You (season 4, episode 1) ★★★★
Creators: Sera Gamble and Greg Berlanti
Address: John Scott, Shamim Sharif and others
Distribution: Penn Badgley, Tati Gabrielle, Charlotte Ritchie, Lukas Gage
Country: United States of America
Duration: 41 and 52 min. (5 episodes)
Year: 2023
Gender: Thriller / Drama / Comedy
Premiere: February 9, 2023 (Netflix)
From the outset, it is clear that the first season set a high bar. Modern television has normalised antiheroes and charming killers, yet this show stands apart as a unique blend of romance, suspense, and dark humor. It centers on a dangerous love affair wrapped in a sharp, satirical tone that never loses emotional truth.
The setup continues with the infamous Joe Goldberg, played by Penn Badgley, whose infatuation with a woman named Love has driven the storyline through prior seasons. Each chapter leans further into irony and social critique while keeping the core emotional core intact. The previous arc culminated in a tense aftermath where Love orchestrated a shocking exit from Madre Linda, leaving Joe to navigate life with a complicated past and a fragile sense of stability. The ongoing tension hints at new obsessions and a broader commentary on wealth and social status.
In the opening episodes of this new instalment, the audience learns the fate of Marienne while following Joe, now recast as a lecturer in London. He joins forces with a literature professor who introduces topics and texts that shade the narrative with literary reference and wit. The dynamic shifts as Joe encounters a new circle and a fresh set of relationships that challenge his appetite for control.
Within this social milieu, Joe crosses paths with Kate, a sharp and seductive figure who fits into a world of elite clubs and privileged circles. The relationship threads through the gossip mill and the city’s high-society landscape, creating a tense chess game of affection, jealousy, and danger. Joe’s internal voice remains the guiding force, exposing antisocial instincts beneath a veneer of charm, inviting viewers to question their own alignments with his viewpoints. The suspense rests on whether the audience will find himself connected to his perspective or wary of the damage it can cause.
The plot heightens as a murder investigation unfolds, and Joe faces questions about memory and guilt. The mystery unfolds with the sharp, almost Sherlock Holmes-like approach to clues, mixing traditional whodunit elements with a modern, class-conscious twist. A student character named Nadia nudges Joe toward a more open, Christie-inspired approach to mysteries, challenging his usual method and accelerating the journey through his personal crisis.
There is no shortage of dramatic shocks in this round, and the first half delivers bold moments without relying on predictable tropes. Netflix continues to invest in original storytelling that empowers creators to explore daring concepts with a sense of freedom and energy. Viewers in North America will find themselves drawn into a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, with social commentary threaded through every scene.
Credits and background details draw from Netflix materials and promotional conversations surrounding the series. The tone remains recognisable and fearless, balancing provocative themes with moments of vulnerability. As the season unfolds, audiences can anticipate further twists, character development, and a continuation of the show’s distinctive voice. This opening chapter sets the stage for a captivating journey that blends dark humour, romance, and high-stakes suspense.