As the fourth season of Netflix’s “You” comes to a close, the series takes a surprising turn by swapping the traditional roles of protagonist Joe Goldberg and his prey. Instead of stalking and manipulating a new target, Joe finds himself the hunted. However, the introduction of a new woman, Kate, doesn’t quite have the same emotional resonance as Joe’s past relationships. Despite Kate’s strong character, her connection with Joe feels distant and lacks the depth of his interactions with Beck and Love.
The return of Beck and Love in Season 4’s final episodes is a masterclass in nostalgia and storytelling. Their brief appearances humanize Joe once more and serve as a stark contrast to the lackluster relationship with Kate. Beck’s charm and wit still shine through in her brief return, while Love’s cold demeanor and disapproving gaze bring a sense of unease and remind viewers why she was the perfect foil to Joe’s lead.
Joe’s journey in Season 4 Part 2 is a reflection of his inner turmoil, as he navigates the demons in his head and confronts his past mistakes. The hallucination sequence featuring Beck and Love is a particularly powerful moment, as Joe is forced to confront his own culpability in his actions. Love’s appearance serves as a wake-up call for Joe, who is finally beginning to realize that he is the problem.
The season’s finale sets up an intriguing possibility for future storylines, as Joe and Kate return to New York City and find themselves in a powerful position. If “You” does indeed return for a fifth season, it will be interesting to see how Kate develops and what secrets she may hold. For now, however, Kate’s debut in Season 4 never quite gelled with the audience, failing to create the same emotional connection as Joe’s past relationships.