Netflix's You: Season 4 Review - Is It A Satisfying Conclusion?

Kenji Nakamura

5 min read

Post on May 31, 2025

4.1

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Joe Goldberg's Transformation in You Season 4

A New Persona, Same Old Joe?

Season 4 sees Joe adopting the alias "Jonathan Moore," a seemingly charming and sophisticated professor attempting to shed his murderous past. His efforts at self-improvement are, however, as flimsy as a cheap thriller plot twist.

• New Identity: Jonathan Moore allows Joe to infiltrate London's elite, showcasing a new level of calculated deception.
• Self-Improvement (or Lack Thereof): While he attempts to present a polished exterior, his underlying impulses remain unchanged, leading to predictable, yet thrilling, consequences.
• Genuine or Forced?: Joe's attempts at self-improvement feel more like a calculated act than genuine change, highlighting the inherent flaws in his character.
• Deceiving Others: His new persona is remarkably effective, allowing him to manipulate those around him with ease, though cracks begin to show as the season progresses.

The Return of Familiar Tropes

While the London setting offers a visually appealing change of pace, You season 4 doesn’t shy away from its established tropes.

• Stalking, Manipulation, and Violence: These hallmarks of the series are present throughout, though perhaps presented in a more refined, almost "sophisticated" manner befitting the London setting.
• Comparison to Previous Seasons: While the setting changes, the core elements of Joe’s behavior remain consistent, leading some viewers to question whether the show has evolved beyond its initial premise.
• Character Arc Consistency: His character arc, while presented as a transformation, is ultimately a cyclical pattern of self-destruction and violence.

The New Cast of Characters in You Season 4

Introducing the "Eat the Rich" Crew

This season introduces a captivating ensemble cast, primarily composed of the wealthy and influential "Eat the Rich" group. Each character is a complex individual with their own secrets and flaws.

• Character Complexities: The "Eat the Rich" group provides a diverse range of personalities, creating a rich tapestry of relationships and conflicts. Their motivations, flaws, and relationships with each other contribute to an engaging plot.
• Ensemble Cast Effectiveness: The new cast members effectively create a compelling environment for Joe to navigate, increasing the stakes and offering many potential victims (and romantic interests).
• Standout Performances: Several actors deliver impressive performances, bringing depth and nuance to their morally ambiguous roles.

Romantic Relationships and Their Impact

Joe's romantic entanglements are central to the season's plot, though perhaps not in the way we’ve come to expect.

• Relationship Dynamics: The romantic relationships explored are far more complex and less predictable than in previous seasons, even if they follow a familiar pattern of obsession and control.
• Contribution to Themes: These relationships serve as a vehicle to explore the themes of obsession, manipulation, and the darker aspects of human nature.
• Believability and Engagement: The romantic plotlines, while predictable to a degree, remain captivating and contribute significantly to the overall narrative drive.

The Mystery and the Twists in You Season 4

Unraveling the Mystery

Season 4 introduces a central mystery surrounding a series of murders within Joe's social circle.

• Clues, Red Herrings, and Twists: The mystery is cleverly crafted, with a good blend of clues, red herrings, and unexpected twists that keep viewers guessing until the very end.
• Satisfying Resolution: The mystery's resolution is generally satisfying, although some viewers might find certain aspects predictable.
• Narrative Pacing: The pacing of the mystery is well-managed, maintaining viewer interest and avoiding unnecessary drags.

The Effectiveness of the Twists

The season delivers several unexpected plot twists that significantly impact the narrative.

• Well-Executed and Believable: Most twists feel organically integrated into the plot, maintaining suspense and engagement.
• Effect on Plot and Character Arcs: The twists directly influence both the overall plot and the development of key character arcs.
• Genuine Surprises or Predictable: While some twists might be predictable to seasoned viewers of the genre, many still manage to deliver a surprising impact.

The Ending of You Season 4: A Satisfying Conclusion?

Addressing the Loose Ends

The season attempts to tie up several loose ends, though its success varies.

• Answered Questions: Many crucial questions are answered, providing a degree of closure to several story arcs.
• Sense of Closure: While the ending offers a sense of resolution, it also leaves room for interpretation and further speculation.
• Potential for Future Seasons: The open ending suggests that there's potential for more seasons, yet it functions adequately as a conclusion in itself.

Overall Assessment

You season 4 delivers a thrilling and engaging narrative, even if it leans heavily on familiar tropes. The new setting and cast inject fresh energy into the series, while maintaining the essence of Joe Goldberg's twisted psychology. While not a perfect ending, it offers a satisfying conclusion to a particular chapter of Joe's life, leaving the door open for future explorations of his character (should Netflix decide to continue the show).

Conclusion: A Final Verdict on Netflix's You Season 4

You season 4 provides a captivating, albeit somewhat predictable, continuation of Joe Goldberg's story. While it leans on established tropes, the fresh setting and compelling new characters elevate the overall experience. The ending, while open to interpretation, ultimately offers a sense of closure while leaving room for further development. The season successfully balances thrilling twists, complex characters, and compelling romantic entanglements, making it a worthy addition to the series, even if it doesn't quite redefine the franchise. What did you think of the You Season 4 finale? Was Netflix's You Season 4 a satisfying conclusion for you? Share your thoughts on the You Season 4 ending below!