Quick Links
Warning: SPOILERS for Spy x Family chapter #106
The Desmond Family is among the most unique, intriguing, and often terrifying group of characters inSpy x Family. Not counting the youngest, Damian, all characters with this prestigious last name have an odd trait that helps them stand out from the rest of the cast. The father,Donovan Desmond, is not only the main villain of the series, but also one of the most disturbing characters in the franchise.
While the former Prime Minister of Ostania was already known for being an awful father, chapter #106 hints at him being much more horrible than first imagined. Demetrius’s behavior during the family dinner seems to imply that he is not able to act of his own accord and only follows his father’s orders. It is possible thatDonovan has experimented on his sonto transform him into an obedient lackey.
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.
Donovan Desmond Turned His Son Into A Mindless Pawn
The Eldest Son’s Odd Behavior Could Be Explained By a Lack of Free Will
Chapter #106 of theSpy x Familymanga series gave readers a chance to see what a family dinner in the Donovan household looks like. Throughout the meal,the fear Melinda and Damian feel when interacting with Donovan is evident, with them trying to avoid eye contact and shivering constantly. Demetrius, the oldest son, appeared to be the complete opposite of his family, seemingly unbothered by the odd occurrences around him. His behavior becomes even more questionable when it becomes clear thathe does not act unless ordered by his father.
When the meal begins, Demetrius is seen sitting near Donovan, unmoving and patiently waiting for his father to give him permission to eat. As the meal continues, he seemsonly to be consuming the food due to his father’s orders, as he does not give any indication of enjoying it. Once finished, Demetrius sits straight, not interacting with anyone until Donovan gives him permission to leave. Once granted, the eldest Desmond son leaves without addressing anyone else. He acts almost like a robot, only reacting to the orders of his master.
Donovan is a character that has strong links with Project Apple, the governmental program that gave Bond, the Loid family dog, his powers, and that many fans believe could also be responsible for Anya’s mind-reading abilities. Donovan has also been theorized to have been a part of these experiments,with many fans believing that he can also read minds. Someone so obsessed with power and control would not hesitate when given the opportunity to turn a member of his family into a loyal subject. Demetrius not having free Will would also explainwhy Anya cannot read any of his thoughts, as he does not have any of his own.
Melinda Could Have Been The First Test Subject Of This Cruel Experiment
Her Fear and Split Personality Could Be The Result of a Failed Attempt
Out of all the older members of the Desmond Family, Melinda is seen by most of the world as the most kind and approachable. She is a loving mother who cares deeply for Damian, an empathetic woman, and most of all, an exemplary housewife. Yet, during chapter #75, after her son was rescued from the Red Circus terrorist cell, Anya noticed thatMelinda seemed to possess a split personality. Besides her loving and caring persona, she also has a vindictive and cruel personality, which sees her beloved Damian as a burden.
Her peculiar attitude could be the result of Donovan using her as the first test subject for his mind-control experiments. The experiment could have ended in a failure, but Melinda still has part of her free will suppressed, preventing her from telling the world about her husband’s inhumane experiments. According to this theory, the tests were ultimately successful, leading to Demetrius becoming his father’s loyal, mindless ally. Nonetheless, there is a possibility that the experiments on Melinda were a total failure, and her cruel personality is a consequence of trauma.
The first time her strange personality is shown, it appears in response to Damian mentioning her husband.Melinda is clearly afraid of her husband, as proven by their brief and tense interactions and by her behavior during the family dinner seen in chapter #106. Being used as a test subject for Donovan’s experiments might have awakened a cold-hearted personality, one that only manifests itself once the man is mentioned.
The Desmond Family still holds many secrets that theSpy x Familymanga series has yet to reveal. Nevertheless, it is a relief to know that the story is slowly expanding the lore of this intriguing group. The truth behindDonovan’s experiments and his family’s odd behaviors is highly likely to be revealed soon.
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.
