Gen V's Strongest Supe Borrowed A Power From The Umbrella Academy, But Made It So Much Better

By Daniel Bibby

Published Feb 9, 2025

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Most of the powers in both shows will be familiar to those who regularly engage with superhero stories. That being said, they also feature either unique abilities or powers that have been tweaked to make them fit the vibe of each respective project. For example, powers in The Umbrella Academy range from something as run-of-the-mill as super strength all the way to something as ultra-specific as the ability to control crows. However, there's one comparison in particular that feels especially direct.

Both characters can manipulate the actions and desires of others

Mind control isn't original to The Umbrella Academy or Gen V, but both shows use the power in very creative and detailed ways. Allison Hargreeves' powers in The Umbrella Academy act similarly, although she doesn't need to touch the person whose mind she's hijacking. Instead, she says "I heard a rumor..." and finishes the sentence with what she wants her victim to do, say, or think.

Cate Dunlap is played by Maddie Phillips in Gen V, and Allison Hargreeves is played by Emmy Raver-Lampman in The Umbrella Academy.

Both women have different advantages and restrictions placed on them by the rules of their respective shows. For instance, Cate's powers are always active. As such, she has to wear gloves to avoid inadvertently influencing someone's actions or mental state. Plus, big and frequent manipulations take a physical toll on her. Inversely, Allison initially has full control over when she chooses to manipulate someone, and her powers don't hurt her. Having said that, later seasons removed Allison's need to say "I heard a rumor..." before her commands, which made her powers a little less predictable.

After She Unlocks Her True Potential, Gen V's Cate Is So Much Stronger Than Allison

Maddie Phillips' character reaches 100% of her abilities near the end of Gen V season 1

Cate with bloodshot eyes in Gen V season 1 episode 8 during fight on campus

At the beginning of their arcs, Cate's and Allison's respective power levels are about even. Eventually, it becomes clear just how much stronger Cate is than Allison. Raver-Lampman's character temporarily loses her voice (and therefore her powers), whereas there's little that can be done to stop Cate. Even the medication Cate's given only dampens her powers, and when she stops taking it, it quickly becomes evident just how much more fearsome Gen V's mind controller is compared to The Umbrella Academy's.