The revelation dropped on fans after the events ofSpy x Familychapter #110 has been a game-changer when talking about the story. While not fully confirmed, the series strongly hinted atDonovan Desmond having the ability to read other’s minds, a skill that makes him that much more dangerous. Nonetheless, his hidden ability also hides a more complex and saddening reality about the series, his first public interaction with Damian.
The context behind their brief conversation in chapter #38 has become several times deeper and tragic, as there are now only two possibilities for Donovan’s behavior. He is either unable to muster any kind of empathy towards his child but still tries to be a good father, or he is completely uncaring about his feelings. Both theories suggest thatDamian’s backstory and future are among the most tragic in the series.
Donovan and Damian’s First Conversation Has Just Become More Significant
It Has Become Clear That the Main Villain Knew What His Child Was Thinking
During chapter #38 of theSpy x Familymanga series, Donovan Desmond, the sinister and cruel main villain, had a small talk with his younger son, Damian. The child attempted to make his father show concern for him by revealing that Anya had attacked him a few weeks back with an extremely satisfying but shocking punch. Instead of being angered by his youngest being hurt, Donovan simply replied that he did not care about something like that. Damian, hurt by his father’s words, began pleading internally for him to show any signs of anger.
Right after the child began thinking about this,Donovan let out a long and annoyed sigh, a reaction that took Damian by surprise. The child preferred to state that he was okay, causing his father to once again smile. When this entry was first released, many fans believed that Donovan’s reaction was his way of showing that his child annoyed him. Yet, afterthe confirmation of the theory that he can read minds in chapter #110, this moment is far more significant.
Spy x Family Has Been Dropping Hints That A Key Character Is Related To Damian, But It’s Easy To Miss
Damian Desmond is one of the unwitting key players in Operation Strix, but one of his most trusted confidants may also prove useful in Spy x Family.
The main villain’s reaction immediately after his child begins to think about wanting him to react in a certain way strongly hints at him reading Damian’s mind at that moment. This means that his sigh likely indicates one of two possibilities, each one as tragic as the other. The first one is that this was Donovan’s bizarre way of demonstrating anger, believing that this would satisfy his son. The second is thathe was immediately annoyed by Damian asking him to show human emotionsand was not pleased until the boy agreed to let the topic go and move on.
Donovan’s Powers Complicate His Relationship With His Son
Donovan Can Either Love His Son Dearly or Despise Him
While Donovan and Damian’s interaction has become far more tragic after the revelation of the main villain’s powers, it is nothing in comparison to what this might mean for the boy’s life. Chapter #38 heavily implies that there are two highly possible ways in which Donovan sees his son, and both imply a sad and lonely life for the child. If Donovan’s reaction was indeed his way of pretending to be angered, this might imply that he is incapable of truly feeling empathy. Donovan might love Damian, enough to want to make him happy by faking an emotion. Still, he is incapable of understanding his son’s emotions, which has left the boy feeling lonely and misunderstood.
On the other hand, if he was annoyed by Damian’s reaction, there is a strong case for suggesting that he does not love his child at all. His son has constantly complained about his father always being busy. Judging by the reactions he has when the pair does interact, this is possible due to him not being able to stand being around a small and emotional child. In either case, Damian’s relationship with his father would never be what he expected.
Donovan Could Be Entirely Incapable of Showing Empathy
His Behavior as a Child Hints at This Conclusion
A few months ago, asthe tragic but hauntingly beautiful love story of Henderson and Marthawas being told, fans were given a small glimpse at what Donovan was as a child. Even then, while he was still young and impressionable, he appeared to be an unfeeling and direct child, who was already skeptical about humanity’s inherent good. Chapter #99 is a clear indication that even as a child he was not capable of fully understanding or demonstrating emotions.
…Warring like this is the best we humans are capable of.
- Donovan Desmond
Even though his actions as an adult might suggest that he became cruel as an adult, likely, Donovan has always been a cold individual, never understanding others. His actions are beyond horrifying, like giving commencement to the inhumane Project Apple,a recurring plot point in the series, but there is a possibility of him truly not knowing that he is causing harm. Donovan has demonstrated various signs of being physically incapable of feeling empathy or caring about others.
Donovan Desmond is by far one of the most complex and intriguing characters in theSpy x Familyfranchise. His newly revealed powers will keep changing how fans read this amazing series and will likely play a major role in future entries.
Spy x Family
Cast
Created by Tatsuya Endo, Spy X Family is an action-adventure comedy anime that follows the misadventures of a found family with unique quirks. The story follows spy Twilight (known as Loid Forger), who, while on assignment, builds a fake family to get closer to his target. Unbeknownst to him, his new family carries their quirks. His wife, Yor, is a kind but deadly assassin, while his daughter, Anya, has telepathic powers - and is the only one who knows their secrets.
