Netflix’s second season of Dead to Me continues the story of Jen (Christina Applegate) and Judy (Linda Cardellini) as new characters join the cast. The new season provides more shocking moments in their story, but also new potential romance for both main characters as they begin to connect with new characters.
Jen is shocked when it’s revealed that Steve had a twin brother named Ben, and at first, she is hesitant to be around him. The more time the two spend together the more they connect and provide love and comfort to the other. Jen and Ben could make a great couple, but there are also reasons why they won’t be able to work the longer Dead to Me goes on.
GREAT TOGETHER: Ben Calms Jen Down
Jen has shown time and again that she is quick to anger, but the audience sees in the second that Ben is able to calm her down.
After she throws out her back, he helps her and they share a tender moment that allows her to release her anger and sorrow in a healthier way. If they were in a relationship, this would probably continue and be good for Jen.
AWFUL TOGETHER: Jen Killed Ben’s Brother
Ben doesn’t know that Jen killed Steve, but if he ever figured this out he most likely couldn’t forgive her. If they began a relationship, Jen would have to keep this a secret and as they grew closer it would weigh on her even more.
It is already upsetting her and if they started a relationship with this lie looming over them it would surely end in disaster.
GREAT TOGETHER: They Make Each Other Laugh
Jen has had to deal with a lot over the two seasons of Dead to Me and it was nice to see her finally laugh and relax, if only for a few moments.
Although Jen and Judy do have a good time and are able to make each other laugh, it was nice to see Jen become close to someone new in the second season. Ben has had a tough go of it recently too, and he seems like a nice person who deserves to be happy.
AWFUL TOGETHER: Ben Is Steve’s Identical Twin
At the end of the first episode of Season 2, the audience (and Jen) discovers the shocking fact that Steve has an identical twin brother (also played by James Marsden).
Although Ben is very different than Steve, it still must be jarring for Jen to see and be with a man who looks exactly like the man she killed. Jen might not be able to get past this fact and it could ruin any hope of a serious relationship between the two.
GREAT TOGETHER: Ben Would Be Good For Her Kids
Although Ben has only interacted with Jen’s kids a few times, it seems like he would make a good father figure to her kids and parenting partner to Jen.
Jen and her kids are all struggling and Ben might be able to help them stabilize their home life a bit. If Ben and Jen started a strong relationship and he was in their lives it would probably end up helping everyone.
AWFUL TOGETHER: Both Have Drinking Problems
Although Jen has a greater hold on her drinking than Ben does, it seems that they both have issues with alcohol. Ben is going to AA meetings, but he relapses a few times throughout the series that leads to him blacking out and causing a car accident.
Ben not being in control of his addiction and Jen frequently drinking alcohol could be disastrous for their relationship.
GREAT TOGETHER: They Could Move On Together
Both Jen and Ben have had to deal with true tragedies in their lives, but when they’re together it seems that their guilt and pain are lighter.
They’re able to forget their past when they’re together and if they began a relationship they could help each other move on. Their relationship could be a new beginning for both of them, hopefully, with a happier tone.
AWFUL TOGETHER: It’s Terrible For Judy
Although Jen and Ben might be able to be happy in their relationship, it would be terrible for Judy. Judy had a relationship with Ben’s deceased twin brother, Steve, who was killed by Jen, and Judy helped her cover up the murder.
Jen could be uncomfortable seeing someone who looks like Steve every day, and so could Judy. Judy is in Jen’s life and if Ben and Jen were to start a relationship, she would have to constantly keep this secret from him.
GREAT TOGETHER: Stronger Together Than Apart
Both Ben and Jen are dealing with a lot of issues and tragedies in their lives, and they are stronger together. Both have a tendency to spiral when they’re on their own, and both deal with their issues in a healthier way when they’re together.
Although they haven’t been able to reveal all of their issues to each other, they’ve had tender moments where they felt comfortable to break down in front of the other.
AWFUL TOGETHER: They’re Both Under Stress
Although coming together could help them move on from their stress and issues, it could also go the other way. Both of them being under such stress could cause them to lash out at each other and end the relationship quickly.
Jen has already snapped at Ben and told them it could never work out, much to Ben’s confusion. It would take a lot of understanding and communication for them to forget their past and move on.
