I can see why so many here have said they hate FX to the core.
Watching him on screen without fully understanding the context makes his actions feel cold, controlling, and even cruel. We mostly see what he does, not why he does it, so the psychological reasoning behind his obsession and need for control is largely lost (toned down, I guess).
But if you live inside FX’s head, you feel his fear of abandonment, his trauma-shaped logic, and how his manipulation is as much survival as it is desire. So far, in the last 10 episodes, that nuance is almost invisible. Without glimpses of his vulnerability, his obsession reads as pure toxicity.
Behaviors that are complex appear abrupt and extreme, making him feel even more unforgivable.
On the other hand, YSL’s perspective is emphasized visually, but this highlights FX’s “missteps” without showing the reasoning behind them. And with audiences expecting a redeemable romance by now, the continued tension and lack of visible softening only fuels frustration.
Some psychological depth has clearly been sacrificed, which makes FX appear far harsher than the layered, conflicted character he truly is.
(I was diagnosed with complex PTSD this year, so this show really tugs on my heartstrings.)
Haven't read the novel, but been thinking the character dynamics after Episode 10. Here's my personal take. I may be wrong, though:
FX’s manipulation and obsession come from a childhood where love was unstable, conditional, and easily taken away. He learned early that people leave unless you make yourself indispensable or keep control.
Because emotional safety was never taught to him, he replaces it with control and predictability like engineering situations, managing people, and staying one step ahead so he won’t be abandoned. His obsession with YSL isn’t just desire but of attachment panic. YSL’s steadiness makes him feel anchored, so losing him feels like psychological collapse.
FX manipulates instead of asking because for him, vulnerability and rejection feel dangerous. His kindness is real but likely transactional, shaped by a belief that care must come with strings. .
I think FX darkness is not as cruelty for pleasure, but as fear-based survival mistaken for love.
Watching him on screen without fully understanding the context makes his actions feel cold, controlling, and even cruel. We mostly see what he does, not why he does it, so the psychological reasoning behind his obsession and need for control is largely lost (toned down, I guess).
But if you live inside FX’s head, you feel his fear of abandonment, his trauma-shaped logic, and how his manipulation is as much survival as it is desire. So far, in the last 10 episodes, that nuance is almost invisible. Without glimpses of his vulnerability, his obsession reads as pure toxicity.
Behaviors that are complex appear abrupt and extreme, making him feel even more unforgivable.
On the other hand, YSL’s perspective is emphasized visually, but this highlights FX’s “missteps” without showing the reasoning behind them. And with audiences expecting a redeemable romance by now, the continued tension and lack of visible softening only fuels frustration.
Some psychological depth has clearly been sacrificed, which makes FX appear far harsher than the layered, conflicted character he truly is.
(I was diagnosed with complex PTSD this year, so this show really tugs on my heartstrings.)
Control ≠ dominance
Control = predictability
FX’s manipulation and obsession come from a childhood where love was unstable, conditional, and easily taken away. He learned early that people leave unless you make yourself indispensable or keep control.
Because emotional safety was never taught to him, he replaces it with control and predictability like engineering situations, managing people, and staying one step ahead so he won’t be abandoned. His obsession with YSL isn’t just desire but of attachment panic. YSL’s steadiness makes him feel anchored, so losing him feels like psychological collapse.
FX manipulates instead of asking because for him, vulnerability and rejection feel dangerous. His kindness is real but likely transactional, shaped by a belief that care must come with strings. .
I think FX darkness is not as cruelty for pleasure, but as fear-based survival mistaken for love.
Let's see what comes next. 😆