‘You’ Showrunners Tease Spooky Alternate Series Ending Where Dead Joe Goldberg Appears as ‘a Ghost’
The hit Netflix series, ‘You,’ concluded with a finale that left fans on the edge of their seats. The final season of the show saw Joe Goldberg, played by Penn Badgley, facing the consequences of his actions as he found himself locked in a cage, isolated and alone. His last love interest, Bronte, played by Madeline Brewer, finally managed to bring him to justice for the murders of Guinevere Beck and Love Quinn.
As Joe sits in his prison cell, the series takes a surprising turn when he receives a letter from a mysterious fan expressing a desire to be his next victim. This leads Joe to reflect on his past actions, culminating in the chilling realization: “Maybe the problem isn’t me. Maybe… it’s you.”
While many fans were satisfied with this ending, showrunner Michael Foley revealed that the team behind the series considered various alternate endings before settling on this one. Foley explained that from the beginning, they knew Joe would not escape the consequences of his crimes and that he would have to face the repercussions of his actions.
According to co-showrunner Justin W. Lo, there were multiple alternate endings that were discussed during the creative process. One idea involved Joe meeting his end at the hands of Bronte, while another explored a scenario where Joe discovers he is actually a ghost. These different possibilities kept the team engaged as they worked towards creating a satisfying conclusion for the complex character of Joe Goldberg.
The decision to go with the ending where Joe is left isolated and introspective was a deliberate choice by the show’s creators. Death seemed like an easy way out for Joe, and the idea of him being imprisoned and devoid of human connection was a more fitting punishment for his character. This direction allowed for a deeper exploration of Joe’s psyche and the consequences of his obsessive and harmful behaviour.
Penn Badgley’s portrayal of Joe Goldberg throughout the series has garnered both praise and criticism for the complex and often unsettling character. The actor’s commitment to the role, even when it meant challenging scenes and uncomfortable moments, has been a testament to his dedication to bringing depth and authenticity to the character.
As fans eagerly await the next season of ‘You’ to see what fate has in store for Joe Goldberg, one thing remains certain – the show’s ability to keep viewers guessing and engrossed in the dark and twisted world of its protagonist is a testament to its compelling storytelling and memorable characters.
In conclusion, the alternate endings considered by the show’s creators offer a glimpse into the creative process behind crafting a complex and thought-provoking series like ‘You.’ With its unpredictable plot twists, morally ambiguous characters, and intense psychological drama, the show continues to captivate audiences and push the boundaries of traditional storytelling in the thriller genre.