The fourth episode of Gen V season 2 has revealed significant details about Hamish Linklater’s character, Cipher, which could drastically alter the series’ trajectory. The episode, titled “Bags,” confirms Cipher’s abilities and hints at a crucial connection to the founder of Godolkin University, a central figure in the ongoing narrative.
Cipher, who has sparked much discussion since the college spin-off of The Boys premiered, initially appeared to be devoid of superhuman powers. However, during a pivotal scene with fellow student Marie Moreau, it becomes apparent that Cipher possesses telepathic abilities. This revelation raises questions about the extent of his influence over other characters, as he seems to not only read minds but also control them.
Throughout the first three episodes of this season, Cipher refrained from showcasing any superpowers, which led to speculation about his true nature. In “Bags,” Marie, while seeking to enhance her own blood manipulation skills, discovers that Cipher does not have Compound V—the serum responsible for granting superhuman abilities. This revelation initially suggests he is entirely human. However, the episode concludes with the implication that he is, in fact, a powerful telepath.
Cipher’s telepathy could have profound implications for the students at Godolkin University. His ability to read minds allows him to anticipate the actions of Marie and her friends, keeping him several steps ahead. For instance, he demonstrates awareness of their covert efforts to gather evidence against him during a staged confrontation between Marie and Jordan, which was orchestrated by Vought as a public relations maneuver.
Moreover, Cipher’s capacity for mind control introduces an element of danger for Marie and her allies. If he can manipulate their thoughts and actions at will, this could lead to an increasingly tense atmosphere within their group. Trust becomes a precarious commodity, as they may question whether their decisions are genuinely their own or influenced by Cipher’s abilities.
In addition to Cipher’s powers, the episode unveils another mystery within his personal domain. During an infiltration of his home by students Cate and Jordan, they discover a secret room housing a man in a hyperbaric chamber. While the identity of this individual is not immediately clear, Cipher later reveals it to be his father, a revelation that adds another layer to the unfolding storyline.
This mysterious figure could potentially be Thomas Godolkin, the founder of Godolkin University. A flashback sequence in a previous episode depicts Godolkin’s apparent demise during a laboratory incident linked to Compound V. However, since he was never shown dying on screen, there exists a possibility that he survived the catastrophic event. Given the advanced medical technologies at Vought’s disposal, it is feasible that Godolkin could have been preserved in this state.
The implications of this connection are vast. If Cipher is indeed keeping his father alive, it suggests he may harbor ambitions to revive Godolkin’s previous work or even manipulate Marie’s abilities to achieve this goal. Speculation among fans suggests that Godolkin might be exerting influence over events from within the chamber, potentially using Cipher as a pawn in a larger scheme orchestrated by Vought and others.
As the season progresses, viewers are left to ponder the motivations behind Cipher’s actions and the true nature of his relationship with his father. The intricate web of power dynamics at play in Gen V continues to unfold, leaving audiences eager for the next chapter in this gripping narrative.
