Reel Review: How You Season 5 Wraps Up Joe Goldberg’s Iconic Story

The infamous Joe Goldberg has returned for one last mind game in the fifth and final season of You!

Back in New York after 3 years, Joe seeks a life of normalcy with Kate (Charlotte Ritchie) and his son. In Mooney’s Bookstore is where he finds Bronte (Madeline Brewer), an aspiring novelist, causing Joe to revert back to his possessive ways. Now, Joe must continue running from his past before it catches up to him for good.

The final season digs deeper into the mystery that is Joe’s mind. At this point in Joe’s long journey, we have been taught to follow him with no questions asked; assuming he is always two steps ahead. It isn’t until the last season and these final few episodes, where everything is altered and Joe gets his ultimate punishment. 

After one confrontation with Bronte causes Joe to spiral, he discovers that Bronte has actually been a part of the group that is trying to catch him. Ultimately, Bronte seeks justice for the lost in one final battle between herself and Joe; in which Joe is finally caught. There are so many emotions that come with seeing a character as iconic as Penn Badgley’s being taken down. As we’ve come to know and love this twisted and deceptive character, there are some mixed emotions that arise from Joe’s ultimate takedown scene. 

While the final episodes are enough to satisfy the viewers, it also leaves the story open ended. After Bronte reworks her novel and gives voices to Joe’s victims, we are left with a world of possibilities for her and her life. As for Joe, he is left in a small jail cell receiving love letters from people who are just as sick as him. Ultimately, we are left with the notion that Joe’s wicked ways may be trapped inside of him forever.

The last season of You feels like a homecoming to the story and the characters we have seen throughout the years. It reminisces on old moments while continuing to keep the storyline fresh. We can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction to Joe and his ending in the final moments of the season!

Season 5 of You is out now on Netflix.