Joe Goldberg’s Final Act

Penn Badgley, famously known for embodying the chillingly charismatic Joe Goldberg, has made headlines by abandoning his long-standing “no sex scenes” policy for the fifth and final season of Netflix’s You. This dramatic shift wasn’t just for shock value-it was a deliberate creative choice that Badgley and the show’s team deemed essential for the psychological thriller’s conclusion.

A Deliberate Return to Joe’s Dark Roots

In previous seasons, Badgley was vocal about his desire to limit on-screen intimacy, even requesting fewer steamy scenes in season four out of respect for his personal values and marriage. However, as the series prepared for its final act, Badgley explained that he had to “throw that out the window” for the sake of storytelling. He reflected, “My desire is that [sex scenes are] least as possible, but if it’s necessary, that’s the show we all sign up to make. So, let’s make sure it’s vital, let’s make sure it’s important, it’s deliberate. And we did”.

Why the Change?

The final season sees Joe Goldberg returning to his original form-a seductive, manipulative figure whose obsessions drive the narrative. Badgley emphasized that these intimate moments were not gratuitous but integral to portraying Joe’s complex descent and the series’ critique of romanticizing dangerous men. He insisted that every scene had to serve a purpose, pushing the story and character development forward rather than simply adding sensationalism.

Impact on Badgley’s Life and Career

Badgley has been candid about how playing Joe has shaped his personal journey, noting that he became a father and grew as an individual while filming the series. He acknowledged the unique challenges of portraying such a morally ambiguous character, especially as the world-and his own life-changed around him. Now, as the series concludes, Badgley is ready to move on, stating, “I’m really glad it’s ending”.

A Bold Finale for Fans

For those eager to witness Joe Goldberg’s final chapter, all episodes of You season 5 are now streaming on Netflix. The last season promises a return to the show’s provocative origins, with Badgley’s performance once again blurring the line between romantic antihero and chilling predator.