man, Lost, you are on thin ice with me.
What happened to Kate? She was a strong, complex character -- one who actually moved the plot, too. This season? She's in a dress, in a cage. Literally. And that's pretty much all she's doing.
Her only purpose thus far has been as a foil for Sawyer; he "can't resist her," and kisses her even though he gets busted in the head with a rifle (hmmm... dangerously unleashed female sexuality much?), she SITS in her CAGE while Sawyer reacts to her, and bases his actions on protecting her. Her only real action in this past episode? (besides threatening to make sawyer's heart explode when he sees her changing, of course...) telling the nose guy she loves Sawyer so he'll stop beating him up.
Gee. How empowering.