Spy x Family Has Been Dropping Clues Hinting at a Dark Secret Behind Loid's True Target

Summary Donovan Desmond of Spy x Family is a mysterious figure possibly plotting war against Westalis.

The Desmond family may have been subjected to harsh experiments to prevent their plans from being known.

Donovan's relationship with his sons reveals a complex dynamic of love, secrecy, and manipulation.

Donovan Desmond, the main antagonist of the Spy x Family series, is one of the most mysterious anime characters of recent years. Almost nothing is known about the leader of Ostania’s National Unity Party, except that he may be plotting to begin a new war against Westalis. Loid’s mission consists of stopping Donovan's plans to destroy the fragile peace between their nations.

Damian’s father is also an extremely paranoid man, with fans of the series often theorizing that the man has experimented on himself to read the minds of others. Yet, several moments in the Spy x Family manga point at Donovan’s family also having been subjected to these experiments. The man may have forced his family to undergo procedures to prevent his plans from being known to the outside world.

Donovan May Have caused Demetrius and Melinda’s Strange Behavior

Donovan Could Have Forced His Family to Become Immune to Telepaths

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The members of the Desmond family are undoubtedly some of Tatsuya Endo's Spy x Family's most intriguing and brilliant cast members. Besides Damian, all known members of the family have a unique and often disturbing trait about themselves that immediately raises concern. Melinda, the mother of the family, seems to have two personalities constantly fighting for control over her mind. One is loving, caring, and kind, while the other is spiteful and bitter. Demetrius, the family’s oldest son, is an extremely intelligent and unnervingly calm individual whose thoughts seem to be almost nonexistent.

When Anya tried to read his mind during the events of chapter #93, the young girl became surprised at the sparse and simple thoughts Demetrius had. She even commented on how unusual the behavior of Damian’s relatives was. It is almost as if something occurred to them to make their thought processes intentionally difficult for telepaths to read. This could imply that Donovan, in an attempt to prevent his enemies from learning about his plans, subjected his family to harsh experiments to alter their minds.

Donovan is almost certainly aware of the existence of telepaths, as he was Ostania’s Prime Minister during the time of the inhumane Project Apple. As such, he took preventive measures to stop his political opponents from meddling with his goals. Another piece of evidence that could imply Donovan caused harm to his family is the apparent disdain that Melinda and Demetrius feel towards him. Both characters seem to have detached themselves from the man, as proven by Damian believing that his brother and father were close. This hatred could be the result of Donovan forcing them to be experimented with.

Donovan Could Love Damian More than the Young Boy Believes

Donovan Keeps His Son in the Dark About His Plans

Throughout most of the series, Damian has claimed that his father seemingly does not love him as much as he does Demetrius. The young boy is often seen working harder than anyone else to impress his father and prove himself as a valuable member of the Desmond family. Damian might not realize that his father is purposefully keeping him away to avoid having his son go through the same procedure as the rest of the family. Despite being known for his cold demeanor and ruthless nature, Donovan does not seem to be a bad father.

In chapter #93, Damian states that his father used to oversee the education of Demetrius himself, going as far as to spend most of his day with his son. It is possible that, due to how close the two were, Demetrius learned about his father’s secret plans, forcing the man to alter his beloved son’s mind. Fearful of this happening ever again, Donovan began distancing himself from Damian, hoping that the young boy would not get involved in his issues. The biggest drawback to this plan was making Damian grow up believing that his father did not love him.

Donovan Desmond and his plans remain among the series’ biggest enigmas. Endo is purposefully keeping Damian’s father out of the spotlight to highlight the importance of Loid’s mission. Although the man does seem to have less than admirable ideas, it is likely that he, like most characters in the series, is not entirely evil. He seems to love his family enough to prevent them from becoming targets like himself.

More information about Donovan’s connection to Project Apple may be revealed as Spy x Family fans learn about Anya’s dark past. The Desmond Family could be deeply related to the experiments that gave the young girl her powers. They may be able to relate to Anya’s suffering during her time as a test subject, as they likely have gone through a similar experience.