 Episode 6 is 10 times worse. I feel like I’m on a constant rollercoaster with Gen V — the show refuses to slow down. It grabs you, sits you on the edge of your seat, and throws you through forty minutes of chaos. I was definitely excited for this episode. We got the return of Stan Edgar — which, yes, I did my research before — and Annabeth, who seemingly has powers.

I feel the near collapse of everything that’s bound to happen. The fear of Jordan and Marie possibly getting the death trope is heartbreaking, and I felt it more than ever this episode. I feel like every character, especially Marie, is forced to face just how much control they have left. Marie’s evolution between Season 1 and 2 has been heartbreaking to watch. She started this series fighting to prove herself to others and to find Annabeth. The toll of her guilt and leadership is written all over her, whether through her powers or the sacrifices she makes.

I’ve never watched a series that makes the smallest moments feel massive and essential to the story. Marie’s world is falling apart, and Cipher is definitely Thomas Godolkin. The tension never lets up. I feel like we’re finally building toward something big. There are only two episodes left, and there’s still so much that needs to be wrapped up. Episode 6 felt like the connective tissue that needed to happen. The world of Gen V and the final season of The Boys are going to collide in the most terrifying way.

Cipher and Polarity: Power, Pain, and Manipulation

I felt thrown into the deep end this episode. I was expecting a lot — answers, maybe? Cipher controlling Polarity was one of the most psychological moments ever. Polarity is on the edge, this close to suffering the same fate as his son. Cipher has a twisted way of pushing someone to their breaking point and twisting a part of themselves — or in this case, a memory — into a dark, tense moment that becomes deeply personal.

Polarity is in a bubble of grief and guilt, and his powers are unraveling because of it. It’s taken a physical toll, as we can see. Not one supe is invincible. Everyone has a weakness, whether it’s emotional or physical, and Gen V does a great job of showing us that. Even with Jordan, we see their insecurities about their powers affecting their ability to be a supe. Being a supe never means you’re invincible.

Marie, Jordan, and Sam’s Chaos-Fueled Showdown

I really felt Marie and her struggle between doing what’s right and just staying alive — keeping her friends alive. I think a lot of people in the fandom see everyone’s strengths during fights, especially against people like Vikor. Every time he comes on screen, I audibly scream — like, here we go again. The action is always brutal, and seeing Annabeth’s powers in action was interesting. I wonder how far it can go. I also wonder if Marie will train under Cipher — but only if he doesn’t hurt Annabeth — possibly furthering her powers?

Watching them fight reminded me that they’re college students who’ve been through the wringer and are just trying to survive in a world that treats them like lab rats. Seeing Marie admit that Cipher was right shows how constantly torn she is — her empathy sets her apart, even when Annabeth doesn’t forgive her. That was so hard to watch. Marie was just a little girl who didn’t know what she was or how to control it, and it ended up costing her what mattered most.

The Return of Stan Edgar

I say this time and time again, but yes — I’ve never seen The Boys. Still, finding out about the characters beforehand is a lot to take in. Stan Edgar, played by Giancarlo Esposito, is a great character. It felt like a huge twist we didn’t know we needed.

And Zoe Neuman? I was introduced to Victoria last season, but seeing her daughter — and realizing she was in the same group home as her mom — broke me. They could never make me hate you, Victoria. When Zoe showed up, I was like, “Who is this?” Then her tentacle power came out, and I was like, “Oh, this is horrifying,” but you could see her dominance and control. She’s confident and comfortable in her power.

When The Boys characters find their way into the Gen V universe, it’s a small reminder of how connected everything really is. It’s eerie seeing people who don’t have Compound V in their blood still hold power. Edgar doesn’t have any physical powers, but his intelligence is power. His reappearance ties back into The Boys’ final season and sets up something ominous — especially for the characters we’re exploring now.

Final Thoughts

There’s a lot in this episode — and even more questions and theories. Marie leaves at the end, not denying Cate the chance to come with her. I’ve seen some theories that maybe Cate is still being controlled, or that she’s heading into her villain era. I like to think she’s with them this time.

Marie is one of the world’s most powerful supes now. Everyone who knows Annabeth was resurrected is in Edgar’s underground house — and Cipher’s there too. It’s terrifying to see how far Cipher is willing to go. He got thrown out the window by Polarity and just vanished? There are so many questions. Now we know Marie wants answers, and knowing the extent of her powers, she’ll do anything to get them.

More Thoughts

Sam and Emma? My world stopped for a second there. I love Greg, but Sam all the way.
Zoe being in Gen V? Yes.
Jordan and Marie — please, one of you don’t die.
Cate and Marie duo? I’ve prayed for times like these.