In the You Season 5 finale, Penn Badgley’s character, Joe Goldberg, delivers a shocking and thought-provoking conclusion to his story. The iconic character, notorious for his dangerous obsession with women, faces his final moments as fans are left to reflect on the consequences of his actions. The episode, which premiered on April 24th, featured a powerful fourth-wall break, where Goldberg directly addressed the audience in a chilling final monologue.
Joe Goldberg’s Message to the Audience in the Season Finale
As Joe sits in prison, reading letters from his supporters, the series takes an unexpected turn as Goldberg breaks the fourth wall to speak directly to viewers. His monologue, set against the haunting backdrop of Radiohead’s Creep, challenges the audience’s perception of him.
“Why am I in a cage when these crazies write me all the depraved things they want me to do to them? Maybe we have a problem as a society. Maybe we should fix what’s broken in us,” Joe says in his final speech.
With a lingering tone, he adds, “Maybe the problem isn’t me. Maybe it’s you,” leaving viewers to question their fascination with his character and the societal norms that allow characters like him to be so compelling.
Reflecting on the Complexity of Joe Goldberg’s Character
In an interview with Us Weekly, Natasha Behnam, who plays Dominique, spoke about the lasting impact of Joe Goldberg on fans. “Everybody fell in love with Joe Goldberg because it’s a TV show and we love it. But I think having that layer of ‘Hey, remember that he is a serial killer’ reminds us of the dark reality behind his actions,” Behnam stated.
She emphasized the importance of acknowledging the atrocities Joe committed, despite the character’s likable qualities that kept viewers engaged throughout the series.
A Masterful Conclusion to Joe Goldberg’s Story
Pete Ploszek, who portrays Harrison, also praised the writers for their handling of Joe’s final moments. “It’s such a big and beautiful swing by the writers,” he said. “We’ve supported Joe, been intrigued by him, and demanded more from the show. But you do have to pause and reflect on that.”
The You finale serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of romanticizing toxic characters and the unsettling allure they hold. While fans have long been captivated by Joe’s complex personality, the final moments of the series invite them to pause and reconsider the consequences of his actions.
Conclusion: The End of Joe Goldberg’s Story
The You Season 5 finale provides fans with a powerful and reflective conclusion to the story of Joe Goldberg. Through a final fourth-wall break, Penn Badgley’s character challenges the audience to confront their own complicity in the glorification of toxic behaviors. As the series wraps up, it leaves viewers with much to think about, not just about Joe Goldberg, but about the culture that allows such characters to become pop culture icons.
