Penn Badgley Reveals Shocking Alternate Ending for You Series Finale

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star Penn Badgley explains why the series couldn’t kill off his iconic villain.

Badgley talked about his experience playing the role of Joe Goldberg, the stalker-turned-serial killer, and why the show couldn’t ultimately kill off his character. He stated that if Joe had been killed by someone he had been trying to charm, manipulate, or eliminate, that person would have unfairly suffered from trauma. So, he believes they found a suitable alternative ending for the series.

Badgley pointed out an alternative ending he found suitable, suggested by writer and showrunner Greg Berlanti. According to him, “The idea was for [Joe] to escape punishment – to let him have all he desired, yet remain utterly wretched.” However, as he noted, this concept falters because it fails to consider the character of whoever ‘she’ is. The critically acclaimed Netflix show, adapted from Caroline Kepnes’ novel series that began with 2014’s You, concluded its run with the release of its fifth and final season.

Joe’s Reign of Terror Is Over

In a different phrasing:

Joe, the main character, often charms and then brutally murders women who have fallen into his dangerous fixation. During the first season, the unfortunate woman he targeted was Guinevere Beck, played by Elizabeth Lail. After uncovering Joe’s true identity, she was captured and ultimately killed. As the series progresses, Joe assumes a new identity in London but eventually returns to New York City for the climactic, complex storyline that concludes the series.

The narrative focuses on the happenings of the affluent and powerful Lockwood family, to which Joe gained access through marriage. It also introduces a captivating fresh plotline in the form of Bronte, a young, spontaneous playwright portrayed by Madeline Brewer. Initially, Bronte seems like an ideal obsession for Joe when they first cross paths. However, it becomes apparent that she is not what she seems and holds no genuine desire to aid Joe in his deadly pursuits, leading up to the climactic final showdown in the series.

You is currently available for streaming on Netflix.

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2025-04-27 17:38