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Note: This story contains spoilers from “You” Season 5, Episode 10.
Exploring the Dark Conclusion of “You” Season 5
The final season of Netflix’s “You” delves deeper into the character of Joe Goldberg, showcasing his most disturbing actions yet. Showrunners Michael Foley and Justin W. Lo aimed to present Joe at his most horrifying, urging viewers to confront the reality of his character rather than romanticizing his actions.
“Our goal was to awaken both Joe and the audience to the man he truly is,” Foley remarked in an interview. “We needed to ensure Joe displayed his most primal instincts, not allowing viewers to become too enamored with him to overlook the darker themes of the show.”
Having been renewed for a fifth and final season in March 2023, the team recognized this was an opportunity to examine Joe’s fate. “We had to evaluate how the story concludes and what Joe truly deserves,” Foley added.
With Foley and Lo stepping in for creator Sera Gamble, who had been integral since the show’s inception, the transition felt natural. “Sera guided us through 40 episodes; it felt fitting for us to navigate the conclusion,” Foley explained.
The introduction of Bronte, portrayed by Madeline Brewer, serves as a new focal point for Joe. Initially, he perceives her as a promising addition to his life, hiring her at the bookstore while balancing a relationship with Kate Lockwood (played by Charlotte Ritchie) and their son, Henry (Frankie DeMaio). However, a twist unfolds when it’s revealed that Bronte, whose real identity is Louise, has a vendetta against Joe, having collaborated with several conspirators, including Dr. Nicky’s son, Clayton (Tom Francis).
In a climactic moment, while Joe is caught in the act of violence against Clayton, Bronte surprises everyone by misrepresenting the situation to the authorities, claiming self-defense instead of implicating him. This betrayal complicates the narrative, showcasing the unpredictable dynamics of trust and deception.
Despite Joe’s previous victories over his past, hope for justice arises when Kate allies herself with Nadia (Amy-Leigh Hickman) and Marienne (Tati Gabrielle). They seek to hold him accountable, even resorting to locking him in a cage in a moment of poetic justice. “The return of Joe’s previous victims was essential to our narrative, allowing them to voice their experiences and confront him directly,” Lo emphasized.
An array of characters from earlier seasons also reappeared, enriching the finale. However, the absence of Jenna Ortega, a fan favorite, was noted by the showrunners, who expressed their disappointment over her unavailability.
As the season progresses, Kate wrestles with her feelings towards Joe, initially determined to take matters into her own hands. However, just when it seems he is slipping into a happy ending with Bronte, a dramatic turnaround occurs. Bronte’s unexpected choice leads to Joe’s capture, culminating in his downfall.
Crafted to offer a nuanced perspective on Joe’s relationships, Bronte’s character transformation is pivotal. “We aimed to create a character who could genuinely love Joe but ultimately retains her autonomy and voice,” Foley remarked, underscoring the show’s thematic shift.
Joe’s fate at the conclusion is a prison sentence rather than death, a decision the showrunners considered carefully. “Initially, we contemplated killing Joe off, but we ultimately decided that a prison sentence would better serve the story,” Lo explained. “It signifies a greater punishment, allowing for a more profound exploration of Joe’s consequences of his actions.”
“You” Seasons 1-5 are now available for streaming on Netflix.
Source
www.thewrap.com