Netflix's You: Season 4 Review - Was The Wait Worth It?

6 min read Post on May 31, 2025

Netflix's You: Season 4 Review - Was The Wait Worth It?

A New Setting, A New Identity (but the Same Old Joe):

Joe Goldberg's relocation to London and his adoption of the identity "Jonathan Moore" form the foundation of You season 4. This change of scenery provides a fresh backdrop for his manipulations, introducing a new cast of characters and social circles for him to infiltrate. But does this new setting truly alter Joe's core personality, or is it merely a superficial change?

Effectiveness of the London Setting: The vibrant and diverse landscape of London offers a stark contrast to the previous seasons' settings, providing a visually appealing and culturally rich environment for the unfolding drama. The city's anonymity allows Joe to blend in initially, enhancing the suspense as he navigates his new life.
Character Development or Superficial Change?: While the new identity allows for a degree of strategic maneuvering and deception, it ultimately reveals a familiar pattern of manipulation and obsession. Jonathan Moore is simply a mask for Joe's unchanging predatory nature. His fundamental character flaws remain untouched, highlighting a lack of genuine character development despite the change of environment.
Comparison to Previous Seasons: Compared to the previous seasons set in Los Angeles and New York, London offers a more cosmopolitan and sophisticated setting, allowing for a broader range of character interactions and social dynamics. However, the core theme of Joe's obsession remains constant across all seasons.

The Introduction of Compelling New Characters and Rivalries:

You season 4 introduces a compelling ensemble of characters who become entangled in Joe's web of deceit. These characters offer intriguing dynamics and power struggles, adding complexity to the season's narrative.

Main Female Characters and Relationships with Joe: This season features several strong female characters who challenge Joe in different ways. Their relationships with him are complex, ranging from initial attraction and manipulation to fierce rivalry and eventual confrontation. This introduces new layers to Joe's character, highlighting his capacity for both charm and violence.
Dynamics Between Joe and His Rivals: The introduction of rivals – individuals who are equally cunning and dangerous – creates exciting power struggles. These rivalries push Joe to his limits, forcing him to adapt his strategies and revealing his vulnerability in unexpected ways. This cat-and-mouse game significantly contributes to the season's suspense.
Complexity and Depth of New Characters: While some critics argue that the new characters lack the depth of those in previous seasons, their unique traits and motivations successfully drive the plot and add further layers to Joe's complex character.

The "Eat the Rich" Subplot and its Effectiveness:

The "Eat the Rich" subplot, focusing on a group of wealthy and influential individuals, adds another layer to the season's narrative. While seemingly separate from Joe's immediate concerns, it eventually intertwines with his storyline, creating unexpected connections and raising the stakes.

Connection to Main Storyline and Joe's Arc: The subplot enhances the season’s themes of class and privilege, providing a socio-political backdrop that subtly influences Joe's actions and motivations. The parallels between the "Eat the Rich" group's internal conflicts and Joe's own struggles add an interesting layer of complexity.
Impact on Themes and Tension: This secondary narrative adds to the season's suspense and reinforces the underlying theme of manipulation and power dynamics. It raises questions about justice, morality, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Comparison to Previous Seasons: This subplot contrasts with the more intimate and personal conflicts of previous seasons, broadening the scope of the narrative and adding a thrilling societal element.

Season 4's Plot Twists and Their Impact:

You season 4 is packed with shocking twists and reveals that keep the audience guessing until the very end. These twists are crucial in maintaining the suspense and impacting the viewer's perception of Joe and the other characters.

Pacing and Timing of Reveals: The pacing of the reveals is expertly crafted, building suspense and delivering impactful moments at just the right times. The strategic unveiling of information keeps viewers invested and engaged.
Impact on Audience Perception: The twists significantly alter the viewer's understanding of Joe's motives and actions, challenging previously held assumptions about his character and his relationships with others. This element of surprise reinforces the show's unpredictable nature.
Comparison to Previous Seasons: While previous seasons contained compelling plot twists, season 4 delivers a series of high-stakes reveals that are perhaps more intricate and unexpected, leaving a lasting impact.

Final Verdict: Was the Wait Worth It for You Season 4?

You season 4 delivered a thrilling, albeit uneven, ride. The new setting and intriguing characters brought freshness, but some may find the pacing inconsistent and certain plot points less impactful than in prior seasons. Whether the wait was “worth it” is subjective.

Strongest Points: The new London setting, the compelling new characters, and the shocking plot twists are definite highlights. The season masterfully maintains the suspenseful atmosphere that You is known for.
Weakest Points: Some might argue that the pacing is uneven at times, and certain plot points feel rushed or underdeveloped. Character development beyond Joe himself feels somewhat lacking.
Overall Rating and Recommendation: While not flawless, You season 4 still provides a compelling and suspenseful watch. Fans of the series will likely find it satisfying, despite its minor flaws.

Conclusion:

Netflix's You season 4 delivered a thrilling, albeit uneven, ride. While the new setting and intriguing characters kept things fresh, some might find the pacing inconsistent and certain plot points less impactful than in previous seasons. Ultimately, whether or not the wait was "worth it" depends on your personal expectations. If you're a dedicated fan already invested in Joe Goldberg's twisted journey, this season provides plenty of shocking moments and unexpected turns. But if you're looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find yourself slightly disappointed. Despite its imperfections, You season 4 maintains its gripping suspense and keeps you guessing until the very end. So, have you watched You season 4? Share your thoughts on whether you think the wait was worth it in the comments below! Let's discuss Netflix's You and your overall opinions on this latest installment.