The fifth and final season of the Netflix series YOU has captivated audiences as it explores the turbulent life of Joe Goldberg, played by Penn Badgley. Returning to New York City in search of a "happily ever after" with his new wife, Kate Lockwood, Joe's dark past soon catches up with him. The season introduces complex family dynamics, particularly through Kate's half-sister, Reagan Lockwood-Jacobs, portrayed by Anna Camp, who attempts to extricate Kate from the family business following their father's death.
Anna Camp, 42, showcases her versatility by playing twins Reagan and Maddie Lockwood in this season. Her character Reagan is not pleased with Kate's leadership at Lockwood Corp., and Camp describes the tension between the twins, stating, "Maddie hasn’t really found the love of her life or her place in the world, because she was always put down so much by Reagan. So, there’s a lot of tension there and competition between the two of them." This dual role has garnered praise from fans, with many taking to X (formerly Twitter) to commend Camp's performance. One fan exclaimed, "Anna Camp's portrayal of Maddie & Raegan is SO f**king good, one of the best characters out of all seasons of YOU. Give her ALL the awards." Another added, "The actress, Anna Camp who plays BOTH Reagan and Maddie Lockwood in the Netflix series YOU deserves all her 10s - I hope she blows up the acting was phenomenal!"
As the season unfolds, the narrative takes a darker turn. Joe's obsession with love leads him to a new character, Bronte, played by Madeline Brewer. Bronte, who works at the bookshop Mooney's while Joe restores it, has a complicated connection to Joe's past. She is seeking revenge for the murder of her former university tutor, Guinevere Beck, who was also one of Joe's previous love interests. The season finale escalates the tension, culminating in a dramatic confrontation between Joe and Bronte.
In the final episode, Joe's fate takes a shocking turn. After a series of intense events, he is shot in a critical area and imprisoned. He faces conviction for the murders of Love Quinn and Guinevere Beck, as well as the season one victims Benji Ashby and Peach Salinger. This conclusion raises significant questions about the portrayal of Joe's character and the romanticization of a serial killer. Critics have previously pointed out that such depictions can be harmful, especially in light of the ongoing epidemic of violence against women and girls (VAWG).
While the ending of YOU does not resolve all the issues raised throughout its five seasons, it does prompt viewers to reflect on their own perceptions of Joe and the societal fascination with his character. As the show concludes, it asks, "Are we perpetuating the notoriety and power of violent and criminal men like Joe by fixating on and sexualizing him?" This meta-commentary invites audiences to consider the implications of their engagement with media that centers around such dark themes.
In the aftermath of Joe's imprisonment, Bronte is left to navigate her new life. She adopts a new identity as Louse and publishes a successful edition of Beck's manuscript, which excludes Joe's contributions. This new version not only details her experience with Joe but also serves as a critique of his actions. Meanwhile, Kate, having survived a traumatic event involving a fire at Mooney's, transforms her company into a non-profit organization, demonstrating her commitment to supporting survivors. She also champions Marienne's artistic career, ensuring that Marienne can thrive in the public eye following the turmoil caused by Joe.
Charlotte Ritchie, who plays Kate, anticipates a mixed reaction to the season's conclusion, acknowledging the complexities of Joe's character and the audience's relationship with him. Ritchie remarked, "I think this is such a larger than life character that finding an ending that satisfies everybody based on all of the various feelings they have about him, like in his life, I don't think that's possible, but I think it's a nice nod to the kind of relationship we have with him, which I think is quite fun and quite kind of inclusive, weirdly."
As the final season of YOU wraps up, it leaves viewers with more than just a conclusion to Joe's story. It invites them to engage critically with the narratives surrounding violence, obsession, and the complexities of human relationships. The show’s ending may not provide all the answers, but it certainly encourages a deeper examination of the themes that have permeated its storyline from the beginning.
For those who have followed Joe's tumultuous journey, the series finale serves as a reminder of the impact of storytelling in shaping perceptions of morality and accountability. As audiences reflect on the series, they are left to ponder the real-life implications of the characters' actions and the narratives we choose to celebrate.
With YOU now available to stream on Netflix, fans can revisit the series and explore the intricate web of relationships, moral dilemmas, and the pursuit of love that has defined Joe Goldberg's chaotic existence.
