Gen V introduced a subtle weapon that might be a game-changer for The Boys season 4

Gen V
(Image credit: Prime Video)

Gen V is the first live-action spin-off to Prime Video’s beloved superhero series The Boys, and the two shows have a lot of crossover. In the first three episodes, which are now available to stream, there was even one key moment that might have a big impact on the wider cinematic universe going forward.

Warning: We’ll be getting into minor spoilers for Gen V episodes 1 and 2 below, so make sure you’re up to date before reading on.

In the second episode, Andre Anderson is doing some snooping around at Godolkin University when he comes across campus security. The elite soldiers spot him and use an intriguing device to subdue him, which seems to essentially be a tape recorder emitting a very high-pitched sound.

Explaining the device, the guard tells him: "Did you know Supes have a wider range of hearing than us? Like dogs." It completely strips Andre of his powers and he’s only saved from the torment when his fellow student Cate Dunlap comes to his aid.

Now, this is the first time we’ve seen a device like this used in this superhero universe and it seems to be very effective. In a world where the Boys are constantly trying to find out new ways to take Supes down (and usually failing) this could be a game-changer when season 4 comes around for Billy Butcher and his team.

Admittedly, we’d be interested to see if something like this was as effective in taking down someone like Homelander with his extensive powers. Then there’s also the issue that Butcher and the gang don’t know about this technology yet and it’s clearly something Vought wants to keep to themselves. All in, we’ll have to wait and see if this becomes more important going forward or not.

In the meantime, check out one major Homelander Easter egg you might have missed as well as our guides to:

Fay Watson
Deputy Entertainment Editor

I’m the Deputy Entertainment Editor here at GamesRadar+, covering TV and film for the Total Film and SFX sections online. I previously worked as a Senior Showbiz Reporter and SEO TV reporter at Express Online for three years. I've also written for The Resident magazines and Amateur Photographer, before specializing in entertainment.

Read more
Gen V season 2: Jaz Sinclair as Marie in the TV series Gen V.
Gen V season 2: Everything we know so far
The Boys season 3
The Boys fans have some big theories about where Eric Kripke will take Soldier Boy in season 5
The Boys season 5: Karl Urban as William "Billy" Butcher punching an enemy during The Boys season 4.
The Boys season 5 release date speculation, cast, plot, and more news
Creature Commandos
Creature Commandos – All the Easter eggs, references, and cameos in the first entry of James Gunn's DC Universe
Hughie in The Boys season 1
The Boys season 5 gets a bloody update from Hughie star in gory behind the scenes snap: "Work's been going great guys"
Invincible season 3
Invincible finally lets its One-Punch Man parody mirror his anime counterpart during the season 3 premiere
Latest in DC TV Shows
A screenshot of the title card for the upcoming DC show, Starfire.
James Gunn confirms that the Starfire animated TV show will be Elseworlds like Batman and Joker
Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan in Lanterns
The first look at Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler's Green Lantern TV series is here – and DC fans are losing it over Hal Jordan's ring
The Penguin
Colin Farrell says he is "open to" doing The Penguin season 2, but has "no deep desire" to return
Creature Commandos
DC is fast-tracking Creature Commandos season 2 after overwhelmingly positive reaction to season 1
John Cena as Peacemaker in Peacemaker season 1
Peacemaker season 2: Everything we know so far about James Gunn's returning DC series
Blue Beetle
Blue Beetle's future in James Gunn's DCU gets promising update from star Xolo Maridueña – including a new show out in 2026
Latest in News
Stardew Valley
With another "thank you," Stardew Valley creator Eric Barone brings an update arc to a close with "the Switch patch to fix the last Switch patch"
Demon Slayer Infinity Castle
Over 80 countries and 42 days: the first Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie's remarkable staggered release plans have been revealed – including a US date
Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds' story is as divisive as expected: some players hate the "relentless on rails handholding," others love the build-up to "the best scene in Monster Hunter history"
The Last of Us season 2 first look
Pedro Pascal says "beautiful" scene that made him want to join The Last of Us got cut, but it’ll thankfully appear in season 2: "He was like, ‘That’s half the reason I’m here!’"
Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds art director and 20-year series vet says the new game intentionally leans into a question fans have debated forever: "What is a hunter?"
Absolum
The other devs behind the best retro beat-em-up in recent memory are making a co-op roguelike brawler that "channels the spirit" of Capcom's classic D&D games