Penn Badgley, who’s played the infamous character Joe Goldberg in the hit series “You” for nearly a decade. In a recent Makeup and Vanity Set podcast episode, he discussed the finale and the true nature of the show’s deeper magic. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Badgley discussed Joe’s closing remarks, which tackle the audience’s complex relationship with love and addiction. The finale concluded five thrilling seasons and begins with Joe in his own prison cell. This eerie tableau inspires audiences to reevaluate their sense of morality and accountability.
From the very beginning, “You” has thrilled viewers with its sinister yet fascinating depiction of a serial killer who uses his obsession to track down his true love. Badgley, now 38, considered the implications of Joe’s final words. He thinks they in turn are the symptoms of a disturbing cultural trend that he’s dubbed, “love addiction.” In his poignant commentary, he contends and highlights how to tell the difference between real love and the toxic infatuations that can develop in some romances.
“At the end of the day, he’s not real and we are,” Badgley stated, highlighting the duality present in Joe’s character. Though Joe’s comments sound more like a cop out, to Eric, they are true in a bigger way. The character’s ability to break the fourth wall further complicates viewers’ perceptions of him, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.
Badgley admits he’s not mad at audiences for being fascinated by Joe Goldberg. He goes on to make the case that the character acts as a “romantic icon,” skillfully blending the alluring aspects of beauty and menace. That complexity gives you the ability to cast sharp social critique. Moreover, it challenges audiences to dig deeper by examining their own values and decisions.
The actor posed thought-provoking questions regarding audience expectations: “Do we need to see him change? What would actually be the conditions for him to change meaningfully?” He contended that Joe’s character is interesting not only because of what he’s doing. In doing so, it exposes society’s ugly inclination to police love and desire.
Madeline Brewer, who plays Bronte in the series background photo by Sheila Burnett The ensemble cast is one of the key components that raises these complex stories to life. These unnamed artists paint a rapturous world, in which love often descends into mania and bloodshed. This raw and powerful representation ignites a necessary dialogue surrounding mortality and individual accountability.
Reflecting on his time as Joe Goldberg, Badgley remarked, “It’s possible that these reflections have led me towards being a better man and husband and father.” His own journey has deeply influenced his approach to philanthropy. It has changed his personal life too, demonstrating how creative practice can foster self-awareness and cultivate change.
After the July 2 finale, fans found themselves disappointed but contemplative. It tasks them with grappling with the uncomfortable truths about their own relationships, and about the way our society views love as a whole. As “You” concludes its five-season run, Badgley’s reflections encourage a more critical and contemplative engagement with the show’s narratives. The audience is invited to consider what the emotional attachment we all have means.
