Every Character Joe Goldberg Killed in 'You' Across Seasons
Joe Goldberg is not just a relatable protagonist; he’s also a complex character whose violent tendencies have led him down a dark path throughout the series 'You.' Each season not only takes viewers on a thrilling ride through his twisted mind but also reveals the shocking implications of his actions. From lovers to rivals, Joe's victims are integral to the plot’s progression and his character development. Below, we delve into the characters he has killed, season by season, highlighting the key moments of his tumultuous journey.Season 1: The Beginning of a Dark Journey
The first season introduces us to Joe Goldberg's psyche, underscoring his obsession with love, which frequently spirals into murder.1. Benji Ashford
Benji, a bar owner and the first significant victim of Joe, meets his grisly end in the glass box Joe uses for his captives. His death highlights Joe's moral flexibility and willingness to eliminate anyone who stands in his way.2. Peach Salinger
Peach serves as both a rival and a frenemy to Joe’s love interest, Guinevere Beck. Driven by jealousy and the realization that Peach poses a threat to his relationship, Joe kills her, making her a memorable victim that exemplifies his descent into darkness.In Season 1, Joe's kills serve as a grim introduction to his character, setting the tone for the complexities that will unfold in the subsequent seasons.
Season 2: New Beginnings, Same Patterns
As Joe relocates to Los Angeles, he attempts to escape his past while simultaneously repeating his deadly patterns.1. Henderson
A celebrity podcaster who becomes a target after he sexually assaults a woman at a party, Henderson’s demise serves justice for the victims around him. Joe’s action here underscores his skewed sense of morality as he escapes his troubled past.2. Love Quinn's Parents
While not directly by his own hand, Joe is complicit in their deaths. His actions lead to tragic circumstances that ultimately unveil Love’s dark side. This nuanced dynamic emphasizes the twisted nature of love within the series.Joe continues to wrestle with desire and violence in Season 2, which questions whether he is truly a villain or merely a product of his surroundings.
Season 3: The Consequences of Love
In Season 3, Joe is now married to Love, and their domestic life is far from ordinary. Their twisted love story further complicates their actions, leading to more bloodshed.1. Natalie Engler
Joe's affair with Natalie leads to devastating consequences when Love discovers the truth. In a moment of rage, she kills Natalie, forcing Joe into complicity in her death. This act of violence serves as yet another reminder of how passion can so easily turn to destruction.2. Theo Engler
In a tense conclusion to the season, Theo, Natalie’s brother, ends up as another victim due to the ripple effect of Joe and Love’s toxic relationship. His death speaks volumes about the collateral damage caused by their infatuation.Season 3 solidifies how Joe's relationships breed chaos and how he is unable to break free from the patterns that govern his life.
Reflecting on Joe's Dark Journey
From Season 1 through to Season 3, Joe Goldberg's character arc illustrates the tragic consequences of obsession and the impact of toxic relationships. Each character he kills serves as a conduit for exploring deeper themes of love, identity, and morality. For viewers, the series acts as both a cautionary tale and a thrilling exploration of the psyche, drawing a clear line between love and insanity.The portrayal of Joe's character, steeped in flawed decisions and chaotic emotions, reflects a broader commentary on how humanity struggles with its darker impulses. The question remains: can Joe ever escape his past, or is he doomed to repeat the cycle of violence woven throughout his existence? In conclusion, Joe Goldberg's journey reveals the chilling consequences of unchecked obsession and the stark realities of a life lived in deception and violence. As the series progresses, it compels us to scrutinise our notions of love, morality, and redemption.
