Hello, Joe — or should I say Jonathan? Joe Goldberg may have committed too many crimes to start over, but that is exactly what he attempts to do in You season 4 part 1.
The fourth installment of the Netflix series, which premiered on Thursday, February 9, takes the show in a new direction, with Joe (Penn Badgley) living in London and attempting to start a new life as college professor Jonathan Moore. While Joe is quickly involved in yet another murder, he becomes the prey rather than focusing on the object of his own affection.
Season 4 is a significant departure. “It’s even in a different genre, it’s a bit of a whodunnit,” Badgley revealed on “On Air With Ryan Seacrest” in February 2023.
In Part 1, Joe’s main goal is to find the Eat the Rich Killer, a mysterious entity who is threatening to frame him for murder after a drunken and drug-fueled night renders his memory untrustworthy. While he initially tries to keep his hands clean, a business connection ties him to London’s elites — and forces him to clear his name.
“Part 1 was a welcome respite.I suppose you have to sort of leave in order to return. And with this season, it was more true than ever,” Badgley said about season 4’s first batch of episodes to TV Insider in February 2023. “It’s a stretch and a challenge to spend five episodes in a completely different genre. “I believe we rose to the occasion.”
Despite displaying a new side of his character — and even getting a new name — the Gossip Girl alum found himself playing Joe/Johnathan all too familiar.
“The strange thing about Joe is that he’s just so distinct,” Badgley told the outlet. “And the device of the narration and everything, it’s still always so physical. I’m always doing something physical. As a viewer, it may not be obvious, but this is a physically demanding role. So it was very much like the Joe I’d always known.”
While Joe is doing his best in You season 4, that doesn’t change Badgley’s feelings about the character or how he wants the psychological thriller to end.
The show has always been a reflection on [people blindly trusting Joe]. So, what exactly are we doing here? “What makes us like this guy?” He stated. “I hope we’re on our way to a tragic, just end for him, whatever that is.”
You has all seasons available on Netflix
Who Is the ‘You’ Season 4 Eat the Rich Killer?
Rhys (Ed Speelers), an England native raised in poverty who transformed his life with the publication of his memoir, is revealed as the murderer in episode 5. After the success of his book, he rose through the social ranks, was admitted to Oxford, and began his political career.
Who Dies in Part 1 of ‘You’ Season 4?
Rhys’ first victim is Malcolm (Stephen Hagen), whom he murders before framing Joe as his killer. While Joe is trying to uncover the murderer’s true identity, Gemma (Eve Austin) is also mysteriously killed, along with Simon (Aiden Cheng) — both upper-class friends of “Jonathan’s” new gang.
How Do Kate and Joe Bond in ‘You’ Season 4 Part 1?
While Kate and Joe have an initial attraction — the two even have sex — they form a closer bond after being forced to hide Gemma’s dead body while on vacation at their friend Phoebe’s (Tilly Keeper) country home.
The pair initially suspects the other of Gemma’s murder, but eventually agree it must be the work of an outsider.
Why Do Phoebe and Adam Break Up in ‘You’ Season 4 Part 1?
Lady Phoebe ends her relationship with Adam (Lukas Gage) after discovering his bedroom kink is golden showers. Even when she offers to join him in the act, he declines, explaining that he only enjoys doing it with people who are “below him.”
Phoebe ends their relationship when she realises her beau will always see them as an unequal couple.
What Happened to Marienne?
While Joe hunts down Marienne (Tati Gabrielle), he ultimately lets her go after realizing she no longer loves him