Netflix’s popular psychological thriller show “You” has returned with its fifth and final season. But this time, looking at the show’s central character Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley), a single question comes to mind – can we still accept this stalker-turned-serial-killer as a hero? 🤔
📌 Stories: Now it’s a little too much
The concept of “You” was initially quite engaging – a charming person, who becomes an obsessive stalker in the name of love. In the first season, the concept was new, a little disturbing but entertaining. But as the seasons progressed, the show unraveled into its own web. In the fifth season, Joe has married a wealthy philanthropist, Kate Lockwood (Charlotte Ritchie), and is now settling down in New York with his son, Henry. He’s no longer hiding behind any other identity — he is just Joe, in the public eye, living his truth (or so he claims).
🎭 Hero or Villain? Confusion Continues!
The biggest issue is that the show still hasn’t been able to decide who to show as the hero or the villain. Despite his dark past, the show tries to redeem him. Even in this season, when a new girl Bronte (Madeline Brewer) enters his life, the same old pattern is seen: obsession, delusion and maybe… murder?
Seeing this repetitive storyline, it seems that the writers are also tired. The show’s dialogues don’t have the same wit and satire as before. Now everything seems predictable, like the plot of an outdated thriller.
💸 Rich People, Dark Secrets & Hollow Satire
The first half of the season was a little hopeful — there were some dark humor moments involving Joe and Kate’s ultra-rich circle. Anna Camp’s double role (Kate’s twins Reagan and Maddie) provides a little comic relief. But that too doesn’t entertain for long. The show touched on serious topics like incels, online mobs and misogyny, but only on a surface level. These topics could have been explored in a little more depth, but the show simply treated them like tick-boxes.
🔁 Flashbacks & Fan Service
Some nostalgia has also been brought back for the old fans – cameos from previous seasons, the comeback of the murder cage, and the New York setting – everything has been brought back. But all this fan-service also does not save the show. When the climax comes, it seems as if the writers are just blaming the viewers: “You guys are the ones who watch it, but we are making it.”
🔚 Final Verdict: Time To Say Goodbye
“You” was once a smart, twisted and self-aware show that pushed its boundaries. Now it has become just a dragging, confusing and inconsistent show in which it is difficult to find sympathy for the lead character.
Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5)
If you enjoyed the previous seasons, you can watch this season for closure – but do not expect it to satisfy you.
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