Dirty John On Netflix Is Testament To Female Strength

It is the series that has gripped the nation. Did you temporarily put your life on hold to binge watch Netflix's gripping new series, Dirty John? Us too.

The harrowing new series delves into the whirlwind romance between a mega successful interior designer and a convincing con-man posing as a doctor. Within six weeks of dating, John Meehan had persuaded Debra Newell to rent the couple a beachfront home in Newport Beach, California, shortly followed by an impulsive wedding in Las Vegas. As Deborah falls deeper into John’s terrifying web of psychological manipulation and deceit, Debra’s sceptical daughters set out to prove their suspicions about John are correct.

Initially it seems to be the story of a man who conned and manipulated women time and time again but look closer and there's more to the story. The reality is that John was ultimately outsmarted and dependent on the women in his life.

Most people were quick to label Debra foolish and malleable, and admittedly it’s hard not to at times, but the true power of this story lies in the strength of its female characters.

Debra

Debra is, of course, the main protagonist in question. The fact she found the emotional and physical strength to walk out on John is hugely admirable, but ultimately it’s Debra's willingness to share her story that is the ultimate act of bravery, particularly when it does not always frame her in a particularly good light.

Prior to meeting John, Debra had been married four times and yet proceeded to marry the self-proclaimed doctor within six weeks of meeting. It is also easy to question Debra’s decision to put so much trust in a man she barely knew given that she was clearly a smart, successful businesswomen.

Of course, she was a fool to be guileless in believing his lies but once she finally decided to leave, she showed great strength, and in one of the most powerful scenes in the series, faces John with sheer force of character and tells him to get out of her way as she leaves him for a final time.

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