Among Gen V’s promising young cast, Maddie Phillips’ portrayal of Cate Dunlap stands out as a potential addition to The Boys Season 4.
Initially introduced as Golden Boy’s girlfriend, Cate possesses formidable telepathic abilities but grapples with their power. As the season progressed, her connections to Dean Shetty and The Woods became central to the plot, culminating in a gripping season finale.
Despite Gen V’s original intention to stand independently from its parent show, the series has consistently maintained ties to The Boys, whether through subtle references or full-fledged cameos. Producers have confirmed that Gen V’s finale serves as a seamless transition to The Boys Season 4, hinting at more exciting crossovers on the horizon.
What Transpired with Cate in Gen V’s Season Finale? Warning: The following contains spoilers for Episode 8 of Gen V.
Cate’s role took a dramatic turn in the season finale. Initially aligned with characters like Marie and Andre in Gen V, Cate’s allegiance shifted drastically. After initially manipulating her friends on behalf of Dean Shetty, she uncovered the truth about Godolkin University in Episode 7: that it is a front for studying superheroes and exploiting their vulnerabilities. This revelation led Cate to turn on Shetty, using her powers to bring about her demise.
In Episode 8, Cate teams up with Sam to seek revenge by liberating the prisoners of The Woods and unleashing them on the campus. Marie, Andre, and Jordan attempt to thwart their efforts, with Marie going as far as causing an explosion that severely damages Cate’s arm. Their confrontation is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Homelander.
The leader of The Seven takes Cate’s side, showing discontent with witnessing Marie confront one of her fellow supes, and subsequently attacks Marie and her allies.
Cate’s last appearance is in a news report, which frames Marie, Andre, Jordan, and Emma for the university onslaught, while heralding Cate and Sam as the new Guardians of Godolkin. The broadcast is observed by Homelander, who appears satisfied with the outcome.
What Lies Ahead for Cate in The Boys Universe? While fans await the return of Gen V for its second season, The Boys Season 4 looms on the horizon.
Given Homelander’s entrance in the finale and Cate’s situation at the end, it’s plausible that she may play a significant role in the upcoming season. While specific plot details for Season 4 remain elusive, it’s expected that Homelander will continue his reign of terror, potentially finding an ally in pro-supe advocates like Cate and Sam.
The final episode also witnessed Vought CEO Ashley Barrett seeking to elevate a Godolkin student to The Seven. As one of the new Guardians of Godolkin, Cate would be a likely candidate for this position, especially with Homelander’s backing.
Even if Cate doesn’t make an appearance in Season 4 of The Boys, she is poised to remain a central antagonist in Gen V’s Season 2. The fate of Marie and her companions is uncertain after they were seen awakening in a sealed hospital room, but it’s clear that their objective will still be to thwart Cate and Sam’s plans and clear their names as the true Guardians of Godolkin.
Catch Season 1 of Gen V, now available for streaming on Prime Video