Half a dozen years into its Netflix running, the show ‘You’ ignited a spark of fascination among ardent serial watchers, becoming an overnight sensation that broke free from its initial muted response on Lifetime. Penn Badgley, with his enigmatic persona, managed to provide a chilling yet captivating portrayal of the infamous serial killer, Joe Goldberg. Although troubled by the odd popularity his on-screen character gained, he strived to balance his role’s portrayal, highlighting the importance of not glorifying murderous figures in the public’s eyes.
The show ‘You’ offered a unique blend to the genre of crime dramas by injecting doses of comedy amidst the horror, presenting its viewers with an unusual yet engaging narrative. A turn of events sees the main character, Joe Goldberg, being pulled back towards his past, hoping to retrace his ruthless journey once again. This foreshadows the possibility of him becoming a victim of his arrogance, with telltale signs hinting at such a probability.
Analysing the possible plot structure for the much-anticipated fifth and concluding season of ‘You’, one cannot disregard Joe’s decision to go back to his old haunt in Manhattan, a significant shift from the previous gloom-infused London adaptation. Joe’s claim of being ‘the luckiest guy in New York’ potentially prepares him for a metaphorical downfall. The audacity of the character in revisiting his past crime scenes compels one to ponder his fate.
Joe’s generally cautious demeanor takes a risky turn with his daring decision, leading to speculations about the likelihood of him seeking thrill in the danger of getting caught. A piece of critical evidence fuelling this theory is Joe’s return to Mooney’s Bookshop, the premises of which could reveal lingering DNA traces capable of sealing his fate. This, along with the announcement of Joe’s encounter with a detective character, strengthens the suspicion of his impending doom.
Joe’s possible end instigates thought-provoking questions about his reactions towards an imminent arrest – Will he willingly surrender, or would he choose death over confinement? Among the various potential plot twists, the presence of ticking time bomb Dr. Nicky (John Stamos), who was wrongfully convicted for Benji’s (Lou Taylor Pucci) murder, adds an intriguing element to the narrative.
Nicky, serving his prison time, possesses all the reasons and the time to nurse a powerful desire for vengeance, potentially turning the tables in the final season. Joe has had his fill of explorations from the sunny city of Los Angeles to the stifling suburbs and the depressing cityscape of London. His deliberate decision to return to New York seems to seal his fate, essentially guaranteeing some form of retribution.
Netflix’s ambiguous statement regarding the fifth season teases audiences with Joe’s challenges: ‘Joe Goldberg returns to New York until his idyllic life is threatened by the shadows from his past and his dark inner demons’. However, the storyline won’t be spiced up with steamy scenes, as leading actor Badgley has declined their inclusion following an uncomfortable encounter during the third season after his character’s marriage to Love Quinn (played by Victoria Pedretti).
While the show has flirted with its Adult rating through its gruesome depictions of violence rather than explicit sensuality, Badgley’s character Joe, ironically, remains an object of affection. As Joe Goldberg draws his horrifying ‘stalker’ chapter to a close, a new addition to the cast, Madeline Brewer, is introduced, depicting one of Joe’s employees.
The finale could potentially spring some surprises by bringing back characters who have narrowly escaped Joe’s fatal clutches. These include notable characters such as Beck (Elizabeth Lail), Love (Victoria Pedretti), and Candace (Ambyr Childers). The survivors who might surface onscreen include Marienne (Tati Gabrielle) and Dr. Nicky (John Stamos).
The question remains concerning the finale – Will Joe receive the punishment he rightfully deserves, or will he manage to cheat fate once again? As viewers sit on the edge of their seats, it seems the thrilling drama series ‘You’ is gearing up to tie loose ends with an epic conclusion, still shrouded in enigma and suspense.