You Season 5 Review: Joe’s Full Circle Ending Saves the Series

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Following Netflix’s division of season 4 into two parts, the anticipation for the series seemed to dwindle. The question that lingered in my mind was how the show could maintain its momentum with Joe Goldberg (brilliantly portrayed by Penn Badgley from Gossip Girl) clearly spiraling downward. In a clever move, You season 5 presents all ten episodes for binge-watching, enriching the viewing experience without undermining the tension. Similarly to how season 4 delved into Joe’s struggle to distinguish between his charming and murderous selves, season 5 revisits this theme – but this time focusing on Joe’s self-acceptance.

In the conversation between Joe (the character) and Kate Lockwood (played by Charlotte Ritchie), he expresses a positive view of being a killer. However, Kate is skeptical, given her attempts to atone for her past involvements in her father’s business. As Joe continues to embrace this self-image, the distance between them widens. Their relationship dynamic adds an intriguing layer to a season filled with captivating interactions. Although not as standout as season 2 of “You,” the final season manages to keep viewers hooked with its introspection and unexpected turns, despite some character actions that left me feeling annoyed at times.

Season 5 begins three years following the events of Season 4. Nadia (Amy-Leigh Hickman) remains incarcerated, while Joe (under his real name) enjoys a comfortable life with Kate. She has successfully erased Joe’s murderous past, presenting him as an admired husband and father, doting on wife Kate and son Henry, who was previously under the care of Dante and his spouse in the conclusion of Season 3.

As the new season begins, I find myself just as protective over Joe as he is of me. When my uncle threatens to expose my past, potentially stripping me of my position as CEO at Lockwood Corporation, a move that would please my half-sister Reagan (the cunning and strict Reagan from “Pitch Perfect,” played flawlessly by Anna Camp, who also portrays her more compliant and yielding twin sister Maddie), I set Joe into motion. Little does he know, this is the start of a chain of events that will dramatically alter his life in more ways than one.

You Season 5 Has A Lot Going On But It Still Pulls Us In

Season 5 of “You” starts off gradually, as it introduces numerous new characters such as Bronte (played by Madeline Brewer), who is a budding writer and shares Joe’s passion for books, becoming his latest fixation. After this initial phase, I found myself thinking that the show might not have much more to offer. However, just when I least expected it, “You” begins to show its teeth, getting ready to unleash a thrilling climax in full view.

It’s intriguing to see Joe transition from viewing killing as something he must do due to necessity, to genuinely believing it’s a positive thing – a surprising shift even for those close to him like Kate. This might mark the culmination of his delusion. He’s been told repeatedly that he portrays himself as a victim, but he dismisses these claims because he doesn’t accept them as truth. It’s only in the end that he is confronted with an unflattering reflection of himself through others’ perspectives, revealing the darkest aspects of his character.

Despite this, the series seems to pose a thought-provoking question regarding our own society’s perception of characters like Joe: “Our fascination with you is how we cope with the existence of someone like you.” This season insightfully explores how women, even those who seem rational and intelligent, can be attracted to Joe and his distorted ideas of romance. The series delves deeply into the cycles these women find themselves in, as they hunger for love and acceptance, often falling prey to a deceptive man with warped romantic fantasies.

You Season 5 Is All About Waking Up To Joe Goldberg’s Manipulations

The most compelling examination unfolds here on how someone could become enamored with such an abusive individual, even when one believed it was impossible. In spite of his blatant misogyny, we find ourselves, like the female characters in this narrative, ensnared by Joe’s deception. Although it may be audacious to say so, by season 5, Joe has shed any allure that he once possessed with his manipulative tactics. The efforts are still there, but Penn Badgley portrays Joe in a manner that is truly pitiful and utterly revolting. By now, Joe, having grown accustomed to certain luxuries and the exhilaration of escaping consequences, starts to exhibit signs of instability.

He may appear careless, yet he continues to manipulate others by portraying himself as the wronged party. His eyes plead, “Observe me, I am your savior! My past traumas justify my actions.” In a manner similar to Emily Bronte’s characters, we are inclined to empathize with him, but season 5 is about breaking free from Joe Goldberg’s allure. It’s not just about recognizing Joe for who he truly is, but also deciding what these characters will do when they finally emerge from the mist.

In essence, the fifth season of “You” serves as the culmination of Joe Goldberg’s storyline, but it also delves into the lives of the women who have suffered at his hands – be it mentally, emotionally, or physically. This season offers these characters an opportunity to confront their past and reclaim their personal power and narrative. Consequently, the final season of “You” is a compelling success.

In simpler terms, Season 5 isn’t perfect and there are moments that might lose your interest as the story takes unexpected turns to keep you guessing. However, it still manages to keep you hooked for a while longer, mainly out of curiosity about how Joe’s story concludes. Ultimately, the portrayal of Joe as a misogynist and the women who are attracted to him before breaking free from his manipulations is handled effectively in this season.

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2025-04-24 10:07