You're Back! A Review Of You Season 4 On Netflix

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 31, 2025

4.5

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A New Setting, A New Identity, Same Old Joe

You Season 4 sees Joe Goldberg relocate to London, adopting the sophisticated guise of Jonathan Moore. This new setting provides a fresh backdrop for his familiar game of cat and mouse, but the core of Joe remains unchanged. He attempts to bury his past, craving a "normal" life free from his murderous tendencies – a quest destined for failure, of course.

• Exploration of Joe's new social circle: His new environment introduces a diverse cast of characters, including wealthy elites who quickly become both targets and pawns in Joe's schemes. These relationships highlight Joe's uncanny ability to manipulate and control those around him, even in an unfamiliar social setting.
• New romantic interests and their influence: Joe's romantic pursuits in London are equally complex. He finds himself drawn to several women, each relationship mirroring his past patterns of obsession, control, and ultimately, violence. These relationships drive the narrative and reveal the enduring darkness within Joe.
• Subtle hints of Joe's manipulative nature: Despite his efforts to reinvent himself, subtle cues remind us of Joe's true nature. His obsessive monitoring, his carefully constructed lies, and his ever-present capacity for violence all peek through his carefully crafted facade. The familiar You TV show elements are still very much present.

The Intriguing "Eat the Rich" Mystery and its Impact

The central mystery of You Season 4 revolves around the clandestine "Eat the Rich" society, a group of powerful and influential individuals with dark secrets. This compelling plotline intertwines with Joe's life, forcing him to navigate a complex web of deceit, suspicion, and danger. The suspense is palpable as red herrings abound and unexpected reveals keep you guessing until the very end.

• Key suspects and their motivations: The series introduces a compelling cast of suspects, each with their own hidden agendas and potential motives. The mystery unfolds slowly, revealing layers of deceit and betrayal, and raising the stakes with each passing episode.
• Pacing and effectiveness of the mystery: The pacing of the "Eat the Rich" storyline is well-managed. It provides a constant undercurrent of suspense that complements Joe's personal struggles. The reveals are carefully timed, maintaining viewer engagement.
• Significance of the reveal and its impact on Joe: The final unveiling of the "Eat the Rich" mystery significantly impacts Joe's plans and actions. It forces him to confront his past, while simultaneously adding another layer of complexity to his already unstable persona. This mystery is a major element of You Season 4 Part 2.

Exploring Character Development (and Lack Thereof)

While You Season 4 introduces an engaging ensemble cast, the focus remains firmly on Joe Goldberg. His character development, or rather, lack thereof, is a point of contention for some viewers. The question remains: does Joe truly change, or is this just another elaborate act in his twisted game?

• Supporting characters and their relationship to Joe: The supporting characters function primarily as pieces in Joe's game. While some offer moments of intrigue and complexity, their narratives often revolve around their interactions with Joe. This creates some narrative imbalance.
• Significant character arcs: Many supporting characters experience significant arcs, showcasing growth, transformation, or tragic downfalls. However, these developments often serve to highlight Joe's manipulative influence and lack of genuine empathy.
• Comparison to previous seasons: Compared to previous seasons, You Season 4 arguably offers less character development for Joe himself. While his surroundings change, his core personality and behaviors remain strikingly consistent, making this season a fascinating study of a character who refuses to change.

You Season 4: Part 1 vs. Part 2 – A Comparative Analysis

Netflix's decision to release You Season 4 in two parts created a unique viewing experience. While both parts offer compelling storylines, they differ in their pacing and focus.

• Differences in pacing and plot development: You Season 4 Part 1 focuses on establishing the setting, introducing characters, and building suspense around the "Eat the Rich" mystery. You Season 4 Part 2 accelerates the pace, culminating in a dramatic and action-packed finale.
• Impact of cliffhangers: The cliffhangers at the end of Part 1 effectively heighten anticipation and drive viewers to eagerly consume the second installment. The unresolved mysteries build the suspense skillfully.
• Strengths and weaknesses of each part: While Part 1 excels in building intrigue, some find Part 2’s rapid pace slightly overwhelming. The conclusion of Part 2, however, offers a satisfying (though potentially divisive) resolution. The effectiveness of the two-part release strategy is a matter of subjective opinion among You viewers.

Conclusion

You Season 4 on Netflix delivers a thrilling, albeit sometimes uneven, journey. The "Eat the Rich" mystery keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, while the consistent—some might say stagnant—characterization of Joe Goldberg might leave some wanting more in terms of character development. The two-part release strategy certainly ramped up anticipation, although the conclusion will undoubtedly spark debate among viewers of the You TV show. Ultimately, You Season 4 remains a captivating watch for fans of the series and those who appreciate dark and suspenseful narratives.

Have you binged You Season 4 yet? Share your thoughts on this intense season in the comments below! Let's discuss whether this season of You lives up to your expectations. And don't forget to check out other reviews on You and other Netflix thrillers!