Is Penn Badgley’s Joe Goldberg a Serial Killer? Here’s How Many People He’s Killed

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Since the release of ‘You’ on Netflix, I’ve found myself captivated by the series, and there’s no denying that Penn Badgley’s character Joe Goldberg is the central figure driving this intrigue. The show draws you in with its suspenseful, dark atmosphere and keeps you hooked throughout. In this piece, I’ll be exploring whether Joe should truly be labeled a serial killer or if he’s merely a man trapped in a distorted perception of love. This debate is what keeps us enthralled, and I aim to provide some clarity on the matter.

In a chilling yet captivating performance, Penn Badgley masterfully portrays Joe as both alluring and unsettling, leaving viewers haunted by his presence. The narrative immerses you in his twisted reality, seamlessly intertwining obsession and violence. By examining his actions, delving into his mindset, and dissecting how the series manipulates our perception of him, we aim to unravel the enigma that is Joe’s character. Let’s delve deeper and discover what drives this complex figure.

Joe Goldberg’s Body Count – The Evidence

Initially presented as a romantic bookstore manager in New York within the series ‘You’ (debuting in 2018), Joe Goldberg might appear endearing at first glance. However, his amorous facade swiftly fades to reveal an alarming pattern of violence. Throughout the show, he accumulates an unsettling number of victims – from Guinevere Beck’s former partner Benji to Love Quinn’s sibling Forty – anyone who dares challenge his fixated idea of love. As the series progresses through four seasons, it is estimated that Joe has killed approximately 18 individuals, a figure that strongly suggests he may be a serial killer.

Joe employs ruthless and strategized tactics. He’s not shy about employing knives, poison, or blunt instruments to eliminate any hindrances. In the first season alone, he imprisoned Beck within a glass enclosure, and later, he trapped characters like Marienne Bellamy in similar situations. These aren’t impulsive actions—Joe carefully plots his strategies, frequently surveilling his targets through social media or following them personally before making his move.

What’s chilling about Joe’s actions is his method of rationalizing them, often claiming he’s safeguarding his loved ones or improving their lives. This pattern of multiple, methodically planned murders aligns with the FBI’s definition of a serial killer – an individual who kills numerous people over an extended period, with breaks in between acts of violence. Joe isn’t just a man prone to sudden outbursts; he’s a calculated predator with a strategic approach.

The Mind of Joe Goldberg – Why He Kills

From the perspective of a passionate cinephile, I’d say my mindscape often dives into the deep end. In the gripping series ‘You’, the character Joe’s thoughts, masterfully portrayed by Penn Badgley with an unsettling tranquility, resonate deeply within me. You see, Joe perceives himself as a savior, not a menace. His pursuit of Guinevere Beck in season one and Love Quinn in season two might appear to be stalking from the outside, but he views it as rescuing them from toxic relationships or imminent threats. It’s his unrelenting fixation that pushes him to commit acts of violence, yet he justifies it as love, not malice.

This perspective is linked to a psychological state known as erotomania, where an individual believes another person is fate-bound to be with them. Joe’s delusions lead him to think his victims require him, regardless of their actual feelings. For instance, in season three, he becomes obsessed with Marienne, convinced she’s his soulmate, disregarding her obvious fear of him. His paranoia drives him to eliminate anyone he perceives as a threat, such as Love’s ex, Ryan Goodwin.

In the role of Joe, Penn Badgley found himself delving into these intricate reasons behind his actions. Unlike typical villains who are purely malicious, Joe is a multi-dimensional character who believes he’s acting for the greater good. This complexity adds to his terrifying nature. He doesn’t kill out of sheer enjoyment like a movie monster; instead, he kills because he genuinely thinks it’s essential, which makes his actions seem alarmingly real.

Does ‘You’ Glorify Joe’s Crimes?

One question that arises with the character ‘You’ is whether it makes Joe’s actions appear alluring or appealing. Penn Badgley, who plays Joe, has frequently spoken out against this interpretation, often challenging fans who romanticize his character. On social media, some viewers refer to Joe as attractive or make light of him stalking them. Badgley has pointed out this issue, stating that the show is intended to stimulate thought rather than glorify murder. He’s also criticized other Netflix series, such as ‘Dahmer,’ for portraying real killers in an appealing manner.

The show skillfully balances on the edge, captivating audiences with Joe’s alluring personality, handsome looks, and engaging narration, yet it fearlessly delves into his atrocities. It reveals the suffering he inflicts upon characters like Beck, Love, and Marienne, showing their terror, deceit, and trauma. The series, adapted from Caroline Kepnes’ novels, employs Joe’s point of view to challenge our allegiance, creating a trap that demonstrates how effortlessly we can be ensnared by a charismatic monster.

In the fifth season, Joe returns to New York and deals with his past. The final season appears set to tackle his actions directly, potentially offering resolution that some viewers eagerly anticipate. Regardless of whether people view Joe as a tragic character or a ruthless murderer, there’s no denying that Penn Badgley’s performance makes him an indelible figure, compelling us to grapple with the factors that create a serial killer. Beyond being a fictional character, Joe serves as a reflection of our own fascination with darkness.

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2025-04-24 12:14