If somebody had abused you physically and mentally, as Patrick has to Maxine, would you show them any compassion if they were diagnosed with a terminal illness?

I don't know. Maybe if she didn't have a baby. But Patrick is her daughters father so I can see why she would show a bit of compassion.

Depends on what kind of person you are I guess? It was (and still to this day is) very difficult for me to forgive my father for many of his actions when I was growing up. But, like Patrick, he's a master manipulator so there are times I feel huge sympathy and guilt for the way I treat him and convince myself he's a changed man and that in the eyes of my faith and my family loyalty he deserves my love and respect.

Yet my brother hasn't spoken to him in ten years and says he would dance on his grave. I guess we're all different?!

Only with a shovel

Not the type of abuse Patrick put Maxine through. It was too over-the-top.

If he lashed out at her just maybe a few times and he was genuinely remorseful and went for counseling, then I think yes, but Patrick has been portrayed as an evil monster for so long.

In Maxine's position, absolutely I would. She has Minnie to think of and she needs to be able to tell Minnie honestly that she (Maxine) did not prevent Minnie's father from having contact wth her before he died. Maxine has no reason to believe that Patrick would be abusive or neglectful towards Minnie now and that would be the only reason to prevent access. Maxine is not the sort of person to exact revenge nor deliberate harm on anyone which is a good thing. Revenge is damaging for all involved and in my opinion its much healthier to let the universe restore the balance

I might, yes, especially if there was a child involved.

I think as Maxine loved him, possibly she would. She understands that Patrick is messed up and so she is able to pity him- it puts her in the position of power.

Hard to say until you are in the situation.

I like to think that i would as I value kindness and forgiveness over most over things.

Nobody deserves MND and Maxine did love Patrick once so yes its believable.

No. I wouldn't piss on my mum's abusive ex if he was on fire, even though he is the father of my half brother.

Its different when its your ex partner. I wouldn't show compassion to my mums or sisters abusive ex's. I did when my ex's dad died because I truely felt sorry for him.

It depends on the specifics. It can be dangerous to show some abusers anything but contempt, it just gives them a way back in. Some who are remorseful and get help deserve compassion.