Gen VandThe Umbrella Academytake different approaches to the superhero genre, and the former borrows a power from the former while making the Amazon character who boasts the ability so much more powerful than their Netflix counterpart. WithThe Umbrella Academyseason 4’s endingstrongly suggesting the comic book adaptation is done for good,Gen Vremains one of the best active superhero shows across all platforms- plus just one of thebest shows on Amazonfull stop.
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 inThe Umbrella Academyrange 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.
Cate From Gen V & Allison From The Umbrella Academy Share The Same Power
Both characters can manipulate the actions and desires of others
Mind control isn’t original toThe Umbrella AcademyorGen V, but both shows use the power in very creative and detailed ways.Cate Dunlap’s powers inGen Vrequire her to make physical contact with the person she’s manipulating, but it only seems to be her hands that need to touch the person’s skin.Allison Hargreeves' powers inThe Umbrella Academyact 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 inGen V, and Allison Hargreeves is played by Emmy Raver-Lampman inThe 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
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 fearsomeGen V’s mind controller is compared toThe Umbrella Academy’s.
Gen V
Cast
Gen V is set at America’s only college for superheroes, where students challenge their moral limits while competing to join Vought International’s elite team, The Seven. As dark secrets of the institution are revealed, they must determine the kind of heroes they aspire to be.
The Umbrella Academy
The Umbrella Academy is based on the comic book of the same name created by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá. The Hargreeves — collectively known as The Umbrella Academy — were born with superpowers, and their adoptive father utilized their abilities. However, as they grew older, the siblings grew apart as they dealt with their trauma. They are brought back together after their father dies and Five returns from the future with grave news: The world will end, and The Umbrella Academy has to stop it before it happens.
