
"What we can learn from psychopaths like Joe," Neo says, "is that we need to have a lot better boundaries. Even when something goes awry, "if we already had this preconceived notion that this person is sensitive and emotionally present, it's very easy for us to believe they're a good person."Īnd just as Joe had a tragic childhood, which he leverages for sympathy, people in real life can do the same: "A compelling story about how sad their childhood was evokes this caretaker instinct." And when we hear a story, it releases oxytocin in our brain-aka the bonding hormone. And what's more, with the ubiquity of dating apps today, anyone can manufacture a great first impression. They're masters of making "the right first impressions, creating this perception, weaving this little web in which they learn about you and stage their entrance into your life," says Neo. "If you're vulnerable because you're looking for someone to rescue you," Neo adds, "then sophisticated psychopaths and dark personality types are going to be out for you."
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It may be just a show, but it can tell us a lot about red flags and how to avoid problematic scenarios. You offers an extreme example of what can happen when a psychopath enters your life. Joe love bombs his victims, and he makes himself your world." Joe's behavior could even seem romantic "to those of us who have been brought up on Disney and rom-coms practically IV-dripped into our consciousness. He wants to change, he wants to do things better, and we root for a person who wants to change and transform." On top of that, we like to give people the benefit of the doubt, and a second (or fifth) chance for redemption: "The thing about Joe and the way he narrates it." Neo adds, ".it's really a story that triggers our love for redemption. So when we have empathy for someone, it hooks us in." And we try to do that for other people, especially if we are very understanding of other people. "Empathy is really about how we are compelled to understand why things are the way they are.

It comes down to the empathy that Joe evokes, according to Neo.


We know what he's doing is wrong, so why do we root for him? Without spoiling anything, there are multiple close calls within the show where viewers may find themselves hoping Joe gets away with his actions.
