What Is the Story About?
Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) is now in London with a new identity Jonathan Moore, a professor in English. However, as fate would have it, he finds himself with the dead body of his colleague, Malcolm, in his apartment after being drunk with the latter’s super-rich gang. Joe, aka Jonathan, goes about his way related to the body but is secretly followed by a mysterious person who later threatens to expose him.
Who is the mystery person always a step ahead of Joe? Who is killing the members of the super-rich gang? The series’ core plot revolves around Joe landing in the thick of things and finding his way out.
Performances?
Penn Badgley continues his impressive run as Joe. The ‘beard look’ feels like a distraction initially, but later doesn’t hamper the experience. More importantly, the actor doesn’t look jaded playing the same role because of the newer ways the same thing is presented. While there are familiar moments, the real action lies somewhere else. It makes for an engaging act while simultaneously revisiting the much-liked old moments.
Analysis
Sera Gamble, the show co-creator along with Greg Berlanti, returns as showrunner for the series’ fourth season. John Scott, Shamim Sarif, and Harry Jierjian are the directors.
What makes You the series is the unique characterisation of the lead actor. If one is connected to him, the chances of following through with the multiple seasons are high. The fourth one takes a different course compared to the previous one. It makes it exciting while simultaneously being a little predictable.
You’s fourth season is a whodunit mixed with the regular series elements. We get this at the initial stages after the world, and the characters are established in the usual style.
This sub-genre mixture turns Joe into a detective of sorts, making the season exciting and interesting. We get the usual You moments, cliches by now, packaged into a whodunit.
The setting involves super-rich, obnoxious people, and the language is trendy and gives the narrative the bite. We have seen them previously in different setups, but it all feels wacky and fresh in the You world. Joe’s character is the main difference here with his observations and remarks in his typical style.
The problem, therefore, comes with the genre itself. You season 4 picks a standard fare whodunit mystery and repackages its cliches. It makes the narrative predictable, as it gets confined to a formula. However, the way proceedings take place with a self-aware and ironic twist holds the attention.
At five episodes, part 1, at the end of the day, is a good set-up for part 2. One will be interested to know how the story progresses from that end.
Overall, You Season Four, Part 1 is all familiar but entertaining simultaneously. It keeps one engaged with twists and turns despite following the cliches. If you are already a follower of the series, watch this. If not, then give it a try.
Other Artists?
Charlotte Ritchie as Kate Gelvin is superb. She puts in a confident act and shows a vulnerable side whenever necessary. It also helps that the character is critical to the narrative and has impactful moments. Ed Speleers is seen in another vital role that shines despite short runtime.
Tilly Keeper, as the head of the super-rich spoilt brat squad, is good. Lukas Gage and Ben Wiggins stand out among the crowd as they have a few scenes to show their dramatic skills rather than just playing out the tropes. Amy-Leigh Kickman is okay but feels underused as she goes missing after a point.
Music and Other Departments?
The background score and song selection has always been good in the series. Season four is no different. The BGM adds to the crazy and entertaining mood neatly. The visuals are perfect for an urban whodunit thriller with the right mix of vintage and modern scenery. The editing is smooth, getting the right pace for a thriller. Writing is key, no matter the genre. You has been well written from the start, and it continues in the same vein in the fourth season.
Highlights?
Casting
Main Actor’ Performances
Twists
Engaging Narrative
Drawbacks?
Repetetivness In Parts
Genre Cliches
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
You Season 4 Part 1 Series Review by Binged Bureau
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