Ep 2. Red Flags and Parades

Dirty John season 1 episode 2, titled "Red Flags and Parades," picks up where the series' stunning premiere left off, immersing viewers further into the twisted psychology that underscores this true crime story. In this episode, we see John Meehan's mysterious past begin to unravel, as evidence of criminal backgrounds and dubious medical practices come to light. Meanwhile, Debra Newell grapples with the possibility she may be getting taken for a ride, despite her growing entanglement with John.

As Debra becomes increasingly enmeshed in her relationship with John, she begins to see signs that things may not be as they seem. Her family, too, starts to worry about her wellbeing as they see John's true colors start to emerge. However, John continues to weave an alternate reality around Debra, leading her deeper and deeper into his web of lies.

In "Red Flags and Parades," viewers are introduced to a number of new characters who help to illuminate different aspects of the story. We see glimpses of John's ex-wife, who reveals startling details about their previous relationship. Meanwhile, Debra's daughter, Veronica, starts to take an active role in trying to uncover the truth about John's past. Veronica's investigative instincts take her down a path that leads to some of her own startling revelations.

Throughout the episode, there's a mounting sense of tension that permeates each scene, as viewers wait for the other shoe to drop. Every conversation and interaction feels loaded with meaning, as the tension builds to a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the rest of the season.

One of the things that makes Dirty John such a compelling show is the way it navigates the fallibility of memory and perception. As we see in this episode, there are always multiple sides to every story – and for better or worse, people are often willing to overlook the red flags in favor of believing their own narrative. Debra's self-assuredness is both a strength and a vulnerability, as it drives her to seek out the love she craves while blinding her to the very real danger that looms.

Overall, "Red Flags and Parades" is a gripping episode that leaves viewers on edge – eager to see what happens next. At its core, Dirty John is a riveting exploration of human psychology, and this episode offers a tantalizing glimpse of the lengths to which people will go to protect themselves from the uncomfortable truths they'd rather not see.