Netflix’s You season 5 review: “a dark, twisted and slightly deranged end”

In the final season of Netflix’s You, Joe Golderberg has come full circle. The smooth-talking serial killer (played to perfection by Penn Badgley) is now back on the streets of New York – under his real name – with a reinvented persona as an all-round ‘Prince Charming.’

He’s the poster boy for the perfect husband, as demonstrated by him holding his wife Kate’s handbag on a photoshoot (yes, the bar for dating is in hell). The duo, who previously covered up the murder of a politician in season four, are worshipped and untouchable… or so it seems. 

This is Joe, after all. His blissful life with Kate and son Henry is put at risk when he meets Bronte (Madeline Brewer), who has broken into his old bookstore. Quick-witted flirting over classic fiction with a young, doe-eyed girl reminds Joe of a previous time with Beck (Elizabeth Lail) from season one. 

Without giving too much away, season 5 sticks to the show’s well-worn formula with some predictable twists, but a few blood-thirsty shocks in there too. Tensions are high and Joe’s murderous instincts start to emerge, which threatens to unravel his carefully crafted new persona.

After the whodunnit murder mystery in season four, this season is notably more psychological as Joe is confronted by the ghosts from his past that remind him of the ugliest side of himself – he denies that his ‘white knight’ violent tendencies are anything but acts of love. As it’s the final instalment, there’s plenty of nostalgia thrown in, with strong ties to previous seasons including some cameos from old friends and lovers. 

Netflix

Compared to her performance in the hit BBC comedy Ghosts, Charlotte Richie is unrecognisable as the stoic problem-solver Kate Lockwood, who lives in the precarious position of knowing she’s married to a serial killer. Similar to Love (Victoria Pedretti) from season 2, Kate is a worthy match for Joe’s mind games, having fought for her survival in a twisted family her entire life. 

New cast additions also breathe fresh life into the season, notably Amy Camp as the Lockwood twins, Reagan and Maddy. The contrast between the two sisters showcases Camp’s capabilities to play both the cold-hearted monster of Reagan and the deluded, frantic liability Maddy, both of whom are impacted by Joe’s vicious schemes. 

At its core, season 5 is about breaking the cycle of Joe murdering women who he has felt rejected by. Despite being the long-running protagonist of the show, he is criticised and examined – in a cutting, but ironic manner – for his actions in a way that hasn’t been seen before. Yet, no one this season is without flaws and everyone has been tainted by their demons or Joe’s influence to embrace the monster within. 

As much as You is predictable, the final season is also a fascinating examination of how so-called ‘Prince Charming’ figures can easily manipulate and gaslight women into dangerous situations, as they mask their violent tendencies under a nice guy smile. There’s also the added element of how social media, especially TikTok, can sway public opinion to find sympathy for even the most condemnable men. However, these serious themes clash with the satirical tone that runs throughout the series and Joe’s ongoing monologue. 

You isn’t designed to be a hard-hitting TV show and arguably, season five has the most outlandish storylines yet. There are multiple resurrections, cases of mistaken identity, catfishing, wild attempted murders and interrogation scenes. It’s as laughable as it is disturbing. 

Netflix

Nonetheless, after Adolescence and the ongoing conversations about toxic masculinity, the final season feels incredibly relevant as different generations of victims who were abused and coerced by Joe come together.

With a dark, twisted and slightly deranged end, You’s strength is in its wacky ensemble this season. Though it’s not always entirely sane and stuffed with far-fetched plots, the series starts to unpack the culture that breeds such violent hatred towards women… just sometimes with a Taylor Swift track accompanying it.

Is Netflix’s You season 5 worth a watch?

If you’ve watched You’s first four seasons, you must tune into this wild ride of a finale. For those new to Joe’s dashing yet devilish ways, some of the references might not land as well, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be enjoyable. Season 5 might even ignite your interest to revisit the previous seasons too. 

The final instalment is a blend of absurd sub-plots that feel as though they’ve been solely designed to tie the series together in a neat bow – connecting characters and storylines from previous seasons. Undeniably, it’s extremely bingeable entertainment… though Joe’s many self-indulgent attempts to defend his violent instincts can get tiresome.

It’s mildly ridiculous TV, but that’s all part of the show’s strange charm. If you’re happy to go along for the mad ride, season 5 of You is a worthy addition to your weekend watchlist for a fast-acting adrenaline hit and some classic Joe Goldberg one-liners. 

All episodes of You season 5 are available to watch now on Netflix in the UK and US. 

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