How did Xander betray Jocelyn?

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The relationship between Jocelyn and Xander in "The Idol" appears to be a complicated one that is characterized by deep-seated trust issues, manipulation, and emotional abuse. At the heart of their relationship conflict is a set of perceived betrayals that highlight the dysfunctional dynamics between them.

Jocelyn's Perception of Xander's Betrayal:

Jocelyn believes Xander has betrayed her in two significant ways. Firstly, she feels betrayed by his decision to conceal the abuse she endured at her mother's hands from the public eye. For Jocelyn, this concealment might represent a denial of her personal pain and struggles, possibly making her feel isolated or unheard. Secondly, she sees his lie about his vocal cords' condition as another act of betrayal. The fact that Xander was not truthful about his ability to sing, a shared passion and presumably an important bond in their relationship, might have eroded her trust in him and led her to question his loyalty and authenticity.

The Cycle of Abuse

Jocelyn's relationship with Xander, as well as her dynamic with Tedros, clearly exhibit signs of a repeated cycle of abuse. Tedros, a dominant figure who controls Jocelyn's career, engages in abusive behavior such as sexual manipulation and public humiliation, further perpetuating this cycle.

The disturbing scene where Tedros tortures Xander with an electric shock collar, using Jocelyn as a validator of Xander's "lies," reveals how the cycle of abuse can become normalised within a relationship. Jocelyn, despite witnessing Xander's suffering, insists that he's lying, possibly because she has been manipulated to the point where she believes that this treatment of Xander is justified or necessary.

The Repetition Compulsion

Jocelyn's actions towards the end of the episode, where she invites her ex-boyfriend Rob to the party to evoke jealousy in Tedros, indicate her participation in the repetition compulsion. This is a psychological phenomenon in which individuals re-enact certain distressing events or circumstances repeatedly. Jocelyn is attempting to regain control and exert power in a situation where she feels betrayed and powerless. This suggests that she, too, is perpetuating the cycle of emotional abuse in response to her feelings of betrayal.

Overall, the dynamics at play between Jocelyn and Xander and her interactions with other characters in the show illustrate a continual cycle of abuse and betrayal. The series also reflects how deeply ingrained patterns of abuse can be perpetuated, underscoring the importance of recognising and breaking these cycles.