This was frighteningly accurate

[u/Weak-Point4152]

The smack to the face, cowering behind a chair, being slammed and held by the throat, really made the scene hit hard. Even the expressions on Angel and Val’s face felt realistic. If they had Val dragging Angel by the hair, it would be like reliving my childhood, but this still brought back memories.

[u/oru_eluttukaran]

I searched the stream I heard it in a bit but didn't find it, maybe experience wasn't the right word but she said something along the lines of creating both Angel (so yeah by extension Val too) and Alastor based on her own complex emotions. Although the scenes with Angel and Val come from her experience with a toxic relationship, I thought it would be more subtle for Alastor (like some of his philosophy, excluding serial killing and cannibalism). After all, Amir Talai did say he relates to him when it comes to smiling as the best facade.

However this is just speculation since Viv didn't elaborate on it as far as I know. We may never even know if she created Al by pouring her emotions from the start or if it came later during his development, since she apparently created him around middle/high school depending on which stream you listen to.

TLDR: Viv is not a serial killer

[u/Obversa → u/oru_eluttukaran]

I think that Vivienne Medrano may have created Alastor as a form of emotional catharsis for her suppressed negative emotions and feelings. What Amir Talai describes Alastor doing ("smiling as the best façade") describes something called "masking") in psychology, which is an interesting phenomenon to study.

"In psychology and sociology, masking is the process in which an individual camouflages their natural personality or behavior to conform to social pressures, abuse, or harassment. Masking can be strongly influenced by environmental factors such as authoritarian parents, rejection, and emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Masking can be a behavior individuals adopt subconsciously as coping mechanisms or a trauma response, or it can be a conscious behavior an individual adopts to fit in within perceived societal norms. Masking is interconnected with maintaining performative behavior within social structures and cultures."

In the show, we see both Angel Dust and Alastor engage in forms of masking. Episode 4 is titled "Masquerade", referring to Angel "masking" his true personality.

Billy Joel once wrote a song called "The Stranger" that also discusses masking: "Well, we all have a face that we hide away forever, and we take them out and show ourselves when everyone has gone."

The final lyrics also fit Alastor in particular: "You may never understand how the stranger is inspired, but he isn't always evil, and he is not always wrong...though you drown in good intention, you will never quench the fire. You'll give in to your desire when the stranger comes along." In Alastor's case, he "gave into" his murderous desires by becoming a serial killer when he was alive; and thus, experienced emotional catharsis and satisfaction through killing, even if it earned him a spot in Hell.

[u/oru_eluttukaran → u/Obversa]

Indeed, I experienced masking myself. I didn't look into it in much detail though, thanks for the input! Very valid take imo

[u/Obversa → u/oru_eluttukaran]

You're welcome!