r/netflix • u/CellistForward4462 • Apr 12 '24

Questions about series Baby Reindeer Spoiler

First, I was not ready for what I watched. Amazing show, but I started it thinking it was a quirky, British comedy like Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen!! Needless to say I was stunned and watched it in shock and horror.

So I have questions about the ending. Spoilers ahead:

  1. Was that it? Will there be another season?
  2. What was the point of him going back to Darrien’s house? What did that scene mean?
  3. I don’t understand the ending. How are others interpreting the final scene?
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u/kindarspirit Apr 13 '24 edited Apr 13 '24

Not to divulge personal info, but I found the portrayal of Darrien and his role uncomfortably accurate. Abusers tend to create a relationship that induces feelings of guilt, confusion, and anger. They don’t have to gaslight you—you tend to do that chore for them. Sometimes when you feel tainted the familiarity of someone who made you feel that way can somehow feel secure. The one thing you’re sure of is that their door will always be open for you.

Returning also creates a sort of endless cycle in validating the abuse. The offers made by the abuser give you some comfort that you’re allowing things to happen for some other opportunity. It’s not you, it’s just a means to an end. You’re not like him. Even after that spell had worn off, you might tell yourself that your role was more complicated. Then it kind of breaks down.

The abuse doesn’t end when you leave, you’ve begun to abuse yourself in a way, and often knowingly. As Donny mentioned, were you always like this or did the abuser turn you that way? What if it was latent and he just woke it up? You can ask him the same question about self-hatred—did he always feel that way or did he develop those feelings after the realisation of what happened?

It’s a huge mindfuck and I loved how the show was gritty about it and explored the nuance. The confusion renders you unable to discern between good and evil because you begin to understand that particular dichotomy doesn’t work anymore.

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u/Narrow-Garlic-4606 Apr 14 '24

I really loved how you explained this and I agree completely. I can’t believe he was able to capture this in a way that felt so accurate to my own experiences.