With antisemitism on the rise, portrayals of Jews on screen are under greater scrutiny than ever. So what are we to make of the bizarre and morally complex ending to Netflix’s hit show “You,” which centers on a Jewish serial killer?
Why was “You” a hit?
Having a villain viewers are supposed to root for isn’t new — just ask fans of Tony Soprano. But while he was a stereotypical Italian mobster, “You” stood out thanks to its unique narrative style, heavy voiceover, and, of course, Penn Badgley’s undeniable charm.
Badgley plays Joe Goldberg, a deeply disturbed man who justifies murder in the name of love. In Season 1, he falls for aspiring writer Guinevere Beck. Each season follows a similar pattern: obsession, deception, murder. But the fifth and final season may be the most gripping. Joe, now married, becomes infatuated with Bronte (an excellent Emily Brewer), whom he hires at Mooney’s bookstore — the same bookstore where he once tortured people in a glass cage.
Badgley’s performance is magnetic. As Joe’s double life unravels, the show grapples with themes like toxic masculinity, the public’s obsession with true crime, and how easily people overlook red flags when charisma is involved.
The Lugi Mangione factor
Though it doesn’t reference real-life cases directly, the final season’s portrayal of media frenzy around killers echoes headlines like that of Luigi Mangione, who was indicted for the murder of health CEO Brian Thompson. The series critiques how easily the media flips between villainizing and romanticizing murderers.
Joe Goldberg is arrogant and manipulative, always thinking he’s one step ahead. Even as he cheats on his wife and leaves a trail of bodies, he’s a smooth talker who keeps the audience uncomfortably intrigued.
The Jewish factor: Why some are uncomfortable
Some viewers may question the decision to portray a Jewish character as a cunning serial killer. Joe isn’t physically imposing but uses charm, intellect, and social media to control others and conceal his violence. To some, the trope of a Jewish puppet master pulling strings might hit too close to antisemitic conspiracy theories.
…And Why Others Aren’t Bothered
But context matters. The series is based on novels by Caroline Kepnes, who has spoken about writing the first book while grieving her Jewish father’s death, and his disdain for social media. Joe’s manipulation through social platforms became a twisted reflection of that grief.
Showrunner Sera Gamble is also Jewish. And at a 92NY screening I attended, a Gen Z Jewish fan told me Joe’s Judaism didn’t bother her — he wasn’t defined by it, didn’t use it to justify evil, and didn’t embody antisemitic stereotypes.
In fact, the series rarely foregrounds Joe’s Jewish identity. His mother, Sandy Goldberg, is Jewish; his abusive father, Raphael, was Christian. A previous season included a Jewish camp reference, but Judaism is never portrayed as a catalyst for his actions.
It’s also worth noting that Jewish characters on screen aren’t monolithic. In Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This,” Adam Brody plays a hot Jewish rabbi — the moral inverse of Joe. Writers and creators have the right to explore a wide range of characters, even when they’re dark and not the best representation.
Best Season Yet? Thank the Cast.
Season 5’s acting is arguably the show’s strongest. Charlotte Ritchie returns as Joe’s wife Kate, now the head of a major company. But it’s Anna Camp who steals the season, playing twins Reagan and Maddie. Reagan is icy and cruel, while Maddie is warm and playful — calling Joe “boo” and cracking his emotional armor, if only briefly. Camp’s performance, along with the season’s twists and pacing, helps make the finale its most compelling chapter.
Is the Ending Dead Wrong?
“You” has always thrived on tension, voiceover-driven confessionals, and unpredictable reveals. Most viewers assumed Joe would finally be killed, jailed, or exposed in the end, especially with his return to New York, where his crimes began.
The final episodes smartly explore how society sometimes glamorizes predators and what it takes for their masks to fall. Joe’s anonymity is eventually shattered by bloggers — one of the series’ most satisfying twists.
But a small portion of the ending felt off. Without giving away spoilers, it leaned into symbolism that some might find problematic or too forgiving. Still, it’s worth remembering: in the real world, many killers aren’t as smart as Joe—and some still get away with it.
If nothing else, “You” leaves us with a chilling takeaway: persistence can be romantic, but stalking is psychotic.
