Dyson is often described as an “alpha male,” and while he certainly does act out that role often, his portrayal and his storyline includes some elements that differ from the stereotypical alpha male. Stephanie is joined by Kris (@krisgen) and Judith to discuss Lost Girl‘s resident shifter.

Drink Special: Not a Werewolf

1 part Whiskey (the Scottish kind)
1 part Celtic Honey

Shake with ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass.

Dyson as Alpha Male

• Dyson is often referred to as an “alpha wolf,” but is he really?
  • He is often shown deferring to Trick and Bo.
  • Things often go badly when Dyson tries to take charge, as in “Lachlan's Gambit.”
• Alpha male types are often portrayed as being very controlling of the women in their lives, often withholding information with the intention of protecting them.
  • Dyson was shown doing this in the beginning of the series but has moved away from it as the series has progressed. Dyson's secretiveness was often dictated by Trick in the first season.
  • Dyson still withholds important information from Bo, as in “The Ceremony,” when he doesn't tell her that by entering The Dawning, he won't come out.
• The stereotypical alpha male is very physical (aggressive). While Dyson is occasionally like that, he isn't often in “wolf mode.”
• Dyson seems a bit more emotionally aware than the stereotypical alpha male.
  • Dyson seems to be motivated by love, rather than aggression or revenge, for example. We see Dyson become more aggressive when he loses his love in season two.
  • Dyson also has several emotional scenes with his male friends, not just women.

• Dyson gets rescued by women. A lot. Even weak, pathetic Kenzi.
• Dyson isn't shown as the sexual aggressor all the time — more often, Bo is.

Dyson's Non-Romantic Relationships with Women

Dyson & Kenzi

• It goes against stereotypes — the love interest and best friend are often antagonistic (as with Kenzi and Lauren), but Dyson and Kenzi have an almost familial relationship.
• Their rapport might come from their body swap in “Original Skin.”

Dyson & Tamsin

• They developed a nice buddy relationship over the course of season three.
• Judith thinks that Tamsin's loyalty to Bo is more important to Dyson than her being Dark Fae.

Dyson & Lauren

• Dyson and Lauren were somewhat hostile to each other, probably because of Bo, but they seemed to bond over their loss of Ciara and Nadia.
• What was Dyson's motivation for telling Lauren that she could run at the end of season two?
• What was up with Dyson in The Dawning? More specifically, why would he be supportive to Lauren, but then grab Bo and kiss her in the Temple?
• Stephanie thought it was in poor taste for Dyson to flirt with Bo right after Bo expressed concern over Lauren's whereabouts.

Dyson's vs. Lauren's storylines

• Dyson's storylines are tied to Bo, but not all of Lauren's are.
• Dyson's backstory seemed to be just a means to introduce Ciara.
• We've learned a lot about Lauren, but she is still constantly a mystery. Judith thinks that the narrative has set up Lauren as the romantic lead.
• We have a better sense of Lauren's place in the Fae world than of Dyson's.

Sexual Assault

• Aife sexually assaulted Dyson at the end of “(Dis)Members Only.” A sexual assault of a man by a woman is very rarely portrayed on television. It is disappointing that it was not fully addressed on the show.
• Was some of his grief in season two related to the sexual assault?
• Is Dyson affected by the stigma against women sexually assaulting men?
• Kris brings up comic books again — this time, it's about a similar plot in Nightwing.
• Does the fact that they're Fae influence the characters' perception of events?

Dyson & Bo

Could Dyson be in a non-monogamous relationship with Bo?

• Dyson said that Bo's need to feed on other people was a problem for him. If they got back together, would he still have a problem with it?
• Is “Team Both” a viable solution?
• Has his perspective changed now that he's had to live without her and without his love for her?

Season 3

• While others may disagree, we think that Dyson was being respectful and mature when he didn't tell Bo that he had his love back. It would have been difficult for him to tell her without it sounding like an ultimatum.
• Was the “healing” session in the police station in “Fae-de to Black” Dyson's “spybang” equivalent? Stephanie says it is because while Dyson may have had good intentions and was trying to help Bo, he withheld crucial information that probably would have affected Bo's decision to have sex with him.

Why We Love Kris Holden-Ried

• Kris Holden-Ried is a lovable goofball! And very nice!
• He gives Dyson a much-needed worldliness and warmth.
• Dyson could seem more selfish and less sympathetic if Kris Holden-Ried didn't play him as so noble-hearted and well-intentioned.

Thank you, Meghan Tonjes!

Thank you to Meghan Tonjes for letting us play a bit of one of her songs, “Wolf.” You can hear the full version below. Visit Meghan's YouTube channel to hear more of her music.

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