Penn Badgley recently opened up about his insights regarding You Season 5, emphasizing the critical need for his character, Joe Goldberg, to be seen for the monster he has always been since the show’s inception in 2018. This recognition is essential for understanding the complexities of his character and the narrative surrounding him.
From the onset, You has been explicit in its portrayal of the protagonist as someone the audience should not champion. Despite this, the character’s peculiar yet compelling displays of affection towards his love interests — including his willingness to eliminate anyone who obstructs him — have paradoxically led some viewers to regard him as a romantic icon. This conflicting perception raises intriguing questions about morality and the romanticization of toxic behavior.
Insights from Penn Badgley on Joe Goldberg’s Consequences in You Season 5
Throughout four seasons, Joe Goldberg adeptly evaded the scrutiny of the authorities, but in Season 5, he is finally confronted with the repercussions of his actions. During an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Badgley articulated the necessity for the character to be recognized authentically as the evil individual he genuinely is. This shift is pivotal not only for the character’s development but also for the show’s narrative integrity.
“What I believed was critical was that Joe finally be undeniably and very viscerally perceived and felt as a sexual predator, because that’s what he is. The first episode features him engaging in disturbing behavior, such as masturbating outside a woman’s apartment, who, nine episodes later, becomes a victim of his violent tendencies. When articulated this way, it’s undeniably horrifying, and I regret having to present it in such stark terms. It’s unsettling, right? But this is the reality of what transpired,” Badgley explained, underscoring the gravity of Joe’s actions.
The actor expressed his desire to distance his portrayal from the character’s “charming and seductive” facade, highlighting the importance of the final season in revealing the darkest layers of Joe’s nature. He noted, “It was crucial that we explore where he is trapped in his most vulnerable state, and that, for better or worse, our female protagonist, Bronte or Louise, played brilliantly by Madeline Brewer, was perilously close to experiencing a moment of nonconsensual sex.” This comment sheds light on the serious themes being addressed in the show.
He elaborated, “For the first time, we are witnessing the true essence of this man and the reality of his actions. This is the first instance where we see him in the act, and it’s something we do not want to happen. It was essential to me that he be deconstructed as a romantic icon. I have been advocating for this narrative direction since Season 1, but I was particularly vocal about it with the writers throughout this season.” Badgley’s reflections reveal the complexities and moral dilemmas that the series seeks to explore.
You Season 5 is currently available for streaming on Netflix, along with the first four seasons, allowing viewers to engage with the entire narrative arc of this controversial yet compelling series.
