In season 2 of Netflix's show Elite, a new character named Cayetana was introduced. This character was arguably the least well-received character introduced in the second season of the show.
Cayetana seemed very one-dimensional compared to the other characters. She rarely had time to shine on her own and primarily served as a vessel to advance the development of the other characters. Cayetana made several questionable decisions during her two seasons, though there were some times when one couldn't help but feel bad for her. Here are the 5 times we felt bad for Cayetana and the 5 times we hated her.
Hated: Lied About Everything
When Cayetana first arrives as Las Encinas, she seems like just another spoiled rich kid. Cayetana is an influencer and regularly posts about how wonderful her life is. She tells everyone that she lives alone in a huge mansion as her parents are busy traveling for their jobs. She spends all of her time talking about exciting worldly experiences.
But the image of herself Cayetana projects to others is entirely false. In reality, Cayetana is the poor daughter of a janitor. It's difficult to root for someone who isn't the least bit honest about who they are.
Felt Bad: Became A Janitor
In season 3, Cayetana thought she had found her ticket out of poverty in her boyfriend Polo. The two had plans to attend university in London, with Polo's parents footing the bill. After Polo's death, his parents offer Cayetana the opportunity to still take advantage of this opportunity. Cayetana declines, seemingly having learned that money isn't everything.
Cayetana says she intends to attend a public college instead of going to an expensive private one. However, at the end of season 3, it is revealed that Cayetana is working as a janitor at Las Encinas. Cayetana may grow to regret her decision as she looks extremely unhappy in her former school.
Hated: Giant Con
After learning the truth about her financial situation, Polo is determined to help Cayetana. He suggests that she host a fake benefit for a charity that does not exist and keep the money for herself. The two intend to keep the benefit small with no more than 10 people, however, Cayetana underestimates Lu when asking her to invite a few people to the benefit.
When the event grows large, Cayetana intends to continue with her con. Worried about being caught in a lie, she thrusts Lu into the spotlight, pretending she has convinced the company to make Lu an ambassador. She even asks Lu to make a speech at the event. Cayetana is truly ugly in this moment as she thrusts someone who trusted and helped her into the middle of her con, unbeknownst to them.
Felt Bad: Rebeca Teasing Her At A Party
It was clear that Cayetana's secret would come out sooner or later. When Rebeca's mother hires a new cleaner for their house, Rebeca recognizes Cayetana and her mother. Cayetana later shows up for Rebeca's holiday party.
Rebeca begins a game of "Never Have I Ever," taunting Cayetana. Her examples all make it obvious that she knows the truth about Cayetana. Rebeca seems to enjoy embarrassing Cayetana and takes great pleasure in watching her discomfort during the game.
Hated: Hiding The Trophy
When it becomes clear that the police are going to search the lake where Polo has hidden Marina's murder weapon, he shares his concern with Cayetana. Cayetana takes it upon herself to dive into the lake and retrieve the trophy. She then hides the murder weapon in her apartment, protecting Polo.
This decision leads to a series of painful events, which culminate in the death of Polo. He probably would have been better off with them finding the weapon.
Felt Bad: Polo Dumped Her
Cayetana put a lot of effort into her relationship with Polo. She is there for him when no one else is and does her best to be a good girlfriend. Cayetana and Polo plan for the future and she believes that their relationship will last for years to come.
When Polo breaks up with Cayetana, she is stunned and hurt. She tries to convince him to change his mind but he is unwilling to speak to her and throws her out of the house.
Hated: Stole From Her Client
As Cayetana's family struggles financially, Cayetana sometimes needs to help out with her mother's cleaning business. While Cayetana is supposed to be working, she decides to steal a dress from her client's closet and go to meet her friends at the club.
When she is leaving the club, she happens to see her client, who immediately recognizes the dress. This theft causes Cayetana's mother to lose all of her clients. This act was truly selfish and irresponsible. Cayetana had already damaged an expensive piece of art by having people over a client's home but didn't seem to learn her lesson.
Felt Bad: Sick Grandfather
It appears that Cayetana lives in her apartment with her mother and her sick grandfather. He is shown lying in bed attached to an oxygen tank. Though the two have few scenes together, it is clear Cayetana cares for him.
After her con fails, Cayetana has a scene in which she breaks down and begins crying into his chest. This scene is arguably the most genuine moment Cayetana has in the entire series.
Hated: Treatment Of Her Mom
When thinking about traits that describe Cayetana, one of the first that comes to mind is "selfish." This is quite an accomplishment considering the cast of characters in Elite. Cayetana is obsessed with her image and doesn't want anyone to know that her mother is the janitor.
Her treatment of her mother is cruel. Cayetana makes it obvious that she is embarrassed by her mother and has no respect for her. She makes reckless decisions without considering how they will affect her mother and screams at her mother when she tries to parent Cayetana. She even has the nerve to tell her mother not to speak to her at school.
Felt Bad: Lu Exposed Her
Cayetana deserved to be punished for her lies, however, the moment in which she is outed is brutal. During the fake charity event, Lu learns the truth about Cayetana. She is furious and has hit her breaking point.
When she is pushed to make a speech, Lu decides to use this moment to expose all of Cayetana's lies. This leaves Cayetana in a room filled with individuals she has just conned as well as all of the classmates to which she has been lying.