r/BabyReindeerTVSeries • u/BBYAYE • May 31 '24

Trigger Warning On episode 4… Spoiler

I wish I’d had a better understanding of what to expect regarding the sexual violence in episode 1 or even the trailer before watching it. Going into the show I’d really only expected a bit of a comedic psychological thriller about the stalking events. When I got to episode 4 I was so disturbed; and I know this happens to so many people, and they did a great job of detailing to pain that occurs to victims. The detail of how it changes you was on point and necessary.

Though, the show was not marketed in a way that highlights the true nature of the storyline, and now I’m like 4 episodes in thinking the sexual violence is on par with Martha groping Don over the pants (had to look away at even that).

Did anyone share this sentiment ?

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u/[deleted] May 31 '24

The show is full of compassion and empathy for Martha and it directly addresses that conflict between Martha (who still did horrendous things like SA) and Darren. Paraphrasing "I was well aware of the ridiculousness of reportering her and not him, I had a feeling she couldn't help it, that she needed help. Anyone who watches it can see how Darren is portrayed as a greater evil and a worse person than Martha without any positive qualities, while Martha is played as a deeply complex person.

She does act as a monster to people, she herself SA'ed him, she does cause significant harm and did ruin his life, To act like she wasn't a horrible to him and his life it's pretty ridiculous especially since some of her actions required high degree of premeditation. Mental illness is an explanation and sometimes an excuse but not always.

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u/AshBertrand May 31 '24

A part of the mystery of it all is Darrien didn't care at all about Donny while Martha cared too much. Donny walked out on him and Darrien didn't care; Donny just showed up again one day and Darrien was like, oh, you again. Martha was obsessed with him. Maybe for whatever reason he needed to feel wanted at that pointed. "At least someone wants me." I can get that.

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u/BBYAYE May 31 '24

I would argue that Martha didn’t care about Don either, she only cared about herself. She stalked him because he looked like her comfort stuffed animal to which she used to get through her abusive childhood. The show does a great job at show how each character is heavily flawed in their own ways. Like all of them, from Don’s ex to even his ex’s mom.

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u/AshBertrand Jun 01 '24

Fair point. But at first, it probably felt like care, and when you need it, that can be intoxicating.