If there is one thing we know about the world of Tell Me Lies, it’s that “peace” is usually just the eye of the storm. After two seasons of watching Lucy Albright and Stephen DeMarco tear through each other’s lives like a hurricane, Season 3 has introduced a shocking new element: Stability.
Enter Alex, played with a disarming, grounded charm by newcomer Costa D’Angelo. As a psychology grad student, Alex is, on paper, the ultimate “Anti-Stephen.” He’s empathetic, he’s transparent, and he literally studies the human mind for a living. But as we dive deeper into their romance, we have to ask: Is Alex the “cure” Lucy has been searching for, or is he just the latest catalyst for her inevitable spiral?
The Anti-Stephen: Who is Alex?
While Stephen DeMarco uses his understanding of psychology to dismantle people’s insecurities, Alex seems to use it to build bridges. From their first meeting, the chemistry was different—less “fever dream” and more “fresh air.”
- The Contrast: Where Stephen was shadowy and evasive, Alex is open.
- The Mirror: As a grad student, Alex sees through the “cool girl” facade Lucy has spent years perfecting.
For the first time, Lucy is with someone who doesn’t require her to be a soldier in a psychological war. But for a girl who has been addicted to the adrenaline of a toxic relationship, is “healthy” actually sustainable, or is it just… boring?
Theory: The “Proof” Relationship
There is a nagging theory circulating the Tell Me Lies fandom: Lucy isn’t in love with Alex; she’s in love with the idea of being the person who could love someone like Alex.
By dating a “good guy,” Lucy is attempting to rewrite her own narrative. If she can make it work with a stable psychology student, then she isn’t the “broken” girl Stephen claimed she was. She’s using Alex as a shield—a way to prove to herself (and likely to a looming Stephen) that she has evolved.
“The danger of dating a ‘fixer’ when you aren’t ready to be fixed is that you eventually start to resent the mirror they hold up to you.”
Soul-Searching or Self-Sabotage?
The core of this season’s tension lies in Lucy’s “soul-searching.” She’s attending yoga, she’s focusing on her studies, and she’s leaning into Alex’s world. But is this genuine growth, or is her “darkness” too deeply ingrained?
After years of Stephen’s gaslighting, Lucy’s nervous system is calibrated for chaos. We’ve already seen flashes of the “Old Lucy” this season—the one who keeps secrets, the one who manipulates small situations to maintain control. When Alex starts to peel back the layers of her past (using his literal professional training), Lucy’s reflex isn’t vulnerability—it’s defense.
Stephen vs. Alex: The Battle for Lucy’s Psyche
| Feature | Stephen DeMarco (The Toxic Past) | Alex (The Potential Future) |
| Primary Vibe | “Magnetic Chaos” — High highs and devastating lows. | “Grounding Stability” — Consistent, calm, and safe. |
| Communication Style | Gaslighting & Evasion. He uses silence and half-truths as a weapon to keep Lucy off-balance. | Radical Honesty. As a psych student, he over-communicates and encourages Lucy to “label her feelings.” |
| Emotional Goal | Control. He wants Lucy to be an extension of his own needs and a secret-keeper for his sins. | Partnership. He wants a collaborative relationship based on mutual growth and transparency. |
| The “Hook” | Trauma-bonding and the thrill of being the “only one” who truly knows him. | Intellectual connection and the relief of not having to “perform” or hide. |
| Lucy’s Role | The Accomplice. She is pulled into his darkness and forced to compromise her morals. | The Student/Partner. She is challenged to confront her past and choose a healthier path. |
| The Red Flag | He thrives on her insecurity and isolation. | He might be “psychoanalyzing” her instead of just loving her, making Lucy feel like a project. |
The Verdict
If Lucy is using Alex as a catalyst to finally face her trauma, there might be hope for her yet. But if he is just a “palate cleanser” to keep her occupied until the next time Stephen whistles, then Alex is in for a world of hurt. In the world of Tell Me Lies, the “good guy” rarely makes it out without a few scars.
Diana is the co-editor-in-chief of Feeling the Vibe. She loves pop culture and is always up to date on the latest news. If you have any tips or comments, email [email protected].