It is puzzling why they chose to name Season 2 after Betty Broderick instead of her narcissistic late ex-husband. Being unaware of their story before this enactment, I was under the initial impression that she would be the John Meehan of this season.
With the rise of narcissism in the world (one only has to look to the United States and their leader), it is time that more people learnt how to recognize a narcissist and avoid their toxicity. Using Dan Broderick as an example, here is a quick summary:
#1. Love bombing. Flooding Betty with affection and overtures during the initial courtship. And no doubt doing the same later with Linda.
#2. Validation seeking and vanity. Image-obsessed and insisting on three bespoke coats in med school when Betty was barely making ends meet.
#3. Entitlement. Expecting Betty to help put him through law school while single-handedly raising four children.
#4. Vindictiveness and lack of empathy. Not considering Betty's feelings nor his children's, which ultimately would be his downfall.
#5. Exploitativeness. Using Betty to ensure his success and, when that objective is achieved, seducing a young and naive Linda to stroke his ego.
#6. Gaslighting. Denying his accountability and questioning Betty's sanity.
Not all narcissists are of the grandiose nature. Dan's narcissism was covert, reserved only for those closest to him, in particular Betty. Had he and Linda lived, there is no question that he would have behaved as despicably towards Linda as he did with Betty. A leopard never changes its spots, especially a narcissistic one.
Season 1 offered a glimpse into sociopathy, courtesy of John Meehan. Season 2 told the tale of an arrogant narcissist meeting his untimely demise by pushing his first wife too far. There are still Machiavellianism and psychopathy to cover in the following seasons.
With the rise of narcissism in the world (one only has to look to the United States and their leader), it is time that more people learnt how to recognize a narcissist and avoid their toxicity. Using Dan Broderick as an example, here is a quick summary:
#1. Love bombing. Flooding Betty with affection and overtures during the initial courtship. And no doubt doing the same later with Linda.
#2. Validation seeking and vanity. Image-obsessed and insisting on three bespoke coats in med school when Betty was barely making ends meet.
#3. Entitlement. Expecting Betty to help put him through law school while single-handedly raising four children.
#4. Vindictiveness and lack of empathy. Not considering Betty's feelings nor his children's, which ultimately would be his downfall.
#5. Exploitativeness. Using Betty to ensure his success and, when that objective is achieved, seducing a young and naive Linda to stroke his ego.
#6. Gaslighting. Denying his accountability and questioning Betty's sanity.
Not all narcissists are of the grandiose nature. Dan's narcissism was covert, reserved only for those closest to him, in particular Betty. Had he and Linda lived, there is no question that he would have behaved as despicably towards Linda as he did with Betty. A leopard never changes its spots, especially a narcissistic one.
Season 1 offered a glimpse into sociopathy, courtesy of John Meehan. Season 2 told the tale of an arrogant narcissist meeting his untimely demise by pushing his first wife too far. There are still Machiavellianism and psychopathy to cover in the following seasons.