The Boys Season 5: Cate's Mind Control Over Frenchie and Its Effects
With most of the title group taken by Vought agents at the end of The Boys season 4, there is a sense of gloom for the next one. MM, Kimiko, Hughie, and Frenchie are caught even as Billy Butcher and Starlight manage to flee. But Frenchie's capture is different from the others since Cate, a strong mind-controller debuted in Gen V, takes him into custody. This begs important questions about Vought's intentions for Frenchie and their ramifications for his future.
Cate's "Pushing" Power and Its Meaning for The Boys Season 5
One powerful tool is Cate's capacity for "push," a kind of mind control that lets her rewrite reality with her voice. Her past shows the terrible effect her powers have when she unintentionally disappeared her brother. Vought's decision to have Cate oversee Frenchie points to a more comprehensive approach for the next season.
Why Vought Needs Frenchie's Help Through The Boys Season 5
The most likely reason Cate's mind control over Frenchie is Vought needs his cooperation. Given Homelander's authority, MM, Kimiko, and Hughie most likely will be housed in Tek Knight's facilities. Vought's treatment of Frenchie, though, suggests a different goal. Especially under Homelander's leadership, Frenchie's knowledge in producing chemical weapons capable of incapacitating supers makes him a great benefit to Vought.
Possible reasons for Vought's control of Frenchie
Vought might require Frenchie's knowledge for several different reasons. He might be under pressure to create an antidote or compelled to reveal details on the supe virus Billy Butcher carries. Vought might alternatively wish to use Frenchie's expertise to design a new virus aimed at either the general population or particular superses. Vought's control over Frenchie has far-reaching and disturbing possible ramifications.
How Cate's Control Affects Kimiko's and Frenchie's Relationship
The most depressing result of Cate's control of Frenchie is how his relationship with Kimiko suffers. teased over several seasons, their romantic relationship blossomed in the season 4 finale at last. But Cate's mental control removes all memory of Kimiko from Frenchie, so rendering him totally oblivious of their relationship. This not only calls for their future but also puts a terrible scenario whereby Frenchie might unintentionally hurt Kimiko under Cate's influence.
Frenchie's Conundrum and the Direction of His Relationship with Kimiko
Though Cate's intervention throws a wrench in Frenchie and Kimiko's plans, the season 4 finale of The Boys seemed to point to a bright future for their relationship. Their future is unknown since Cate dominates Frenchie's mind, so rendering him essentially a stranger to Kimiko. Under Cate's control, Frenchie has the frightening ability to harm Kimiko, which gives their already complicated dynamic more tragedy and suspense.
Throughout the show, the Boys' investigation of the nuanced relationship between Frenchie and Kimiko has been a fascinating thread. Cate's mind control presents a fresh and difficult barrier to their narrative that begs issues regarding their future and the effects of Vought's manipulation on their life.
