r/netflix • u/AnotherDarnDay • 2d ago

Discussion Unknown Number High-school Catfish Spoiler

What the hell did I just watch? And what the hell was this person thinking?

I'm in shock that someone would do such a thing to their own child. And that she doesn't seem to have any focus on what she actually did.

The daughter didn't seem to grasp what her mother did when they told her but the father acted on it right away.

Was she totally jealous of her own daughter?

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u/Square-Sun654 2d ago edited 2d ago

I think the cyber Munchausen theory is convincing. I don’t understand why Kendra was not charged with child abuse. And sexual abuse as well, given the graphic sexual nature of many of the messages. I agree with Jill that Kendra was obsessed with Owen. Her deflection and denial are really infuriating. It made me sick how she moved in on and embraced Lauryn when her crimes were being revealed. It’s really concerning to me that Lauryn still has a relationship with Kendra. I couldn’t help wondering how Kendra would have been charged if she were a man doing these things.

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u/Mementomoriii_ 2d ago

I read that Lauryn has changed her perspective and still is no contact, she is 18 now so she has that option.

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u/Webbie-Vanderquack 1d ago

I think the cyber Munchausen theory is convincing

It's not convincing at all. It doesn't explain why she continued to send abusive texts to Owen and his new GF after her daughter broke up with him.

Additionally, if "Kendra was obsessed with Owen" (and I agree that she was) that would preclude a diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome.

It's deeply problematic to begin viewing abuse of children as any form of Munchausen syndrome, because it could then be applied to virtually any case of a parent harming a child. And since Munchausen syndrome is a mental health problem, someone like Kendra could successfully mount an insanity defense, indicating diminished responsibility.

She knew exactly what she was doing, she did it on purpose, and she knew full well it was immoral and illegal. She's leaning on mental health explanations as an excuse to suggest that her abuse of her daughter really stemmed from a desire to protect her. It's abject nonsense.