Photo credit: movieweb.com
The Final Chapter of Netflix’s ‘You’: Analyzing Joe Goldberg’s Journey and Celebrity Cameo
The psychological thriller series You on Netflix has officially concluded with its fifth season. This final installment sees Joe Goldberg, portrayed by Penn Badgley, returning to New York City. Here, he embraces his true identity while navigating his tumultuous relationship with his affluent wife, Kate (Charlotte Ritchie). Although she is aware of some of Joe’s dark tendencies, the narrative shift this season frames him as a protagonist escaping his unstable ex-wife, Love (Victoria Pedretti). However, Joe’s perceived triumph is short-lived as he soon faces the repercussions of his past actions.
As the plot unfolds, the series reveals how Joe’s former victims, particularly those who’ve managed to survive, confront him with the truth of his character. The show has garnered a passionate fan base, including several celebrities who have openly expressed their appreciation for its gripping storytelling. Notably, one of its most ardent celebrity supporters made a humorous and notable cameo in the show’s concluding season.
In Season 5, Episode 7, titled “#JoeGoldberg,” Joe grapples with the aftermath of a deadly encounter from the previous episode, where he was captured on a livestream by Dominique (Natasha Behnam). Her intention was to expose Joe, but what unfolded was a shocking display of violence as Joe killed Clayton (Tom Francis). Now, with the world witnessing his darkest act, he faces an unprecedented challenge in maintaining his façade.
To navigate this crisis, Joe turns to Maddie (Amma Camp), a public relations expert linked to Lockwood Corp. She understands the complexities of the modern media landscape and suggests a strategy that involves an interview with a trending TikTok “journalist.” This approach aims to help Joe garner sympathy from the public, placing him in a more favorable light.
During the interview, viewers see an avalanche of online reactions. While some comments defend Joe, others label him a manipulator. Still, many spectators begin to romanticize his story, questioning whether he genuinely is a victim of circumstance.
Once back in the comfort of his home, Joe realizes that #joegoldberg is trending across social media, particularly on X. The responses are mixed, with some users expressing admiration for Joe, even declaring their affection for a man capable of killing for love. Amidst this online chatter, a standout comment catches viewers’ attention: a post from renowned artist Cardi B, complete with her profile image.
This post humorously reads, “When there are allegations, but he’s a 10 #joegoldberg,” and has garnered thousands of interactions. Following Joe’s arrest, social media entries offer a more satirical perspective on his situation, with Cardi B appearing again to quip humorously about Joe’s misfortunes. This reappearance serves as a nod to her long-standing admiration for the series.
Cardi B’s Connection to ‘You’
Cardi B has been a dedicated fan of You and has expressed her fondness for Penn Badgley since 2021. Her enthusiasm became evident when she tweeted about her admiration for him, prompting Badgley to switch his profile picture to one featuring her. In enthusiastic reciprocation, Cardi then changed her image to one of Badgley as Joe, playfully referencing the character’s ominous nature.
In the years that followed, Cardi B consistently showcased her fandom on social media, even live-tweeting her reactions to episodes. Her exchanges with Badgley reflect a genuinely heartfelt admiration and playful rapport, making her final season cameo a fitting tribute to her support.
Additionally, Cardi’s presence in the narrative underscores the show’s exploration of public perception and how charm can momentarily veil malevolence. It cleverly highlights how even high-profile figures can be swayed by charisma, blurring the lines between admiration and moral judgment.
Source
movieweb.com