Kage

1. Mafia Loyalty vs. Personal Morality

If anything, or anyone, jeopardizes our family, they die.

Unwavering allegiance. The Bonetti family operates under a strict code where loyalty to the family supersedes all else. Kage's internal conflict regarding Raina highlights this, as he initially attempts to follow his brother Bones' order to eliminate all Abruzzos, despite his growing feelings for her. This adherence to family directives, even when morally questionable, is a cornerstone of their existence and a deeply ingrained part of their identity.

Orders are absolute. Bones, as the head of the family, issues commands that are expected to be followed without question. His directive to "kill every living Abruzzo" puts Kage in a direct moral dilemma, forcing him to choose between his family's established code and his burgeoning personal connection. The consequences of defying such orders are severe, threatening Kage's standing and even his life within the organization, as seen in his fear of being cast out.

Survival mechanism. This rigid loyalty is not just tradition; it's a survival mechanism in their brutal world. Any perceived weakness or deviation from the code can be exploited by rivals, making absolute adherence to family rules a matter of life and death for the entire Bonetti enterprise. Kage's struggle reflects the immense pressure to conform to these expectations, even when his heart pulls him in a different direction.

2. The Cycle of Retaliation

An eye for an eye.

Escalating violence. The conflict between the Abruzzos and Bonettis exemplifies a relentless cycle of retaliation. What began with Reaper killing three Abruzzo sons over a parking spot quickly escalated into the Abruzzos kidnapping and torturing Bella, Reaper's pregnant girlfriend, with the intent to kill her unborn child. This tit-for-tat mentality ensures that peace is fleeting and violence is perpetual, with each side seeking to outdo the other in brutality.

Brutal consequences. Each act of revenge is met with an even more brutal response, pushing the boundaries of cruelty. The Abruzzos' decision to target Bella and her unborn child, rather than directly confronting Reaper, is seen as cowardly by the Bonettis, leading to the swift and violent elimination of the Abruzzo men. This demonstrates that in their world, perceived weakness or unconventional retaliation only invites harsher retribution, ensuring no slight goes unpunished.

No innocent parties. The cycle of violence rarely spares anyone, often drawing in those not directly involved in the initial conflict. Raina, despite her personal disgust for her family's actions, becomes a casualty of this war, highlighting how deeply entrenched individuals become in the consequences of their family's feuds. The narrative underscores that in this world, there are few truly innocent bystanders, as everyone is touched by the violence.

3. Trauma and Resilience

At least now the pain can stop. No more visits from Leo. He will never touch me again.

Enduring abuse. Raina's childhood was marked by severe sexual abuse from her Uncle Leo, a trauma compounded by her father's disbelief and the patriarchal rules of her mafia family. This deep-seated pain manifests in self-harm and a profound sense of worthlessness, believing her only value lies in her virginity for an arranged marriage. Her internal monologue reveals a life so burdened by suffering that death offers a perverse sense of relief, a desperate escape.

Bella's ordeal. Bella, Reaper's girlfriend, also endures horrific torture at the hands of the Abruzzo men, including the loss of her unborn child. Despite this immense physical and emotional pain, she displays remarkable strength, comforting Reaper and later showing empathy towards Raina. Her resilience is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and find strength even after unimaginable suffering, becoming a pillar for her partner.

Finding strength. Both Raina and Bella, though victims of extreme violence, exhibit a powerful inner strength. Raina's initial desire for death transforms into a fight for survival, especially after her pregnancy. Bella, having faced her own tragedy, becomes a source of support and understanding for Raina, demonstrating how shared trauma can forge unexpected bonds and foster healing, creating a network of resilience among the women.

4. Love's Unconventional Emergence

I don’t fucking know what love is, but whatever this is, I can’t lose it.

Unexpected connection. Kage, initially a cold and ruthless enforcer, finds himself inexplicably drawn to Raina, an "enemy's daughter." His initial intention to kill her is thwarted by a gun misfire, leading to a complex and intense relationship. This unexpected connection challenges his long-held beliefs about women and his own emotional capabilities, forcing him to confront feelings he never thought possible, disrupting his carefully constructed persona.

Challenging norms. The Bonetti brothers, particularly Kage and Psycho, had a pact to avoid the "pussy whipped shit" that Bones and Reaper experienced with their wives. Kage's growing obsession and eventual love for Raina directly contradict this, highlighting how love can emerge in the most unconventional and dangerous circumstances, breaking down even the most hardened emotional barriers. His internal struggle is a testament to love's unpredictable nature.

Transformative power. Kage's love for Raina begins to transform him, making him question his family's brutal code and his own actions. His willingness to defy his brothers, protect Raina, and even apologize for his cruelty marks a significant shift from his previous persona. This demonstrates love's power to instigate profound personal change, even in a character deeply entrenched in a life of violence, pushing him towards a semblance of humanity.

5. The Cost of Betrayal

You’ve lost the right to call me by my given name. Also, it’s not only up to me, Raina. There’s a way we handle people who do this to us. I’ll spare you the details, but it will not be pleasant.

Severe consequences. Raina's decision to contact the ADA, fueled by anger and grief over Kage's actions, is a profound act of betrayal in the mafia world. Kage's reaction is immediate and brutal: he strips her of her personal identity, chains her in the basement, and treats her as a "whore," signifying the complete loss of trust and respect. This punishment underscores the severe cost of disloyalty within their organization, where such acts are unforgivable.

Emotional devastation. Beyond the physical punishment, Kage's words inflict deep emotional wounds, particularly his declaration that "The girl I thought I loved is dead." This emotional devastation is arguably more painful than the physical restraints, as it shatters Raina's nascent hope for a genuine connection and reinforces her deepest fears about her worth. The betrayal cuts both ways, leaving both Kage and Raina deeply scarred by the rupture of their bond.

Family's judgment. The betrayal also impacts Kage's standing within his family. While Bones ultimately decides against killing Raina due to her pregnancy and Kage's feelings, the initial reaction from Psycho and Bones is one of anger and disbelief. Kage is forced to confront his brothers' judgment and the potential consequences of his emotional attachment to a perceived traitor, highlighting the constant pressure to maintain family honor and control.

6. Redemption Through Acknowledgment

I’m fucked up, okay, but I’m sorry for what I did to you. It wasn’t right and I know that. Fuck, I knew it while I was doing it, but I couldn’t control myself.

Confronting inner demons. Kage's journey towards redemption begins with a raw and honest acknowledgment of his "fucked up" nature and the terrible things he did to Raina. This confession, though painful, is a crucial first step, as it demonstrates a rare moment of self-awareness and a desire to change, rather than simply justifying his actions. He admits his lack of control and the depth of his regret, a stark contrast to his usual stoicism.

Actions over words. While Kage's apology is significant, Raina's trauma means words alone are insufficient. She challenges him, asking if future anger will lead to more abuse. Kage understands that he must prove his sincerity through consistent, respectful actions, such as providing comfort during her morning sickness, taking her on a thoughtful date, and respecting her boundaries. This shift from control to care is vital for rebuilding trust, however fragile.

Long road to healing. The path to forgiveness and healing is long and arduous. Raina's internal conflict—loving Kage despite his cruelty—reflects the complexity of their relationship. Kage's commitment to "fix this" and be "good to you" signifies his dedication to a transformative process, acknowledging that true redemption requires sustained effort and a fundamental change in his approach to their relationship, moving beyond his ingrained patterns of violence.

7. Women's Agency in a Patriarchal World

Anything I do is my choice. You can kill me, but you can’t force me to do anything I don’t want to.

Defiance and resistance. Despite being born into a patriarchal mafia world where women are seen as property, Raina consistently asserts her agency. From her early defiance against her father's arranged marriage plans to her refusal to be Kage's "pet," she demonstrates a fierce independent spirit. Her declaration that "Anything I do is my choice" highlights her unwavering belief in her autonomy, even when facing death, a powerful act of self-preservation.

Subtle influence. While not wielding overt power, women like Athena and Bella exert significant influence within the Bonetti family. Athena's quiet strength and Bella's directness often temper the brothers' more brutal impulses. Bella's intervention in Raina's chaining, and her subsequent advice to Kage, demonstrate how these women, through their relationships, can subtly steer the men towards more humane actions, challenging their ingrained misogyny.

Redefining roles. The narrative shows women actively redefining their roles beyond traditional expectations. Bella, despite her past trauma, becomes a formidable partner to Reaper, even joking about her "body count." Raina, through her resilience and eventual pregnancy, forces Kage to confront his own emotional limitations and reconsider his treatment of her, ultimately challenging the very foundations of his controlling nature and demanding respect.

8. The Power of Empathy and Support

I volunteered. It was obviously between Athena and I. I thought I could help the most, so here I am.

Unexpected allies. In a world defined by rivalry and violence, Raina finds unexpected empathy and support from Bella and Athena, the women of the Bonetti family. Despite the Abruzzos' brutal actions against Bella, she extends compassion to Raina, understanding her captive situation and the trauma she endures. This sisterhood transcends family feuds, offering Raina a lifeline of understanding and a sense of not being entirely alone.

Shared experiences. Bella and Athena, having navigated their own complex relationships with the Bonetti brothers, offer Raina a unique perspective. They acknowledge the brothers' "blurred ideas of consent" and their inability to handle emotions, validating Raina's feelings while also offering hope for transformation. Their shared experiences create a bond of understanding that helps Raina process her own situation, providing a sense of solidarity.

Emotional guidance. These women act as emotional guides for both Raina and Kage. Bella's direct intervention in Raina's chaining, and her subsequent advice to Kage about his emotional immaturity, are pivotal. They encourage Kage to acknowledge his love and treat Raina with respect, demonstrating the profound impact of empathetic support in fostering healing and growth within deeply troubled relationships, pushing for a more humane approach.

9. Breaking the Cycle of Violence

I don’t think you should die because of what they did. I’m sorry. I cannot go against my brothers.

Internal conflict. Kage's struggle to kill Raina, despite his family's orders, marks a significant internal conflict that hints at a desire to break from the ingrained cycle of violence. His admission that he doesn't believe she should die for her family's crimes, even as he feels compelled to follow his brothers, reveals a nascent moral compass struggling against his brutal upbringing. This internal battle is a first step towards a different path, however hesitant.

Protecting the innocent. The decision to spare Raina, and later to protect her and their unborn child, represents a conscious effort to shield loved ones from the indiscriminate violence of their world. Reaper's act of jumping in front of the bullet meant for Raina, though accidental in its outcome, symbolizes a protective instinct that transcends the "eye for an eye" mentality, prioritizing the well-being of family, even if newly acquired, over pure revenge.

Hope for change. While the Bonettis remain deeply entrenched in their criminal activities, the emotional growth of Kage and Reaper, influenced by their relationships with Raina and Bella, offers a glimmer of hope. Their willingness to confront their own destructive patterns and prioritize the happiness and safety of their women suggests a potential, albeit slow, shift towards a future where love and protection might temper the relentless cycle of violence, offering a chance for a different legacy.

Last updated: October 24, 2025