Stalking in the Name of Love

I love to binge watch a great series! What qualifies a series to be binge worthy? Well, several factors come to mind! Suspense, unforeseen plot twists, not to mention a fascinating story line will hold my attention hostage. Dirty John did qualify, as I was hooked once watching the first episode. Created by Alexander Cunningham and centered around the life of John Meehan and Debra Newell. The show is based on a true story and illustrates the pitfalls of a love gone wrong. When curled up on my couch after a long week, I will read a brief description of the series or show before proceeding forward. Key words such as mystery, psychological thriller, strength, resilience, may activate my curiosity. Dirty John is a show that illustrates a man of many masks, who utilizes love to gain access. Deception, the foundation of this relationship enabled Debra the main target to become susceptible. Enthralled by John’s charms and consumed by innate desires for romance and love; Debra and family were propelled into a world of illusions. Dirty John introduced himself as a doctor and was not afraid to play dress up on their first date. Showing up late in scrubs and utilizing surgery as an excuse, initiated a windfall of upcoming lies. However, his dirty fingernails went unnoticed and served as one of many red flags. Dirty John, a con man preying on women with money, viewed Debra as an opportunity. This series covers quite a few themes surrounding trust, self worth, and discernment. Love, despite its infinite expressions, is utilized as a front in this case. Hence, enabling Dirty John to carry out his sordid intentions towards Debra.

If you ever wonder what goes on in the mind of a stalker, YOU is a great series! The main character Joe has quite a few things in common with John; and stalking is definitely on the list! This show is not based on a true story however, numerous plot twists does make it binge worthy. Joe, the main character appears to be an average Joe but carries a boatload of skeletons in his closet. An obsession with the concept of being in love has caused Joe to live a double life. In the day time he runs a bookstore, appears to be approachable, worldly on many topics, and quite knowledgeable about books. When everyone is asleep Joe is not, and finds himself on the internet researching Love an unfortunate girl who happened to walk into his bookstore. At first sight, Joe was intrigued by her demeanor which he viewed as eccentric based on her style of clothing. Unbeknownst to Love, Joe started to follow her around the bookstore. He observed Love's interactions, and marveled at her smile, beauty, and small gestures of kindness. Joe believes in Love at first sight literally! As Love shares the same name with this universal concept, that Joe has struggled through very dark means to ascertain. John and Joe serve as protagonists as depicted by their obsessive, ruthless, and predatory behaviors.

The targets are women open to love, despite having faced challenges in their past relationships. The producers did provide a bit of background on each lady, which I felt was a pivotal step. As a viewer, one question kept coming to mind. What was it about these women that made them vulnerable and accessible? The tendency to ignore red flags is a major theme, which can inadvertently cause viewers to self reflect. I believe that is a great formula for success, when a movie or series elicits that sort of connection. Feeling a greater sense of awareness as it pertains to my surroundings, is a definite byproduct from watching both shows. However, steering clear from paranoia is important as the mind can be quite imaginative. Nevertheless, if a meaningful experience is your cup of tea each series has plenty of wisdom to share. For example, Debra and Love ignored advice from family and friends. Debra's daughter hired a private investigator, who came back with a plethora of information on Dirty John’s criminal past. Nevertheless, John manages to shift Debra’s perspectives with more lies. Love friends did communicate concerns about Joe as well to no avail. Debra and Love, were depicted as intelligent, independent, educated, vibrant, yet missed quite a few clues in the love department. Is love really blind? Or is it a human phenomenon when matters of the heart are concerned? Who knows! However, it was fun trying my best to decipher this while watching Dirty John, and YOU.