When You returned for its fourth season in February 2023, the series took an ambitious leap into uncharted territory. Moving its twisted tale of obsession and murder across the Atlantic to London, the show reinvented itself as a psychological whodunit, leaning into the high society glamour of the British elite. Joe Goldberg, now posing as Professor Jonathan Moore, found himself grappling with a new cast of characters, fresh temptations, and a mysterious predator who seemed to rival even his own deadly tendencies.
At first, I wondered if You could maintain its razor-sharp edge with such a dramatic shift in tone and setting. But by the time the season reached its stunning conclusion, I realised this chapter had cemented itself as one of the show’s boldest—and most provocative—installments. With the fifth and final season on the horizon in early 2025, reflecting on season four feels like peeling back the layers of a carefully crafted puzzle, each piece more intricate than the last.
Joe Goes to London: A New Identity, Same Chaos
At the start of season four, Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) is once again reinventing himself, this time as a university professor in London. Having fled the fallout of season three, including the devastating events surrounding Love Quinn, Joe is determined to stay under the radar. Yet, as always, trouble seems to follow him.
Joe’s new life introduces him to a group of wealthy, insufferable socialites, including Kate (Charlotte Ritchie), the icy yet intriguing art gallery director who becomes his latest fixation. While Joe initially seems reluctant to fall back into his old patterns, it doesn’t take long before the allure of his own obsessive tendencies takes hold—this time complicated by a sinister twist.
A Whodunit with a Twist
Season four’s standout feature is its shift to a murder mystery format. Early on, Joe discovers that someone in his new circle—dubbed "The Eat the Rich Killer"—is targeting the elite. For once, Joe isn’t the sole predator; he’s a potential victim, manipulated and taunted by an unknown assailant who seems to know all his secrets.
This narrative shift is a refreshing reinvention for You. Watching Joe navigate the dual role of amateur detective and potential suspect is thrilling, and the whodunit structure adds a layer of suspense that kept me guessing until the very end. The blend of classic murder mystery tropes with You’s signature psychological twists creates a unique flavour, balancing dark humour with genuine tension.
Kate Galvin: Joe’s New Obsession
Charlotte Ritchie’s Kate is unlike any of Joe’s previous love interests. Wary, sharp-tongued, and fiercely independent, she’s not easily charmed by Joe’s brooding intellectual act. For much of the season, Kate keeps Joe at arm’s length, challenging him in ways that feel both thrilling and unpredictable.
What makes Kate particularly compelling is how she mirrors aspects of Joe’s own psyche. Beneath her tough exterior, she harbours her own secrets and moral compromises, making her more than just another object of Joe’s obsession. Their dynamic is fraught with tension, their relationship shifting from antagonistic to reluctantly intimate as the season progresses.
The Eat the Rich Killer: Joe’s Match?
The season’s murder mystery revolves around "The Eat the Rich Killer," who methodically eliminates members of Joe’s wealthy social circle while leaving taunting messages for him. This twist flips the usual You formula on its head: Joe, typically the hunter, becomes the hunted.
The reveal of the killer’s identity—Rhys Montrose (Ed Speleers), a charismatic author and aspiring politician—is one of the season’s high points. Rhys is a fascinating antagonist, a character who shares Joe’s disdain for privilege and hypocrisy but takes it to even darker extremes. Watching their cat-and-mouse game unfold was one of the most satisfying elements of the season, as it forced Joe to confront his own monstrous nature through the lens of someone equally twisted.
A Tale of Two Halves
Season four is split into two parts, each with its own distinct tone and focus. The first half leans heavily into the murder mystery, immersing viewers in the glitzy, toxic world of London’s elite. It’s a satire of wealth and privilege, brimming with You’s signature wit and biting social commentary.
The second half shifts gears, diving deeper into Joe’s psyche as his past catches up with him. Marienne (Tati Gabrielle) returns, revealing the devastating consequences of Joe’s actions in Paris, while the facade Joe has constructed as Jonathan Moore begins to crumble. This dual structure gives the season a dynamic energy, though it also risks feeling slightly uneven at times.
The Darkness Within: Joe’s Self-Reckoning
Season four takes a hard look at Joe’s inner world, delving deeper into his self-delusion and the lies he tells himself to justify his actions. Rhys serves as a mirror for Joe, forcing him to confront the reality of his own hypocrisy and the depths of his darkness. The season culminates in a shocking twist: Rhys is revealed to be a figment of Joe’s imagination, a manifestation of his fractured psyche.
This revelation is both stunning and deeply unsettling. It reframes the entire season, positioning Joe not just as a predator but as a man on the brink of complete psychological collapse. For me, it was a chilling reminder of how far Joe has fallen—and how little hope there is for his redemption.
Themes of Privilege and Accountability
Season four continues You’s tradition of sharp social commentary, this time focusing on wealth, privilege, and the moral rot beneath the surface of the elite. The "Eat the Rich" narrative feels timely, tapping into cultural anxieties about inequality and power dynamics. At the same time, the season explores Joe’s own privilege—his ability to reinvent himself, evade justice, and manipulate those around him.
The season also raises questions about accountability. While Joe is haunted by his actions, his attempts to atone are ultimately hollow. His fixation on "protecting" Marienne, for example, is more about his own ego than genuine remorse. This lack of accountability is what makes Joe so fascinating—and so horrifying—as a character.
A Final Twist
The season ends on a chilling note, with Joe successfully framing another character for his crimes and returning to New York with Kate by his side. With Kate’s wealth and influence shielding him from scrutiny, Joe is now more powerful than ever. The final scenes, which show Joe embracing his darker impulses with a renewed sense of purpose, set the stage for a terrifying and explosive final season.
Final Thoughts
Season four of You is a bold reinvention of the series, blending psychological thrills with classic murder mystery elements to create something fresh and deeply unsettling. By shifting the setting to London and introducing a new, equally twisted antagonist, the show breathes new life into its narrative while staying true to its roots.
Looking back, season four stands as one of the series’ most ambitious chapters. It challenges Joe in ways we’ve never seen before, forcing him to confront the reality of his actions while plunging deeper into his own darkness. With the final season looming, it’s clear that You is building toward an unforgettable conclusion—and I, for one, can’t wait to see how Joe’s story ends.
Season four reminded me why You continues to be one of the most captivating dramas of the streaming era: it’s dark, daring, and always willing to push the boundaries of its twisted, addictive premise.
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