You Season 5 kicks off with Episode 1, The Luckiest Guy in NY, a gripping return to the twisted mind of Joe Goldberg. The show wastes no time pulling us back into the world of secrets, obsessions, and perfectly curated lies.
Joe, now Joseph Lockwood, lives in New York City again. This time, he isn’t lurking in shadows or hiding behind false identities. He’s front and center, married to billionaire CEO Kate Lockwood and navigating the upper crust of society. But if you’ve followed Joe’s journey, you know he’s never far from trouble—even when everything seems perfect.
The opening moments of the episode feel deceptively serene. Joe walks through his old neighborhood with a baby stroller, projecting the image of a settled family man. He’s wealthy, respected, and reformed—or so he says. The visuals mirror the illusion: sleek interiors, calm mornings, expensive suits. But that’s never been Joe’s truth.
At the heart of this episode is the tension between who Joe wants to be and who he really is. We see a man who’s trying. He’s teaching lit classes, helping with charity events, and running Mooney’s bookstore again. He’s even mentoring young creatives. But there’s something hollow about his peace. His past casts a long shadow, and it’s only a matter of time before it catches up.
Kate, played sharply by Charlotte Ritchie, is more than a trophy wife. She’s ambitious, emotionally guarded, and deeply loyal to her late father figure, Bob. Her relationship with Joe is complex. On the surface, they’re power-couple material. Underneath, they’re just two broken people trying to survive their pasts.
The main conflict in this episode arises when Bob threatens to expose Kate’s history. Joe, despite his attempts at restraint, sees this as a threat to his carefully rebuilt life. When Bob dies under suspicious circumstances, it’s hard to believe Joe had nothing to do with it. The camera lingers just long enough on Joe’s expression for us to doubt his innocence. This ambiguity keeps the audience hooked. Did he kill again? Or is something bigger at play?
Another standout character is Brontë, a mysterious woman who visits Joe’s bookstore. She’s confident, intelligent, and oddly familiar. She doesn’t fall for Joe’s charm right away, which only piques his interest more. In typical You fashion, Joe begins to spiral—his internal monologue filled with curiosity, admiration, and a touch of danger.
Brontë’s introduction signals that this season may circle back to Joe’s pattern: obsession disguised as love. But there’s a twist. Joe seems more self-aware now. He hesitates. He questions his feelings. This new layer makes his descent more compelling. We’re not just watching a predator anymore. We’re watching a man at war with himself.
The episode’s strength lies in its pacing. It’s slow enough to build tension but sharp enough to deliver drama. The cinematography is clean, crisp, and purposeful. The contrast between Joe’s polished new life and his grim thoughts creates an eerie dissonance.
Penn Badgley delivers as always. His voiceovers remain the heartbeat of the show—witty, dark, and painfully honest. His performance reminds us why Joe is such a fascinating character. He’s awful, but we’re still rooting for him… somehow.
As a season premiere, The Luckiest Guy in NY checks every box. It gives loyal fans the dark tone they expect, while teasing new mysteries. The balance between the old Joe and his new world makes this episode feel fresh, not repetitive.
It also asks deeper questions. Can people truly change? Or do we just learn to hide our darkness better? Joe’s internal conflict mirrors questions many viewers might ask themselves. That’s the genius of You. It’s not just about murder. It’s about morality, identity, and the lengths people go to for the life they think they deserve.
In the end, Episode 1 delivers a strong start to the final season. It’s clear that Joe’s story isn’t over. And if the signs are right, it might be his most complicated chapter yet.
