You Season 5 Controversy: Fans Missed the Point of the Show for 7 Years

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can’t help but express my thoughts about the nail-biting conclusion of Netflix’s captivating series, “You”. The fifth and final season of this gripping psychological thriller/romance brought about the inevitable downfall of Joe Goldberg, the charismatic yet dangerous ladykiller who had eluded justice for so long. Interestingly, it was a figure from his past, shrouded in mystery, that ultimately played a pivotal role in Joe’s ultimate demise. This enigmatic character has stirred much intrigue among fans, making them eagerly anticipate the unraveling of this suspenseful tale.

In simpler terms, Bronte (also known as Louise Flannery) tricked Joe into confessing his crimes, particularly his heinous actions. Regrettably, rather than praising Bronte for not letting Joe escape justice this time, viewers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the season’s poor planning towards her. Not only did she convincingly portray each of Joe’s victims, but she also provided a way out for them.

There Was a Reason Why Joe’s Previous Victims Could Not Bring Him to Justice

His Previous Victims Were Either Dead or Emotionally Tangled By Joe to Strike Back

Joe Goldberg bears a chilling resemblance to a contemporary Ted Bundy: he’s charming, deceitful, and cunning. One might think that with his extensive history of allegations and circumstantial evidence, the next woman who crosses paths with Joe would easily spot the warning signs. However, it is precisely this ability of Joe to ensnare his victims that forms the crux of the series You. The story isn’t about women making poor decisions; rather, it’s about Joe skillfully convincing them that they can’t truly shine without him.

In an exceptional manner, Joe assumed the role of the chivalrous hero, complete with a touch of mysterious romantic undertones. His intense and consuming affection for women was reminiscent of typical romance novel leads, a fact that undeniably attracted them. Following in the footsteps of authors like Bronte, Joe masterfully eliminated the women he fell for, gaining such deep access to their lives that it seemed almost impossible for another character, such as Marianne or Kate, to bring about his downfall.

As a die-hard movie fan, I must admit that Bronte’s character has stirred quite a bit of controversy among viewers. Many have gone so far as to label her the most frustrating and disliked character in the entire series. Her introduction into Joe’s life seemed bland and even forced at times, making it hard for some to believe she could truly be his perfect match. The fact that she became the central figure of the final season was a bit unexpected, given how she didn’t initially seem deserving of such a role.

However, upon reflection, it makes sense why an outsider like Bronte would dare challenge Joe. After all, manipulating and controlling his lovers’ minds has been one of Joe’s tactics for getting away with murder. It added an interesting twist to the storyline, making us question whether Joe could finally meet his match.

Joe eliminated any love interest who might have revealed his secrets, and if he couldn’t do that, he would emotionally scar them so deeply they felt trapped, like Marienne. However, it wasn’t surprising that she kept her distance from him, even to expose him. In fact, someone as influential as Kate had to tread carefully around him because it was mind-boggling how he had managed to evade justice for so long.

Indeed, it would have been significant if Marienne, Nadia, or even Love (had she been alive) had dealt the final blow. However, that’s the crux of the matter; Joe’s skill lies in rendering his victims helpless to the extent that they unwittingly collaborate with him. The character Bronte developed feelings for Joe, but due to her limited interaction with him and her prior knowledge about him, she retained a slim opportunity to break free from his influence and perceive the reality.

The Whole Point of You Was to Highlight the Disdainful Victim Blaming Trope

You Received a Lot of Heat For Glorifying a Serial Killer

Characters like Joe often find satisfaction in demonstrating their opinions forcefully, even resorting to playing the victim when situations demand it. For years, he’s blamed his romantic partners for not comprehending or accepting him fully. However, he was mistaken, as there were numerous women who found him appealing despite his actions being morally gray and his intentions unclear.

The group consisting of Beck, Candice, Marienne, Love, and Kate all recognized that Joe wasn’t flawless, but he compensated for his imperfections with an intense love towards them. Each of these women had their own emotional scars, seeking a profound love to provide purpose in their lives or help them overcome their past traumas. Unfortunately, Joe frequently shifted blame onto his partners and rationalized his harsher actions as a response to rejection, rather than taking responsibility for his more aggressive behavior.

The disagreement between him and Kate stemmed from the fact that she hadn’t acknowledged, despite her assistance in shielding him from legal repercussions for his wrongdoings. He found comfort in Bronte’s embrace and literary charm since he believed she recognized and accepted the criminal side of him due to her own damaged moral compass. It was unexpected that after committing murder, Joe would frequently blame his victims and manage to convince others that they were at fault instead.

It’s not surprising that Bronte was seen as a contentious figure, given her role in orchestrating Joe’s decline. However, fans have raised eyebrows about Bronte for seemingly trivial reasons, such as some viewers finding her unappealing compared to Joe’s potential new love interest. This underscores the unsettling tendency of some to idolize toxic and harmful men simply because they know how to make a woman feel special in their orbit.

In a less formal way, Bronte’s physical attractiveness is largely overlooked because it seems incongruous to acknowledge that Joe’s company holds more value than his history of murder. Audience members are criticizing Bronte for being unaware and falling for a psychopath, oblivious to the fact that they are, in turn, expressing their own affections towards a serial killer, overlooking the deeper themes of the story.

Fans’ Criticism of Bronte’s Self-Insertion Has Become Toxic

A Vocal Minority Has Involuntarily Channeled the Classic Goldberg Toxicity

The show “You” centers around a man who believes he is safeguarding women by confining them within an empty shell of his supposed protection. Joe Goldberg justifies murder to uphold his skewed perspective of others and bolster himself as a self-appointed protector for emotional abusers, even though he fits that role himself. He consistently attributes his insecurities onto the women he dates, painting them as the antagonist when they uncover his true identity. Ultimately, “You” has revealed toxicity in every shape and form, demonstrating how such deplorable conduct can distort truth and facts, particularly for the victim.

A striking instance of contentious conduct is when Joe managed to sway the audience into thinking his actions were acceptable, which instantly turned public opinion against Bronte. By referencing his past hardships as a reason for his violent tendencies and simultaneously criticizing women like Bronte for their poor judgment in men, he succeeded in creating discord. It’s astonishing that people would blame Bronte for deceiving Joe, despite being aware of his questionable reputation.

In simpler terms, viewers harshly criticized Bronte for her appearance and suitability as Joe’s love interest, while overlooking the fact that Joe is a murderer. This criticism seems unfair given that Joe is the villain. In essence, Bronte challenged viewers who may have been sympathetic towards Joe, despite his numerous murders. The story, “You,” can be seen as promoting a form of toxicity where people are made to feel guilty for being who they are. Though Bronte might not be as appealing as other characters, she was the one best positioned to expose Joe, even if her approach was predictable.

Bronte Ironically Brought Joe’s Story Full-Circle

She Became a Victim While Trying to Expose Joe — But Learned Her Lesson Just in Time

Fans were frustrated that Bronte, who wasn’t as deeply involved in the Joe saga as other women, had the audacity to expose his brutality. However, it was revealed that Joe’s allure was intentionally crafted, making him undeniably attractive. The narrative, largely told from Joe’s perspective, tricks the audience into being captivated by his charm.

Consequently, he found it simple to portray his victims as foolish and naive. He deliberately chose women who were more likely to endure harmful relationships or drawn to abusive partners. Joe cleverly fabricated a scenario where if they discovered him, he could manipulate the narrative in such a way that it reflected poorly on their judgment skills. However, a character like Bronte uncovers the truth by embracing the darkness and risking her own reputation for questioning.

You Season	Critics’ Score
1	94
2	89
3	93
4	92
5	81

Many viewers argue that Bronte doesn’t face as much danger compared to characters like Kate and Marienne while attempting to uncover Joe. However, it’s crucial to remember that the story isn’t about who experiences the most pain or for the longest time. Bronte may have intentionally entered Joe’s life, but she, like other girls who caught Joe’s attention in the bookstore, found herself ensnared. It wouldn’t be fair to criticize Bronte simply because she doesn’t fit a certain mold or isn’t as forceful as Joe’s past victims.

In essence, the lesson learned was that even with knowledge and reason, love can cloud one’s judgment and discernment. Bronte found herself captivated by Joe despite his questionable character, but she eventually understood that her own desire to idealize such a man had allowed figures like Joe to escape accountability. In other words, Joe serves as a reflection of the risks associated with unchecked daydreams and a lack of self-awareness.

2025-05-04 04:12