Do you believe in the "Road is Katerina" theory? Personally I don't... It just, doesn't click well?
- 🤷❓
Tbh I also don't think the same way, in fact I have a whole ass argument up on my sleeves on why the theory just straight up confuses me. My friend also agrees with me and kinda brought up some things about it as well.
Considering how the theory seemed to be somewhat popular and resolute with others, I will just say that the first time I read it. I fucking hated it and I'm (not) sorry about it. If you guys have some things to say to me about it then click off this post since this entire post is about why this theory does not make sense and why people like me don't like it that much.
Here's the reasons why I do not agree to the "Road is Katerina" theory:
1. Character Contradiction:
The most obvious and prominent one that I placed focused on, Road and Katerina have distinct, well-established personalities and roles throughout the series. And while Katerina barely appeared, her very few appearances actually gave us a good grasp of her character that obviously contradicts Road. Road has been portrayed as a playful yet dangerous character with a very complex relationship and backstory, we don't know much about her but her character reveals so far much of her playful and erratic personality who also cares deeply for her family, in spite of her sadism. Katerina, on the other hand, seemed more reserved and an relatively different kind of character, both in terms of demeanor and emotional connections. The personalities don't align well, and forcing them to be the same person feels like a disservice...
2. Narrative Consistency:
There’s no substantial narrative or hint in the story that supports that Road is secretly Katerina/Katerina is Road's body. As far as I am concerned, Road does care deeply for Mana and Nea and so does Katerina but that's it. Also the close relationship with Road and Earl is actually something that I may have an idea about (I promise guys I'll make a separate post about this). If Katerina were Road in disguise, it would undermine the carefully crafted tension and mystery around Road's motives and identity. The reveal would feel abrupt and out of place without any buildup or subtle foreshadowing. If anything, I support that Road's real body is in the Campbell Residence but I don't think that she and Katerina are the same.
3. Unclear Motivations:
Road is motivated by loyalty to Earl and her family and is willing to embrace destruction for their sake, while Katerina's are entirely unknown and so far have not been revealed. If they were the same person, it would be hard to reconcile these differing motivations and character drives, especially since Katerina has been shown zero hints of any hidden agenda, which is a stark contrast to Road.
4. Emotional Disconnect:
Ok first of all, I agree that Yes! Road cares deeply for Mana and Nea and that Katerina does as well (she's literally their mom guys). But, the bond between them feels... Different, at least to me. Katerina has this motherly affection and love for Mana and Nea, and her relationship with Adam is close yet it does remains a mystery (avid believer that they were very very close). Road also love Mana and Nea but her relationship with them felt different, idk how to put into words but her familial love for them feels different but they're family so that's all I'm gonna say. The theory would make Katerina’s feelings for Adam difficult to explain if she were secretly Road and vise verse. The emotional investment and connections wouldn't make sense if the character were hiding such a major secret.
5. Logical Issues:
From a purely logistical standpoint, the theory heavily leans on speculation and identical relationships three key characters (Adam, Mana and Nea). How could Katerina possibly be Road when we know absolutely very little of her? The distinct differences in mannerisms, and background makes it incredibly hard for me to believe the theory. Plus, Katerina’s interactions with other characters — like with Adam, Mana and Nea, and even her possible connection with Cross (Dgm ch. 245) — would be inconsistent if she were Road.
And finally my last reason is that — Hoshino's writing. Listen, there's so many things that I love about Dgm. like from the art-style, storyline, gut-wreaching backstories and also Allen 💖💕. But I would absolutely be livid if Katerina and Road turned out to be the same person.
To summarize, as you said: it doesn't make click well (AKA does not make logistical sense to you). I don't agree with the theory because it feels like a forced connection that doesn’t line up with the characters' established identities and motivations. The personalities are different, the narrative doesn’t hint at such a twist, and the emotional stakes would fall apart. It doesn’t mesh with the world-building or the relationships we've seen so far.
This post should provide a solid basis on why the theory doesn't resonate with you. And honestly guys, you can believe whatever you want but some people just don't really like/understand it so...