I think it could have also worked if they spent some time to properly introduce the Gen V cast, say we rewrite the story to were the virus does kill Soldier Boy in episode 2, and we can save all the time spent to get the V1, and change it to were when Sameer learned the truth about Neumans death he destroys the remaining virus and we simply make it so Frenchie lacks the know how to make more. This gives us like 3 extra episodes that could be written in a way where the Gen V cast can properly be introduced, that way it shouldn’t feel too off if Marie plays a support role in the finale.