Martha shows signs of manic behavior, all consistent with bipolar disorder: the grandiose lies, the giddiness, the pressured speech, the persistent sexually inappropriate remarks, the disorganized home etc.
This show has a grip on me. During the first episode I already knew the story is true, but afterwards I discovered that the main character is portrayed by the real person, the man who lived the story. Watching this second episode, knowing Donny “is actually Donny”… This is undeniably a unique form of art I've never seen before.
Fantastic episode!
The newly-revealed relationship with Teri, the "Tony" persona, the internalized transphobia, they all add nuance and complexity to Donny's character, showing how his low self-worth and unmet needs for acceptance and affection have allowed Martha to bulldoze his boundaries, with gradually escalating transgressions leading up to her sexual assault on him.
Oh man.. that ending. So heavy, so sad.
Nothing could have prepared me for episode 4. It is extremely dark and upsetting. That episode was hard to watch knowing that really happened to author in real life. Episode 4 left me emotionally drained. My brain needed a break.
I have to say up to this moment I was really frustrated with watching Donny making bad decisions with regards to the Martha situation, Donny’s insane lack of boundaries got on my nerves. But in this episode he finally admitted Martha was giving him the attention that he craved, as he said, “Martha saw me the way I wanted to be seen.”
oh my god dude you arw PISSING ME OFF like i get it babes BUT GET SOME FUCKING HELP
"What's the catch?"
That was such a Harlem Shake moment :joy:
He's got some serious issues too.
It's so strange and breaking-the-fourth-wall-ish watching that final monologue knowing the actor who's preforming it is the one who wrote it and also the one who's been though the harrowing events in real life. I guess making the series was a healing journey? Idk.
I bet everyone who said Donny was unsympathetic and unlikable because he wasn't acting how they thought he should feels really fuckin' stupid right now. ¯_(ツ)_/¯
I found the ending to be quite good. It successfully brought all the elements of the show together and provided a satisfying explanation for the title. Additionally, it shed light on Martha's traumatic childhood and the reasons behind her choice of 'baby reindeer' as a term of endearment.
Donny finally confessing to his parents, going back to see his abuser, the support from Keeley and her mom Liz. The fact it ended with him getting a free coke and vodka and that's how it started with Martha.
This show utterly gutted me, but I'm glad I saw it.
One of the best episodes! Bluey and Bingo mirroring evolution of the species while ageing metaphorically, was brilliant!!
Contrary to popular opinion I actually quite liked this episode (except the CGI dog ofc, that was the shits), it had a nice touch to it and it was nice to see the guys out of London.
Not the strongest in the series. Could have been better if only John and Sherlock were given a room with only one bed - I made my point.
