The fifth season of Netflix's acclaimed thriller series You premiered on April 24, 2025, offering a conclusion to the tumultuous saga of Joe Goldberg, portrayed by Penn Badgley. While the season has received mixed reviews, it attempts to tie up loose ends and revisit familiar faces, ultimately leaving some fans dissatisfied due to unresolved storylines.
One of the most notable absences in the final season was Ellie Alves, played by Jenna Ortega, who many fans hoped would return for a climactic confrontation with Joe. Introduced in the show's second season, Ellie quickly became a fan favorite, recognized for her tenacity and vulnerability. After Joe helped her escape a dangerous situation involving Love Quinn, viewers were left with the impression that Ellie could play a significant role in Joe's narrative arc.
Throughout the five seasons, Joe has crossed paths with numerous characters, some of whom returned in the final season to testify against him. Notable returns included Paco, Sherry, Cary Conrad, and Dottie Quinn, Love's mother. These appearances served to highlight the consequences of Joe's actions, emphasizing the weight of his past. However, the absence of Ellie left a void that many viewers felt was a missed opportunity for emotional depth and closure.
Fans had anticipated that Ellie would play a crucial role in the final season, especially as Joe faced new scandals that brought his past actions to light. Given her background as a social media savvy young woman with personal stakes in Joe's story, her presence could have provided a powerful counter-narrative against him. Instead, the showrunners opted to leave her out, which many see as a significant oversight.
The producers, Michael Foley and Justin W. Lo, explained that they had genuine intentions to bring Jenna Ortega back but were hindered by her commitments to Wednesday season 2. The showrunners even considered a storyline where Ellie could act as a benefactor for new characters Dominique and Phoenix, further emphasizing her growth and resilience. However, logistical challenges ultimately prevented this from materializing.
Despite the explanations, the disappointment among fans remains palpable. You has always been praised for its intricate storytelling and character development, making the decision to exclude Ellie all the more perplexing. The series has consistently explored the repercussions of Joe's actions on those around him, and neglecting to resolve Ellie's storyline feels like a significant thematic inconsistency.
The final season of You did manage to bring Joe back to New York, a decision that had both its strengths and weaknesses. While it rekindled connections to earlier seasons, it also exposed the cracks in the show's formula, leading to a sense of repetition. Critics noted that the season felt like a somewhat holistic celebration of the series, but it struggled to recapture the creativity and intensity that characterized its earlier installments.
In contrast to the previous season, which took Joe across the Atlantic to London, season five attempted to return to the roots of the series while also addressing the consequences of Joe's actions. However, the romance between Joe and Kate, introduced in season four, fell flat compared to the dynamic he shared with Love in earlier seasons. Critics pointed out that Kate felt like a one-dimensional character, lacking the depth that fans had come to expect from You.
One of the standout subplots of the fifth season was Bronte's storyline, played by Madeline Brewer. Bronte shifted the focus away from Joe and Kate's underwhelming romance, offering a fresh perspective and allowing the show to explore new dynamics. Her character's connection to Joe provided a means to wrap up the series in a more fulfilling way, contrasting with the more predictable arcs of previous seasons.
Reflecting on the series as a whole, the original season of You, released in 2018, remains a benchmark for its innovative storytelling and character dynamics. The chemistry between Joe and Beck, portrayed by Elizabeth Lail, set a high standard, with the first season's ending offering genuine surprises that later installments struggled to replicate. The early seasons were lauded for their originality, while subsequent seasons often relied on familiar tropes and twists, leading to a sense of predictability.
Season two, which introduced Love Quinn, played by Victoria Pedretti, was a pivotal moment for the series. The complex relationship between Joe and Love showcased some of the best storytelling in You, as it pushed Joe out of his comfort zone and challenged his perception of power. However, the decision to remove Love from the show in season three contributed to the gradual decline in the series' quality, as neither of Joe's subsequent love interests proved as compelling.
As fans reflect on the series finale, the absence of Ellie Alves stands out as a glaring oversight in a narrative that has always emphasized the consequences of Joe's actions on those around him. Her potential return could have added a significant layer of emotional complexity, reinforcing the series' themes of accountability and the lasting impact of trauma.
Ultimately, while the fifth season of You provided a conclusion to Joe Goldberg's story, it also highlighted the missed opportunities that could have made the finale even more impactful. Fans are left grappling with unresolved issues and the lingering question of what could have been had Ellie been given the chance to confront Joe one last time.
