From lonely boy to suburban murderer, Penn Badgley stars in the third season of the highly anticipated Netflix series, “You,” released on Oct. 15.
“You” follows Joe Goldberg, played by Badgley, an obsessive, young man that never fails at getting the woman he wants, but only at extreme measures.
Season three picks up right where the last season left off when Joe and his new wife, Love Quinn, played by Victoria Pedretti, start a new life with their newborn in Madre Linda, a fictional suburb in California.
Fatherhood alongside a white picket fence never crossed Joe’s mind, but he had no choice but to step up considering his childhood. It is revealed in this season that Joe has experienced quite the trauma, including abandonment issues.
As Joe and Love settle into their new home, it’s not all flowers and rainbows. One can always count on “You” to never have a dull moment.
Michaela McManus plays Natalie Engler, their new neighbor who catches Joe’s attention. Right away, viewers can see his infatuation boiling and so can Love. This was the beginning of it all.
Season three seesaws between a mix of the stress of parenthood and Joe and Love’s fixated infatuations.
Joe reads a bedtime story to his son, Henry.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
They are each absorbed in their world but are glaringly different in the way they operate. While Joe is meticulous and methodical in planning his every move, Love is more emotionally impulsive and acts in rage. The plots keep the viewer toggling between both their troubling childhoods and their resulting sociopathic behavior.
The viewer is drawn into the thrilling suspense of not knowing what to expect next, as both characters are keenly aware of the other one’s actions although not explicitly displayed.
The episodes are quite relatable to some. They incorporate real-life issues such as coronavirus (COVID-19), influencer culture, biohacking, addiction and domestic violence.
To make it even more relatable, we see two adults trying to find every reason in the world to stay together even though the relationship is toxic. You get the sense the couple is now seeking to redeem themselves from their dark past by moving to the suburbs.
Joe Goldberg (left) converses with Marienne, played by Tati Gabrielle (right).
Photo courtesy of Netflix
The setting seems perfect until one realizes there is much more that goes on behind the white picket fences and friendly neighbors. There are many moving parts, which certainly thickens the plot and keeps the audience wondering what lies ahead for each character.
The realistic scenery and visuals also add to the suspense and twists. The shock value of every episode keeps the viewer wanting more to be uncovered.
However, as the crimes take place, you can’t help but notice the lack of attention being drawn as the number of victims rises. The writers expertly keep the viewers in suspense by the twist in plots that seem never-ending.
“You” has employed the technique of using an internal monologue narrated by Joe’s character. His warped, narrated reasoning plays on the viewer’s sympathy for him even though we know his actions are not morally sound.
Joe Goldberg is played by Penn Badgley.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Flashbacks to Joe’s childhood tend to make those watching feel his behavior is justified, forcing you to glorify a pattern of behavior that shows no repentance or compassion toward his victims.
Some may become uncomfortable as the show encompasses how society romanticizes people’s abusive behavior.
Despite these flaws, it is safe to say this season was brilliantly executed with double the drama and bloody surprises.
Keep your popcorn ready because Netflix has already announced season four will be coming to screens shortly.
