The Gen V Character That Poses the Ultimate Threat to The Boys

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Gen V episodes 1-6.

Summary

In Gen V, a formidable character named Cate emerges, possessing the ability to manipulate minds and erase memories, thus posing a significant threat to The Boys.

Cate's association with the Woods and her extraordinary powers grant her immense worth to Godolkin University, possibly even attracting the attention of Vought, who could exploit her as a covert weapon.

While under Godolkin's control, Cate's loyalty to Vought may be compromised, as her genuine desire to be a good person and assist others could lead her to oppose Vought's true motives.

In The Boys, the show's protagonists have encountered numerous formidable adversaries, but Gen V may have introduced the most significant threat to the titular group. Homelander has been portrayed as the primary unstoppable force in the series, but Vought International possesses other valuable assets due to their questionable intentions. The priority of Butcher, Hughie, and the rest of The Boys is to bring down Homelander and expose Vought. However, they have also faced challenges from characters like Stormfront and Soldier Boy. A Gen V character could similarly pose a threat as Vought's hidden weapon.

While Gen V introduces superheroes who genuinely want to save people, the true agenda of Godolkin University is revealed, highlighting the strict control exerted over its students. The fact that A-Train and The Deep are both graduates of Godolkin comes as no surprise, considering that Vought manipulates them much like Godolkin influences its students. Gen V's Godolkin University aims to mold students into perfect heroes, not just in terms of their actions, but also in terms of their public image. Despite their good intentions, any one of these students could potentially become a future threat to The Boys.

How Cate Could Be The Boys' Greatest Challenge Yet

Cate Dunlap presents a formidable challenge for The Boys in Gen V episode 5. A surprising twist reveals that Cate has been manipulating her friends' memories, erasing any recollection of the Woods, the clandestine facility where supes are held captive. The core group stumbles upon this revelation when they learn that Sam, Golden Boy's brother, is imprisoned there. Determined to uncover the truth behind the Woods, they orchestrate a rescue mission, only to have their memories wiped clean by the young supes. Slowly but surely, the characters of Gen V piece together the puzzle and realize that Cate is the mastermind behind it all—a revelation she admits to herself.

This ability makes Cate an extremely formidable and influential character. Not only can she erase memories, but she also has the power to manipulate minds, as demonstrated by her actions towards Rufus. A simple touch from her hand is all it takes for Cate to assert control over someone's thoughts. Thus far, the series has not portrayed anyone capable of resisting or remaining unaffected by her powers. Consequently, she could easily employ them against even the strongest members of The Boys, such as Kimiko. While her powers may not pose the greatest threat in a combat scenario, Cate becomes an almost invincible adversary when she catches her opponents off-guard.

Cate Could Become Vought's Secret Weapon

Cate's significance to both Godolkin University and Vought is evident through her connection with the Woods. Being Golden Boy's former girlfriend and considering his intended membership in The Seven, it is highly likely that there are specific plans for Cate. Despite Golden Boy's demise, Godolkin still finds her valuable, utilizing her powers to safeguard the secrecy surrounding the Woods. The unexpected twist involving Cate in episode 5 of Gen V portrays just how committed she is, even though she experiences remorse.

And as Cate confides in her friends, her disclosure leads to resentment from most of the people she holds dear. This will only propel her further into the arms of Godolkin and Vought, who are capable of making her feel wanted and offering her the world while exploiting her power for their own advantage. The Boys are aware of the formidable force that The Seven represents. However, lacking any knowledge about Cate, they could be undone by her. With Cate's abilities, Vought can effortlessly thwart The Boys' plans, erasing their memories or even turning them against each other.

Vought Doesn't Completely Control Cate

Although Cate is under the control and manipulation of Godolkin University, it does not mean that Vought has complete dominion over her. Vought and Godolkin are distinct entities with slightly different objectives, even though they have a business relationship. As a result, while Cate is loyal to the university, there is no assurance of her loyalty to Vought. Additionally, Cate is not a villain akin to Homelander or Stormfront. She is clearly grappling with the task of influencing and deceiving her friends, asserting that her actions are motivated by a desire to help people.

Cate's personality implies a sincere desire to be a good person, which is not just an excuse. Despite this, she genuinely values her friends and humanity as a whole, making it unlikely for her to easily succumb to Vought and become a mere puppet. Her decision to join the organization wouldn't be driven by fame or money, but rather by the chance to make a positive impact on a larger scale and help others. Should Cate discover the actual intentions of Vought, it is highly probable that she will fiercely oppose them. Gen V has the potential to unveil Cate's true motivations and establish her as an underestimated hero.