In the gripping conclusion of You Season 5, titled “Finale,” Joe Goldberg’s meticulously constructed world collapses, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions. As secrets unravel and his past catches up with him in devastating fashion, the life he fought so hard to curate begins to disintegrate. Old enemies resurface, alliances break apart, and Joe can no longer outrun the truth about who he is—and what he’s done.
The episode opens with Joe and Bronte on the run, seeking refuge after the chaos that ensued in the previous episodes. Their journey is fraught with tension, as Bronte’s true intentions begin to surface. She reveals her knowledge of Joe’s past crimes, including the murders of Beck, Love, and others, and her plan to expose him. As they travel deeper into isolation, Bronte’s calm demeanor becomes more resolute, revealing a woman determined not only to survive, but to ensure justice is served once and for all.
As they reach a secluded cabin, Bronte confronts Joe, demanding he confess and take responsibility for his actions. Joe, cornered and desperate, attempts to manipulate the situation, but Bronte remains steadfast. A violent struggle ensues, culminating in Bronte overpowering Joe and alerting the authorities. Their confrontation is raw, emotional, and brutal, with Joe’s signature charm and control failing him for the first time. The cabin becomes a symbolic battleground—one that marks the end of Joe’s manipulative reign and the rise of Bronte’s courage and clarity.
Joe’s arrest marks a turning point in the series. He is tried and convicted for multiple murders, including those of Beck, Love, Benji, and Peach, and sentenced to life without parole. The series does not shy away from showcasing the public’s reaction to Joe’s crimes, highlighting the media frenzy and societal obsession with true crime narratives. Social media buzzes with opinions, documentaries begin production, and former acquaintances resurface. The world watches as the mask of Joe Goldberg finally shatters, revealing the monster hidden beneath the romanticized myth.
Bronte, whose real name is Louise Flannery, publishes a bestselling memoir detailing her experience with Joe, further cementing her role in bringing him to justice. Kate Lockwood, Joe’s former partner, survives the ordeal and takes custody of Joe and Love’s son, Henry, dedicating herself to raising him away from the shadows of his father’s past. Louise’s memoir sparks conversations about survival, truth, and the strength of victims reclaiming their power. Meanwhile, Kate works to give Henry a life rooted in honesty, far removed from the trauma that preceded him..
The episode concludes with Joe in prison, receiving a fan letter that prompts a chilling monologue. He questions whether he is truly to blame or if society’s fascination with figures like him is the real issue, ending with the haunting line, “Maybe it’s you.” The prison walls do little to silence his inner voice, and the letter becomes a mirror to the audience. As Joe stares into the camera, the show confronts viewers with unsettling questions about complicity, voyeurism, and the dangerous allure of charismatic villains.
“Finale” serves as a powerful commentary on accountability, the glamorization of violence, and the complexities of human psychology. It brings Joe Goldberg’s story to a close, leaving viewers to reflect on the series’ exploration of obsession, identity, and the consequences of our actions.
