Netflix’s You Season 5 Review: Predictable Yet Satisfying Finale, But Joe Goldberg Gets the Last Word

Now, as the finale released on April 24, 2025, it was clear that Joe’s manipulation and killing spree could come to an end only by two means—either by getting killed or jailed. The teaser of ‘You’ showed Joe returning to New York City with his wife Kate Lockwood, with a reinvented persona as an all-round ‘Prince Charming.’ He is a poster boy for the perfect husband, as demonstrated by him being the ideal husband any woman would want. Evidently, Joe does have a way of getting things done in his favour.

If you haven’t watched the season yet, then, ‘warning: spoilers ahead.’

While the first five episodes were a bit slow, there was a fair share of twists and turns to keep the viewers hooked. And the ending was nothing more than one could ask for. Solid, justified, and satisfying end of Joe!

Netflix’s You Season 5 Review

The fifth and final season of You sees Joe’s killing game going from high-flying to rock bottom. It is predictable and fits close to his story. But it's all the drama in between that keeps you engaged. This season dives deeper into Joe’s deep-rooted misogyny, which he hides behind his claims of protecting the women he loves. While it all stems from the lack of love from his mother, this time, there’s no room for remorse for Joe.

You Season 5 Starts Off Slow, Building A Solid Foundation For Joe's End

Season 5 starts off a bit slow and with a repetitive plot, with Joe trying to live a normal life with Kate in New York, fighting his instincts to kill. It only becomes clear by the end of the season that the slow buildup was necessary to bring a good end. As Joe continues to live a luxurious life In NY with Kate and his son Henry, his thirst to kill resurfaces as he is left with no option but to kill Kate’s uncle to save her from reputation damage.

“Oh…you missed this. You feel so fucking alive,” was Joe’s words when he finally got do the thing he was craving for the last three years, ‘kill’.

But the real turning point in the season came when he found out that he was getting catfished by Bronte (Madeline Brewer), his bookstore manager and new love interest. This kicked the season into high gear, making it more compelling. Two things that make season 5 a treat to watch are Bronte’s twist and Anna Camp's performance in the double role as twins, the kind-hearted, ditzy Maddie and diabolically evil Raegan. While Bronte’s character was a bit flawed and imperfect since she fell for Joe, it was a clever twist to bring her as Beck’s friend who wanted nothing more than a sweet revenge from Joe.

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A Satisfying, Justified End Of Joe’s Story

The second half of the story is impressive and well done. Joe finally begins to see the repercussions of his own actions. Joe, who was once a low-profile serial killer, went trending on social media for the heinous crimes he committed. There are clever cameos from past characters like Nadia and Marienne, who came to gloat as Joe drowned in the consequences of his actions. Kate and Bronte’s characters were brought in to make Joe meet his fate. At last, Joe was sent to jail, and forced to live with his loneliness. Honestly, this punishment for Joe is better than death because being left alone is what he feared the most.

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Joe may not ever get out of prison, but nonetheless, he gets the last word in his trademark style. His last monologue leaves viewers thinking long after the credits roll.

Rating: 3/5

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