YOU Season 5 Last Teaser Review: Joe Goldberg's Dark Victory Tour Commences
Netflix released a haunting new teaser for YOU Season 5 on February 25, 2025, as Joe Goldberg's last journey into madness. The Luckiest Guy in New York, the 60-second teaser, features Joe (Penn Badgley) gazing into a mirror, complimenting his twisted path from "rags to riches" and overlooking the bloodstains on his hands45. As a viewer who's been tracking Joe's deadly escapades since Season 1, I dissect why this teaser guarantees a gruesomely satisfying conclusion to television's most lovable monster.
YOU Season 5 Teaser Breakdown: Joe's Deadly Delusions
The teaser begins with Joe getting ready to go out for the evening, his tone cool but laced with sarcasm. "Love tests us. I've been tested more than most.". This is the last time,” he says, straightening his tie5. Behind him, New York’s skyline glows—a stark reminder of his first kills in Season 1. The camera then cuts to Joe admiring himself in a mirror, declaring, “Who knew I’d become the luckiest guy in New York? ”.
This delusional confidence sets the tone for a season where Joe’s past and present collide.
New York: A City of Ghosts and New Threats
Season 5 returns Joe to his home turf, but this time he's not in disguise. Married to rich CEO Kate Lockwood (Charlotte Ritchie), Joe operates a bookstore and lives as "Prince Charming"16. But the teaser suggests that his glossy existence is beginning to crack. Quick glimpses reveal:
- Joe fighting with Kate's twins, the manipulative Lockwood twins
- An enigmatic playwright, Bronte (Madeline Brewer), testing his reality
- Detective Marquez (Nava Mau) observing Joe in the background
These scenes indicate Joe's lie web will be dismantled by both new foes and old vices.
Key Takeaways from the February 25 Teaser
1. Joe's Narcissism Reaches New Heights
The mirror scene is not only for drama—it's a metaphor. Joe's reflection reveals a man who perceives himself as a hero, not a murderer. Showrunner Michael Foley affirms this season delves into Joe's "inability to escape his own mind"6. His monologue on being "tested" by love disregards the bodies he left behind, showing he's still in denial5.
2. The Lockwood Family: Joe's New Nightmare
Kate's rich family brings new tension. Her twin sisters, Raegan and Maddie (Anna Camp), are "cutthroat" and "manipulative"4. Raegan is seen threatening Joe in an early scene at a business meeting, while Maddie hits on him at a party. Their arrival makes Joe play a game of power that he may lose.
3. Detective Marquez Closes In
Transgender actress Nava Mau joins the series as Detective Marquez, a tough cop solving Joe's crimes. She's seen studying case files with the pictures of Beck, Love, and Marienne6. The subplot may now finally land Joe in prison—or tragically end in it.
Fan Reactions to the Teaser
Social media went wild following the release of the teaser. On Twitter/X, @YouObsessed posted, "Joe calling himself 'lucky' after everything he's done? Classic narcissism. Can't wait to see him crash!" Others complimented Nava Mau's casting, with @QueerCinema posting, "Detective Marquez vs. Joe is the showdown we deserve."
Reddit theories include:
- Joe's suicide: The mirror scene mirrors Season 1's finale, when Joe almost killed himself after losing Beck.
- Kate's betrayal: She can reveal Joe's crimes to save her family's empire as a CEO.
- Bronte as Joe's last victim: The playwright's "free spirit" could unleash his obsession, resulting in a fatal reenactment of old habits.
Should You Watch YOU Season 5?
Pros:
- Penn Badgley's Career-Best Performance: His performance of Joe's charm and fury is still unbeaten.
- New York Nostalgia: Revisiting spots (Mooney's bookstore, the glass cage) will delight longtime fans.
- High Stakes: With 10 episodes remaining, the writers won't have to restrain themselves anymore.
Cons:
- Predictable Tropes:
- Joe's "new enemy" storyline seems recycled from previous seasons.
- Over-the-Twist Plotlines: Season 4's London conundrum alienated some of the fans; some fear that Season 5 will do this again.
Final Verdict
YOU Season 5's most recent teaser confirms that Joe Goldberg's narrative will conclude with fireworks. Although his narcissism walks the line of being repetitive, the new dangers—Kate's family, Bronte, and Detective Marquez—bring new suspense. Long-time fans, put April 24, 2025, in your calendar. Newbies? Binge Seasons 1–4 beforehand—this finale won't coddle you.Get ready for blood, lies, and one final deadly fixation. Joe's time is running out.