Analysis of Ozark (Netflix) | Marty & Wendy Byrde | Dark Triad & Bipolar Disorder

My favorite line was when Marty told his wife the most relaxing sound he heard all week was her lover hitting the pavement

I think it's worthwhile to note that Ben's violent episode as a substitute school teacher was in defense of a girl being bullied by her classmates. Someone sent an embarrassing photo of a girl in class to all of her classmates. Ben took all the kids' phones away. He might have been the bullied girl's hero.

Cmon Doc, youre just jealous that their therapist got a Lambo.

I actually liked that Jacob Snell was killed off, because it highlighted the parallel dynamics with Jacob/Darlene and Martin/Wendy- being a criminal couple, with the wife eventually becoming more dangerous/engaged in the criminal lifestyle than the husband. Jacob and Darlene represent a possible future Martin and Wendy. Like Jacob says to Martin, “What do you do, Marty, when the bride that took your breath away becomes the wife that makes you hold your breath in terror?” Wendy crosses that line when she embraces her new lifestyle in the last season and has Ruth’s father killed, then her own brother. Martin fails to adjust to their new positions alongside her, he crumbles at the pastor’s death. He may be a morally better man, but he’s the weaker criminal.

I lived at Lake of the Ozarks. The lake was built by the power company back in the 1920's. However, the development of the surrounding land was originally to a large extent the work of the Chicago mob. The purpose was to launder money. I was told this by different sources, both in Illinois and the Ozarks.

“ Pleasant viewing experience into an anxiety provoking challenge” 🤣. I thought I was the only one. I love love love Ozark and appreciate your analysis. Wendy’s brother wrecked me, I don’t think I’ve sobbed that hard in a long time, as when he was killed.

Great analysis! I thought Wendy's brother exhibited more the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder instead of just purely bipolar. I think they used the label of bipolar because it's more familiar to general audiences, but in my opinion, they wasted an opportunity to educate the audience of a less known disorder.

Good analysis. As others, I'd appreciate an analysis of Ruth too. She scares the bejeezus outta me. The actress must have great fun playing that role.

Understatement of the year... "...they have some adventures...".

I love that show! That’s funny you have a little game with the objects in the “O”, I do too! I don’t try to memorize and find them, I try to figure out what it’s foreshadowing about that episode.

I get a Marty vibe from you, and I mean that as a compliment. Couldn’t agree more with literally everything you said. Great analysis. “Land of unsolved crimes” is a great way to encompass the less realistic shenanigans that occur in this show. I also thought I was the only nutcase that tries to memorize the 4 symbols in the title and pick them out during the episode.

As somebody living with my brother who is diagnosed bipolar, I felt like Ben's performance was very accurate. The energy, the impulsiveness, the lack of understanding, the manic behavior before he was killed. I really related to Wendy, my brother hurts everyone around him and he doesn't realize the consequences of his behaviour.

I loved this! I was really disappointed in the portrayal of bipolar disorder on the show, and I’m glad you’re talking about it. And like others have said, I too would be interested in an analysis of Ruth. Also, the children Jonah and Violet could be interesting too

Ozarks lighting is always a dark and somber blue, even on a seemingly bright day it still looks like each character is walking in a shadow, which is perfectly reflective of how they all live in darkness

It's so much fun hearing a psychologists take on a show I really loved watching. Even more fun that I was able to come to mostly all the same conclusions on my own. Thank you Dr Grande!

Interesting analysis of Byrds. I did not see Marty as a sociopath but Machiavellian makes some sense. I think his desire not to brag about things or be grandiose about things blinds me a bit. I am much less tolerant of Wendy- I think truly it is her smugness that annoys me most about her, and her mean, selfish ways. Ben was played with a lot of heart but ultimately as dr. Grande said it was his naïveté which killed him. However I think it gets lost on most of us that he was actually a voice of truth and reason... however he existed in a cesspool of sickness, evil and deceit so had to be snuffed out. Interesting Subtle points about the bipolar not being well/realistically represented here. There are fast cycling and other kinds so would have thought the show would have had a clinical psychologist aboard as show adviser on that to make sure Ben’s character’s actions adhered believably within a range of clinical patterns for one kind or another.

I memorize the pictures in the opening of the show too. You described how it makes you feel and I'm doing the same thing every show. My fiancé doesnt seem as excited by my little ritual. Lol I had no idea it was probably just a personality trait thing playing out

As an addict myself (alcohol) and now, after a long struggle, I am sober, I was particularly rattled by the realization that these drug cartels, while making their money off of making people sick, then turn around and invest in the places where these sick addicted people have to go to recover, rehab facilities and organizations. That felt straight up evil. That said, I've seen every season and can't wait for the next one!!! LOL Thanks for this take on the series. I really got a lot from it.

What a great series to analyze, thanks Dr. ! Loving these

I can’t wait to hear your analysis of this show, but first I have to finish watching the third season. Thanks in advance, Dr. Grande. 👍