It was only fitting that Joe Goldberg, the twisted central character in Netflix’s soapy psychological thriller series “You” starring Penn Badgley, would get what he had coming at the end of the show’s fifth and final season. The 10-episode fifth season, released Thursday on Netflix, concluded Joe’s seven-year journey of being a murderous but oddly charming man with a penchant for stalkery and obsessive behavior. This, however, did not mean death; it meant living with his crimes – and a pretty gnarly injury. Showrunners Michael Foley and Justin Lo didn’t know exactly how that would unfold, they told CNN in a recent interview that they knew Joe (Badgley) would “get his comeuppance” and would not be “redeemed.” “We knew that we wanted him to face people whose lives he ruined,” Foley said. “We wanted to show him at his most horrific and make him face what he really is and, in doing so, make us all face what we’ve been rooting for all these years.” The show debuted in 2018 and is based on the book series of the same name by Caroline Kepnes. Season 5 featured Joe living a high-profile life while married to Kate (Charlotte Ritchie), the high-powered CEO who became privy to his deadly extracurriculars in Season 4. His new status robbed Joe of the anonymity he enjoyed in the past but did nothing to take away his killer instincts. After a harrowing fight with his love interest du jour Bronte (Madeline Brewer), which resulted, in part, in her ironically shooting Joe in his netherregion and him becoming an internet meme, Joe was arrested and later charged with the murder of Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail) and Love Quinn (Victoria Pedretti). He was sentenced to prison for the rest of his life, finding himself confined to a cage much like the one he kept many of his victims in throughout the series. During the show’s final scene, Joe sat in his jail cell and read a piece of mail he received from a woman he described as a “fan.” “Why am I in a cage when these crazies write me all the depraved things they want me to do to them,” Goldberg’s inner monologue asked in the final scene. “Maybe the problem isn’t me. Maybe, it’s you.” The fan’s letter was an opportunity to “indict” the show’s audience, according to Lo, who said the point of this final scene was “to show that Joe doesn’t take responsibility for any of his actions and he has to keep blaming people.” “If it’s not the women, it’s society,” Lo added. “It sort of opens up the lens at the very end of the show and turns a mirror on all of us.” In terms of Joe being even more of a monster this season than he has been in the past, this was something that Foley, Lo and Badgley, who also served as an executive producer on the series, were all very much aligned on. Badgley usually takes an active role in helping craft his character’s journey each season, according to Lo and Foley, and he had some ideas of his own for Season 5, including having Joe be shirtless in the mud and the rain in the final episode’s showdown with Bronte. “That was very much him saying, ‘I need the world to see him at his worst, most horrific as an animal in the woods.’ That was really important to him, like, please pull no punches,” Foley said of Badgley’s requests. “All those things that we don’t want to see in Joe, let’s show those things.” Ultimately, several of Joe’s victims, dead or alive, wound up having a voice throughout Season 5, including Marianne (Tati Gabrielle), who returns to help Kate and a now-freed Nadia (Amy-Leigh Hickman) take Joe down. Even Bronte helped give her friend Beck a voice by republishing her book with Joe’s edits and additions removed. Bringing these characters back into the fold, as well as having Joe return to New York and the bookstore where it all began, were integral for Foley and Lo to help close out Joe’s journey. “It was definitely important to us to give a voice to some of the victims of Joe that had survived,” Lo said. “That’s the beauty of knowing your final season is the final season, is that we could choose which characters really felt like they deserved to have an ending.”
‘You’ brought Joe Goldberg’s story to a fitting conclusion. The showrunners explain why he got what he deserved
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Final Season of 'You' Concludes Joe Goldberg's Journey with Consequences for His Actions"
CNN
8.1
TruthLens AI Summary
The fifth and final season of Netflix's psychological thriller series "You" marks a poignant conclusion for the character Joe Goldberg, portrayed by Penn Badgley. Throughout the series, Joe has been depicted as a charming yet deeply flawed individual with a penchant for violence and obsession. As the season unfolds, it becomes clear that Joe's journey culminates not in death, but in facing the consequences of his actions. Showrunners Michael Foley and Justin Lo emphasized that Joe would not be redeemed, and instead, he would confront the lives he has ruined. The narrative builds towards a powerful moment where Joe's past catches up with him, forcing him to reckon with his horrific deeds while also reflecting on the complicity of the audience in rooting for such a character for so long. This thematic exploration culminates in a final scene where Joe, imprisoned, receives a letter from a fan, prompting him to question the nature of blame and societal perceptions of his actions.
In this season, Joe's high-profile life as a married man to Kate, a CEO aware of his dark tendencies, does not shield him from the repercussions of his past. The season is marked by intense confrontations, including a significant altercation with his love interest, Bronte, which results in Joe being shot and subsequently arrested for multiple murders. The showrunners aimed to give voice to Joe's victims, both living and deceased, as they return to confront him in various ways. This approach allows the narrative to reflect on the impact of Joe's actions on those around him. Badgley, who actively participated in shaping his character's arc, insisted on showcasing Joe at his most vulnerable and monstrous, ensuring a raw portrayal in the series' climax. The inclusion of returning characters and the revisiting of pivotal locations from earlier seasons served to emphasize the depth of Joe's impact and the healing journeys of his survivors. Ultimately, the series closes with a powerful reminder of accountability and the darker aspects of human fascination with flawed characters.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article examines the conclusion of Netflix's series "You," focusing on the character Joe Goldberg and the themes surrounding his actions throughout the show. With the release of the final season, the discussion centers on the narrative choices made by the showrunners, revealing their intentions in depicting Joe’s fate as a form of justice rather than redemption.
Audience Perception and Impact
By highlighting Joe's ultimate punishment, the article aims to provoke a sense of moral reflection among viewers. The showrunners’ assertion that Joe would not be redeemed suggests a deliberate effort to challenge the audience’s previous sympathies for a character who embodies toxic behavior. This narrative choice tries to create a conversation around the consequences of obsession and violence, potentially encouraging viewers to reassess their own perceptions of morality within the context of entertainment.
Possible Concealments
The article does not appear to hide significant information; instead, it focuses on the resolution of a popular series. However, by emphasizing Joe's punishment without delving into the broader societal implications of his actions, it may gloss over discussions about real-world stalking and violence, which could be considered a critical oversight in its moral narrative.
Trustworthiness and Manipulation
The article seems reliable, as it includes insights from the showrunners themselves, providing a firsthand perspective on their creative choices. It does not seem overly manipulative, but the language used could evoke strong emotions regarding justice and morality, potentially swaying public opinion about the character and, by extension, the issues he represents.
Comparative Analysis
When compared to similar articles discussing the conclusions of long-running television series, this piece aligns with trends that celebrate the idea of justice in storytelling. It reflects a cultural moment where audiences increasingly demand accountability for characters who engage in immoral actions. This might resonate with broader societal movements advocating for justice and accountability, particularly in media representations.
Societal Implications
The conclusion of "You" might influence discussions on accountability in media narratives, potentially encouraging creators to consider the ramifications of their characters' actions more thoughtfully. This could lead to a cultural shift where audiences expect more responsible storytelling that reflects real-life consequences.
Community Support
The article likely appeals to viewers who appreciate complex narratives that explore darker themes, particularly fans of psychological thrillers and moral quandaries in storytelling. It taps into a community that values character development and the exploration of ethics through entertainment.
Market Influence
While the article itself may not have a direct impact on stock markets, Netflix’s performance and the popularity of its shows can influence investor perceptions. As "You" concludes, the attention it garners may affect Netflix's subscriber growth, subsequently impacting its stock value.
Geopolitical Relevance
The themes in "You" resonate with ongoing discussions about morality, justice, and the psychological effects of obsession, tying into broader societal issues. Although it may not have explicit geopolitical relevance, the cultural reflections it provokes can contribute to conversations about violence and mental health in various contexts.
AI Involvement
There is no clear evidence that artificial intelligence played a role in the article's creation. However, if AI were involved, it could have influenced the tone and style of writing to reflect current trends in entertainment journalism, possibly emphasizing emotional narratives to engage readers more effectively.
The article serves to encapsulate the moral journey of a complex character while inviting viewers to reflect on the implications of their entertainment choices and the societal issues intertwined with them.