Despite being somewhat sidelined in Gen V season 2, given her near-fatal injury, Cate has still been a big part of the plot, and the spinoff show has quietly redeemed her first major crime following her betrayal in season 1. When she was first introduced, Cate seemed as though she would be one of the main heroes fighting against Godolkin.

Unfortunately, having initially helped expose the university’s secrets, it turned out she was secretly protecting Godolkin all along, as her mind control powers prevented people from discovering the Woods. Indira Shetty successfully exploited the supe’s childhood trauma, with the former Dean using Cate before turning her into a villain in Gen V season 1.

Being manipulated into controlling Luke’s mind and making him forget the truth about his brother Sam was just the beginning of her troubled path that eventually saw her aligning with Homelander during The Boys season 4’s ending. However, an encouraging scene from Gen V season 2’s opening episodes suggests Cate has finally learned from her past mistakes, which is good news for Sam.

Cate Won’t Push Sam Too Far In Gen V Season 2 After What Happened To Luke

After the tragedy involving Luke, it seems like Cate is determined not to hurt Sam in the same way. While Sam was being kept in the Woods, Cate was coerced into forming a romantic relationship with Luke courtesy of Vought and Godolkin, so that she could constantly reset his mind and convince him that his brother was dead.

When Luke eventually discovered the truth, it led to the young prospect taking his own life, a horrific outcome that Cate doesn’t want to repeat with Sam. This is highlighted when she refuses to make him feel numb like she had previously, and while part of this is down to her injury, Cate also admits that she won’t push Sam too far.

The longer she allowed him to ignore his problems, the worse Sam’s mental state would become, hence why she refuses to make his pain go away. It may only be a small gesture, but her actions prove that Luke’s death wasn’t for nothing and hint at Cate possibly finding redemption in Gen V season 2 if she continues to show restraint and self-reflection.

Cate’s Changed Behavior Proves She’s Not Completely Irredeemable

While Cate still has a long way to go before she’s fully redeemed, these positive changes are a sign that there is still hope for her. What she did to Luke is inexcusable, but it is easy to have some sympathy towards her, given how heavily she was manipulated following the tragic incident with her brother when she was just a child.

Opting to join the supe revolution despite it putting her at odds with her friends is a lot less justifiable, but her trauma has always left her vulnerable. Still, the fact that she refused to tamper with Sam’s mind any longer and even helped get Emma and Jordan out of Elmira is a step in the right direction.

Her genuine guilt over Andre’s death also shows that she does actually care about her friends despite everything she has put them through, even if she is currently angry at them for almost killing her.

Overall, finding redemption won’t be easy, especially as it would involve Cate betraying Homelander in Gen V season 2, a choice that would be extremely dangerous. However, if she is serious about making amends, it seems like Cate isn’t too far gone, meaning she could play a pivotal role in the franchise’s future.

This Gen V Season 2 Turn Could Lead To Sam Having A Better Ending Than Luke

Whereas Luke’s story ended in tragedy, Sam could fare far better based on Cate’s slightly heroic turn. Not only is she avoiding pushing Sam down the same road as his brother, but the two have also formed a bond that makes Cate more likely to stand up and protect him, something that could be pivotal given their connection to Vought.

Right now, it seems like Sam is really struggling since his hallucinations have started once again, but his conversation with Jordan helped calm him. Assuming his friends rally around him, he may eventually find a way to redeem his past sins and find some sort of peace when his journey is said and done.

Sam is clearly powerful, hence why Godolkin locked him away in the first place, and if he can use these powers for good without becoming yet another one of Homelander’s victims, he may end up becoming the hero his brother was always destined to be, making his arc in Gen V season 2 extremely exciting.

Release Date

September 28, 2023

Network

Prime Video

Directors

Nelson Cragg, Clare Kilner, Philip Sgriccia, Sanaa Hamri, Shana Stein, Steve Boyum

Writers

Craig Rosenberg

Franchise(s)

The Boys

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