Joe’s Heartbreaking Non-Romance: The Tragic Bond in ‘You’ Season 5

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Warning: SPOILERS ahead for You season 5.

In the fifth season of “You”, Joe Goldberg’s story reaches its conclusion, and it’s marked by the disintegration of his key connections once more – however, this time, the most heart-wrenching isn’t a love affair. Throughout all five seasons on Netflix’s “You”, Joe Goldberg consistently undermines every relationship he forms, and that pattern continues in the show’s swansong. His affection for Kate Lockwood doesn’t endure long into the new season, and he swiftly becomes infatuated with the enigmatic Bronte. This romance too meets its demise by the end of “You” season 5, but it’s not the most poignant of Joe’s relationships.

In season 5, both Bronte and Kate find somewhat positive conclusions following Joe’s sentencing, but there’s one character whose outcome leaves viewers feeling more melancholic. The main narrative continues to revolve around Joe and his new infatuation, yet a more somber thread weaves its way through the latest episodes. Although the central character in the storyline of this season 5 of ‘You’ is still alive at the end, the aftermath of their relationship with Joe is significantly sadder than either romantic story arc.

You Season 5 Proves Joe’s Most Tragic Relationship Is With Henry, Not One Of His Love Interests

Joe & Henry’s Bond Takes A Tragic Turn In The Series Finale

Kate and Charlotte, much like Guinevere Beck and Love Quinn, manage to evade the dismal ends experienced by fictional characters. Their connections with Joe conclude on hopeful tones instead. Conversely, in the fifth season of “You”, Joe’s attachment to his son, Henry, takes a catastrophic turn. The closing episodes subtly hint at Henry adopting his father’s violent tendencies, while the series finale drastically alters Joe’s bond with his son. In the final moments before Joe intends to depart the country, Henry labels him as a “.” He recognizes his father’s actions and repudiates him in response.

I was taken aback by this revelation, but as Bronte underscores, Joe isn’t exactly the victim in this scenario. The conclusion of ‘You’ season 5 powerfully illustrates just how much Joe’s actions impact Henry, an influence that will persist as he matures. The truth about Joe’s character is a harsh truth for a child as young as Henry to grapple with. Although the finale hints at Joe’s potential for change, Henry is left to bear the weight of his father’s criminal past. In this way, Joe unwittingly perpetuates a cycle of trauma.

Why Joe & Henry’s Father-Son Bond Is The Saddest Storyline In You’s Final Season

Joe Repeats The Cycle Of Trauma In Season 5

The relationship between Henry and Joe is the most heart-wrenching aspect of the final season for two key reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly unfortunate that Henry, being so young, has to confront the reality that his father is a serial killer, one who was responsible for the death of his biological mother and causing harm to his adoptive one. While viewers may not empathize with Joe during the finale, Henry’s perspective makes their estrangement all the more poignant. Henry deserves a father who is actively involved in his life, and parents who are not associated with violent crimes.

In addition, Joe’s violent tendencies and fixation on love can be traced back to his own traumatic childhood experiences, which he seems to be perpetuating. Although Joe doesn’t mistreat Henry in the same manner as he was treated, his actions still carry consequences. Henry may spend the rest of his life questioning if he will follow in his father’s footsteps and grapple with complex emotions towards the man. The fifth season offers him guidance from a new therapist, but he’ll continue to harbor mixed feelings about his parentage that are tinged with confusion and sadness.

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2025-04-29 03:47