'Dare Me' Episode 5: Portrayal of silently suffering sexual assault victims gets thumbs-up from fans
In this episode of 'Dare Me' titled 'Parallel Trenches', we see Beth Cassidy (Marlo Kelly) reeling from her traumatic experience with Kurtz, a marine recruit at a party. Not having revealed to anyone that she was possibly sexually assaulted while under the influence, we see Beth cascade into a downward spiral as she deals with PTSD. Kurtz has managed to leave her with physical scars but she seems to be reminded of the incident while unable to lean on her best friend, Addy Hanlon (Herizen Guardiola).
While dealing with her anxiety and panic attacks alone, Beth seems to put constant partying behind her, focusing on her cheerleading as a way to stay sane. In a world filled with sexual assault cases that go unreported, we get to see the portrayal of the very real possibility of teenage girls dealing with sexual assault. The lack of trust leaves victims hesitant to come out with the truth, while they want to so desperately hold on to their dignity that was stripped away from them.
Usually a "firecracker" in the series, we see a more subdued side to Beth who has succumbed to the cruelty of childish parents and forceful men. This episode highlighted the social stigma that is placed upon victims of sexual assault leaving them having to deal with their abusers. In Beth's case, she sees Kurtz in school every day.
One fan tweeted, "Dare Me had such an important episode tonight and really showed how lonely/numbing/scary sexual assault can be and included resources at the end of the episode. Thank u @meganeabbott thank u for that episode #daremetv"
The way the episode revealed how sexual assault victims react to the world around them after their experience was well put. Margo Kelly brought out the fear and anxiety that victims feel and how they are unable to come out with their stories. "I’m glad shows are showing more of what it’s like after ur sexually assaulted because it can be so numbing and scary and sad and lonely. Also so important they put that hotline bc so many people don’t know how to turn to friends or family. Thank u @meganeabbott #daremetv," tweeted another fan.
In this episode, we also see Beth actually confront Kurtz, which is a huge step for anyone that suffered the way she does. This raw depiction of how women choose to let go of the horrific moment was definitely cringe-worthy and had our hearts go out to Beth. "She has to confront her rapist I feel so ridiculously horrible for her holy f*** #daremetv," tweeted a sad fan.
The episode also gave out resources to people that may need help in enduring a painful moment, and fans were appreciative of the pedestal the show put itself on. "Omg they added the sexual assault hotline. That is so f****** amazing and important I’m.... holy shit wow #daremetv," tweeted another fan. Fans also got a taste of why Beth is the way she is from her constant partying and drug indulgence, with a fan tweeting, "I like how beth’s perspective is upside down bc of her family issues and how they affect her worldview #DareMeTV."
'Dare Me' airs Sundays at 10 pm EST on the USA Network.