Talking about You (SPOILERS FOR YOU: SEASON 1-4)

Netflix’s "You" presents an intriguing addition to the genre of media where the antagonist takes centre stage as the protagonist. Joe Goldberg, a serial stalker, killer, and manipulator, shares the stage with iconic characters like Walter White and Light Yagami, wherein we as the viewer exist so much within the protagonist’s mind that we are forced into developing a strange sense of empathy toward these characters despite their destructive paths. From the onset, Joe Goldberg captivates us with his intricate persona, meticulously maintaining both books at his shop, possessions and relationships. His intelligence and calculating interior are combative with his sexual and murderous urges, leading to increasingly harmful and consequential situations. Despite his flaws, Joe exudes a unique charm, drawing viewers into his psyche through the show's intimate narrative lens which allows us as the audience to listen in on Joe’s every thought at every moment.

The first three seasons of "You" delivered an exhilarating ride, from Joe's obsessive stalking of Guinevere Beck in Season 1 to his turbulent partnership with Love Quinn in Season 2 and 3. Season 3 stands out as a favourite, as Joe grapples with the struggles of fatherhood and marriage whilst attempting to not succumb to his deadly impulses. The relationship drama between Joe and Love reaches its peak in the third season which I believe to be my personal favourite dynamic in the show. However, my enthusiasm wavered with the arrival of the fourth season. While Joe embarks on a fresh start as a literature professor in London, I found that the narrative on display here treads familiar ground, echoing themes from previous seasons. I also found the introduction of Kate Galvin, Joe's new love interest, to be lacklustre and she fails to match the charisma of his previous partners, leaving much to be desired.

Additionally, the 'whodunnit' premise of Season 4 feels lazy and uninteresting compared to Joe's past escapades. The main antagonist, Rhys Montrose, fails to deliver any anticipated intrigue, ultimately serving as a distraction in the end from Joe's internal conflicts. The supporting cast also pales in comparison to previous seasons, lacking the depth and complexity that enriched Joe's journey to this stage. Paco as a character acts as a gateway to explore Joe’s deep emotional understanding of the horrific struggle of a child growing up with abuse in the family. He is a reminder for Joe of his time at a group home and how he killed his own father. The existence of Paco, Ellie and Forty are all very important to revealing tidbits of Joe’s ‘good side.’ Comparatively, the characters in season 4 pose as nothing but fodder for the weak whodunnit plot set-up. Despite these shortcomings, "You" remains a personal standout in Netflix's catalogue for me. While some creative choices may falter, the series does offer a captivating exploration of a charming killer's psyche and his tumultuous navigation through his world. 

As the fifth and final season approaches, I have hopes for a return to the show's former brilliance, Penn Badgley promises that they will be tying up loose ends and I hope this reignites the magic that initially drew viewers in.