Spoiler alert: The following article contains details about the series finale of You. After an intense seven-year journey, the Netflix drama culminates in the demise of its infamous protagonist, the manipulative and murderous Joe Goldberg, portrayed by Penn Badgley. The finale encapsulates a saga brimming with deceit, treachery, and a multitude of lost lives, as Badgley reveals to Deadline that the show had to “go back to form,” centering on the character’s “object of desire” — the new “You” introduced each season.
This season introduces Bronte, played by Madeline Brewer from The Handmaid’s Tale, who becomes a pivotal figure in the narrative. She subverts Joe’s cunning tactics, ultimately leading to his downfall. Badgley explains that Bronte serves as a mirror for the audience, prompting critical reflection on society's obsession with Joe. “It becomes a meta exercise on: Why are we so obsessed with this man?” he notes, emphasizing the importance of deconstructing Joe's character.
As You enters its fifth season, Joe appears to be living a dream life alongside his wife, Kate, played by Charlotte Ritchie. The couple is depicted as a glamorous power duo, gracing the cover of New York Magazine, while Joe indulges in his role as a doting father and successful husband. However, this façade is short-lived as Kate’s request to eliminate a troublesome uncle sets Joe back on his dark path.
Badgley praises the writers for their efforts in keeping the material fresh throughout the series. He describes the writing process as a “herculean task,” explaining that they often work backward to create a season that feels like a magician’s trick, leading to a significant payoff in the finale. “It’s so rewarding,” he states, highlighting the sixth episode as a crucial turning point in the plot where the real heart of the story is unveiled.
The episode titled “The Dark Face of Love” features a series of flashbacks that explore Bronte’s character, revealing her past connections to Season 1’s Guinevere Beck, portrayed by Elizabeth Lail. Through her interactions with online sleuths, Bronte begins to see Joe for who he truly is. Badgley articulates the complexity of Bronte’s feelings, saying, “She knows who he is, she knows his name ... and yet, ‘I still love him.’” This dynamic adds a richer texture to the narrative as Bronte grapples with her feelings for Joe even at critical moments of confrontation.
The series wraps up with a tense showdown between Joe and Bronte, set against a backdrop of horror reminiscent of a road movie. Directed by Lee Toland Krieger, the episode aptly named “Finale” showcases an ultimate battle where the narrative’s final girl ultimately triumphs over the dangerous abuser. Badgley commends the producers for providing the necessary resources to make this concluding season feel cinematic.
In a striking departure from previous seasons, Joe finds himself trapped not in his signature glass box, but rather in a bedroom, exposing the dark reality of his manipulative behavior. Badgley emphasizes the importance of depicting Joe as a sexual predator, stating, “That’s actually where he does his worst work.” The series ultimately confronts viewers with the harsh truths surrounding Joe’s character, employing the term “abuser” to highlight the severity of his actions.
In a harrowing confrontation, Bronte forces Joe to reckon with his past, refusing to let him escape the consequences of his actions. The season culminates in a shocking moment when Bronte shoots Joe, symbolizing the end of his reign of terror. Badgley reflects on the weight of this climactic moment, stating, “It was exhausting, but in a good way. It was the right way to do it.”
As the series concludes, Badgley raises profound questions about justice and accountability for characters like Joe. He reflects on the complexities of dealing with a character who embodies both gendered violence and serial killing, pondering what true justice looks like for someone like him. “What do we do with people like Joe?” he asks, provoking thought on the broader implications of violence and rehabilitation.
All seasons of You are currently available for streaming on Netflix, inviting fans to revisit the tumultuous journey of Joe Goldberg and his complicated legacy.
