The Boys: Unleashing the Unprecedented Mind Control Abilities of Cate in Gen V

Summary

Cate in Gen V has mind control powers that require physical contact. She can make people do things and change their emotions.

Cate's powers come with certain limitations such as a restricted number of uses per day and the potential to harm herself. Moreover, she is unable to deactivate her powers and must constantly wear gloves to prevent unintentionally exerting control over others.

Cate may not have the most flashy powers among the Compound V users in Gen V, but a closer examination of her abilities suggests that this student from Godolkin University could be one of the strongest characters in The Boys' universe. While Marie Moreau is able to manipulate blood and Andre Anderson can warp metal, the main members of Gen V tend to be less subtle when using their superpowers. However, Cate Dunlap, played by Maddie Phillips, is a big exception to this rule.

At first introduced as Golden Boy's girlfriend, Cate quickly proves that she is much more than that. Although her powers are not always obvious, they consistently come to the rescue of Gen V's main group when they find themselves in trouble. Like the other supes from Godolkin University in Gen V, the show doesn't explicitly explain how Cate's abilities work, simply referring to them as "pushing." Nonetheless, through various examples in Gen V, we can piece together a good understanding of how her Compound V powers function and how truly terrifying they can be.

Cate Can Control People Using Hand Contact In Gen V

Cate possesses the impressive power of mind manipulation in Gen V. To activate this ability, she simply needs to make physical contact by placing her hand upon the intended target. Once this connection is established, any commands issued by Cate will be strictly followed. Interestingly, Cate's exceptional influence extends to both the person's body and mind. She has the ability to compel someone to repeatedly harm themselves in the groin area with a baseball bat, but she can also alter their emotional state with just a few simple words.

Additionally, Cate's power has a lasting effect. Once she gives an instruction, the target will continue to carry it out even after Cate removes her hand. However, the absence of Rufus shouting "Jumanji" in later episodes of Gen V indicates that there is likely a time limit before the influence of Cate's command wears off. Cate herself refers to her ability as "pushing," as it involves pushing people to do things. This terminology originated from her initial interaction with Marie in the first episode of Gen V, where she encouraged the hesitant first-year student to experiment with drugs.

The Problems With Cate's "Push" Powers In Gen V

Cate's powers in Gen V have both obvious and subtle drawbacks. The most noticeable disadvantage is that she can only use her mind-control abilities a limited number of times per day before experiencing strain. Additionally, the more intense the push, the more it negatively impacts her physically. For instance, something simple like convincing a bartender presents no issues, but forcing someone to engage in certain activities can cause serious harm to Cate, like bursting a blood vessel in her eye or even passing out completely.

On a more subtle note, Cate lacks control over her Gen V powers. It is evident from her need to wear gloves even when in bed, indicating that her mind-control abilities are constantly active. Any directives she gives to others while touching them will be carried out, whether intentional or not. This risk is emphasized by the tragic tale she shares about her missing brother. The fact that only her hands have the power suggests that physical contact is required for her pushing abilities to work. As seen in Gen V, Cate can kiss and rest on Golden Boy without triggering her powers, indicating that the rest of her body is unaffected.