In a gripping conclusion, the Netflix series “You” wraps up the tumultuous journey of its central character, Joe Goldberg, portrayed by Penn Badgley. The fifth and final season, consisting of 10 episodes, premiered on Thursday, culminating Joe's seven-year saga marked by his murderous tendencies and unsettling charm. This finale did not end with Joe's death but instead forced him to confront the consequences of his actions—along with a severe injury that became a symbol of his past misdeeds.
Showrunners Michael Foley and Justin Lo shared insights in a recent interview with CNN, emphasizing that they were committed to ensuring Joe would “get his comeuppance” without any chance of redemption. “We wanted to show him at his most horrific and make him face what he really is,” Foley remarked. The intent was clear: to challenge viewers to reflect on the character they had rooted for throughout the series.
Debuting in 2018, “You” is based on the book series by Caroline Kepnes. In Season 5, Joe finds himself living a high-profile life, married to Kate (played by Charlotte Ritchie), a CEO who uncovers his dark extracurricular activities introduced in Season 4. Despite his newfound status, Joe's killer instincts remain intact, leading to a violent confrontation with his latest love interest, Bronte (played by Madeline Brewer), resulting in an ironic twist where he is shot and subsequently becomes an internet meme.
Joe's actions lead to his arrest and charges for the murders of Guinevere Beck (played by Elizabeth Lail) and Love Quinn (played by Victoria Pedretti). The culmination of his crimes lands him a life sentence, confining him to a cage reminiscent of the ones he used to imprison his victims. In a poignant final scene, Joe reflects on a letter from a “fan,” questioning why he is the one in a cage when others write to him with depraved desires. This moment serves as a powerful indictment of the audience's complicity in Joe’s narrative, as noted by Lo, who believes the scene highlights Joe's refusal to take responsibility for his actions.
Throughout the final season, Joe’s monstrosity is amplified, a sentiment shared by Foley, Lo, and Badgley, who also acted as an executive producer. Badgley played a crucial role in shaping Joe's character arc, insisting on a raw portrayal that showcased Joe at his most vulnerable yet vicious. “We wanted to show those things that we don’t want to see in Joe,” Foley explained, illustrating the depth of Badgley’s commitment to the character.
As the narrative unfolds, several of Joe’s victims, both alive and dead, reclaim their voices. Characters like Marianne (played by Tati Gabrielle) return to assist Kate and Nadia (played by Amy-Leigh Hickman) in their quest for justice against Joe. Additionally, Bronte honors Beck’s legacy by republishing her book without Joe's manipulative edits. This inclusion of past characters was essential for Foley and Lo, allowing them to provide closure to those who deserved an ending in Joe’s story.
In conclusion, the final season of “You” not only delivers a thrilling narrative but also serves as a commentary on the allure of toxic characters and the responsibility of audiences in engaging with their stories. As Joe faces his past and the consequences of his actions, viewers are left to ponder their own complicity in the glorification of such characters. The series leaves a lasting impact, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable realities behind the facade of charm and allure.
