Lifetime's You - Episode 1.05 "Living with the Enemy"
As Joe and Beck's fledgling relationship is tested by Peach's increasingly intrusive meddling, Joe does everything in his power to solve his Peach problem without making a mess. But Peach isn't making it easy.
In 2018, it has become very difficult to keep up with every television show out there. It's even more difficult to provide adequate coverage on this site about the episodes that air every week. Not every show can get full coverage because of my busy and hectic viewing schedule. As such, some reviews will now be condensed to give only some summary thoughts. But it also affords a space for me to jot down my thoughts on the various episodes. And so, here are my thoughts on this week's episode of Lifetime's You.
"Living with the Enemy" was written by Neil Reynolds and directed by Marta Cunningham
Joe has frequently criticized Beck for her lack of awareness of her surroundings and the true nature of her friends and family. And yet, he shows no awareness for his own despicable actions either. He sees himself as Beck's savior. He's the guy who can fix her. He can break her free from her abusive patterns in life of dating the wrong guy and befriending a person who only uses her. He presents himself as this picture perfect guy who she is now happily dating. He can talk about the bliss that comes from them establishing a routine in the mornings. But even that inner monologue shows just how controlling he wishes to be of her. He gives himself so much credit for giving her the space and encouragement to work. He believes he's championing her dreams. That's the line in which he can still view himself as a good, nice guy. But he's a monster. One who has no problem killing to get what he wants. He is still constantly monitoring Beck and her friends through their various online accounts. He is still hacked into all of their lives. He wants to know about a problem before it arises so that he can manipulate it to his benefit. And now, he comes to the shocking conclusion that Peach is Beck's stalker as well. He sees this as a huge revelation that means he once again has to step up in a big way in order to protect Beck. He doesn't see the similarities between himself and Peach though. They are both obsessed with Beck. It's the show being absolutely chilling in revealing that this really could happen to any ordinary woman who is just friendly in every aspect of her life. People can misconstrue that kindness for signs of desire and attraction. Peach and Joe have latched onto Beck and refuse to let her go. Joe sees Peach as a monster because she purposefully encourages Beck's career just to destroy all hope of ever going somewhere with her writing. That's monstrous because it is so oppressive. It means that Peach isn't a good friend at all. She just puts Beck in another situation where she is sexually harassed. It takes that act for Beck to realize that this is a destructive and damaged relationship. But even then, it's still so seductive for Peach to worm her way back into Beck's heart. Joe is realizing just how deep this relationship goes. As such, he takes that as a challenge for how he has to act in order to emerge the victor over Beck.
Beck isn't a prize to be won. She's a human being with a complicated life who just wants love and support while she is chasing her dreams. She has two people fighting over her and she's completely oblivious to every move they are making. She doesn't see Joe as a guy who could hack his way into the personal lives of her friends. She also doesn't see Peach as someone who would fake a suicide just in order to get her friend back. It's only her continually stuck in these patterns with no understanding of just how toxic they are for her. She doesn't have that clarity. That's what the audience should be rooting for throughout this series. We should want Beck to see what is so obvious to the rest of the world. But again, the show continues to be filtered through Joe's perspective. And right now, he believes he has killed Peach. He just wanted to knock her out while out for her morning run. Instead, he believes he has killed her. It's so devastating and makes him spiral out of control. It's fascinating hearing all of the thoughts that are running through his head. They all ultimately return to Beck and needing to protect her. He feels justified in his actions even while knowing that there will be an investigation because of Peach's wealthy family. He believes he hasn't done any good for anyone lately. He returns home to realize that Paco has poisoned his mother's abusive boyfriend. That's dangerous. It also leads to Joe promptly getting beat up. He sees this as karma. He killed Peach. And so, he has to be injured as well. But this horrifying turn in the story isn't over just yet. Peach didn't die from her injuries. She survived and is in the emergency room. That means there is so much out of Joe's control now which will only cause him to act more frantically in order to control Beck. It's so dangerous. And yet, it's so gripping to watch as well.
Beck isn't a prize to be won. She's a human being with a complicated life who just wants love and support while she is chasing her dreams. She has two people fighting over her and she's completely oblivious to every move they are making. She doesn't see Joe as a guy who could hack his way into the personal lives of her friends. She also doesn't see Peach as someone who would fake a suicide just in order to get her friend back. It's only her continually stuck in these patterns with no understanding of just how toxic they are for her. She doesn't have that clarity. That's what the audience should be rooting for throughout this series. We should want Beck to see what is so obvious to the rest of the world. But again, the show continues to be filtered through Joe's perspective. And right now, he believes he has killed Peach. He just wanted to knock her out while out for her morning run. Instead, he believes he has killed her. It's so devastating and makes him spiral out of control. It's fascinating hearing all of the thoughts that are running through his head. They all ultimately return to Beck and needing to protect her. He feels justified in his actions even while knowing that there will be an investigation because of Peach's wealthy family. He believes he hasn't done any good for anyone lately. He returns home to realize that Paco has poisoned his mother's abusive boyfriend. That's dangerous. It also leads to Joe promptly getting beat up. He sees this as karma. He killed Peach. And so, he has to be injured as well. But this horrifying turn in the story isn't over just yet. Peach didn't die from her injuries. She survived and is in the emergency room. That means there is so much out of Joe's control now which will only cause him to act more frantically in order to control Beck. It's so dangerous. And yet, it's so gripping to watch as well.
