Meet the 7 Characters Who Outsmarted Joe Goldberg in Netflix’s You!

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Although Joe Goldberg from Netflix’s You is known for being cunning, cold-blooded, and deceitful, there have been instances where he has encountered individuals who have given him a run for his money. Spanning over four seasons, we’ve witnessed him ensnare, chase, and eliminate anyone that poses a threat to him. However, there are certain characters who have managed to test Joe, outsmart him, and even expose his weaknesses. These characters, though frequently underestimated, have left an indelible mark on the viewers.

Let’s examine the individuals who outwitted Joe, highlighting their unique traits, and discuss the pivotal moments that flipped the game in their favor.

1. Love Quinn

Portrayed by: Victoria Pedretti

First Appearance: Season 2, Episode 1, ‘A Fresh Start’

In the second season, a character named Love Quinn emerged as Joe’s new romantic partner in Los Angeles. Initially depicted as kind and artistic, it was eventually unveiled that she shared Joe’s violent and manipulative nature. By the finale of the season, Love surprised viewers by confessing to having killed Delilah and Candace to safeguard Joe, but also to maintain their relationship.

In the third season, Love always seemed to anticipate Joe’s moves. She knew about his infatuations towards their neighbor, Natalie, among others, and she was able to counter his emotional and psychological strategies, even though he often kept things hidden.

Key Moments:

  • Revealing to Joe that she knew about Candace and killed her to protect him.
  • Murdering Natalie before Joe could act on his obsession.
  • Using paralyzing poison to trap Joe in the season 3 finale, nearly succeeding.

As an ardent admirer, let me rephrase it: Despite Love’s demise at the end of season 3, she was the one who came closest to taking Joe down. Her final act demonstrated that she could have outsmarted him in his own twisted game. In response, Joe had no choice but to stage his own death and escape to Paris, a testament to how far she drove him.

2. Candace Stone

Portrayed by: Ambyr Childers

First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 6, ‘Amour Fou’

In the story, Joe thought he had killed his former girlfriend named Candace. However, she reappeared in season 2, very much alive, with a goal to unmask Joe for his true self. Unlike most of his victims, Candace recognized Joe’s manipulative tactics and assumed a new identity, Amy Adam, to spy on him as he started a new life.

Key Moments:

  • Reappearing after Joe assumed she was dead.
  • Using Forty Quinn to get closer to Joe and disrupt his relationship with Love.

Despite Love’s murder of Candace causing her plan to falter initially, her return sparked considerable strife. Her cunning tactics and tenacity revealed weaknesses in Joe’s grip on power. For a change, it was Joe who found himself outmaneuvered in the game of minds.

3. Kate Lockwood

Portrayed by: Charlotte Ritchie

First Appearance: Season 4, Episode 1, ‘Joe Takes a Holiday’

In the fourth season, Kate, a stern art gallery manager, enters the scene as Joe’s future love interest in London. At first, she’s wary of him, but eventually decides to team up with Joe not out of deception, but because she comprehends his complex nature and has the ability to handle it.

Kate consistently sees through Joe’s false identities. Rather than distancing herself, she maintains a proximity to him, exerting a certain level of control. She leverages her power to safeguard not only her own reputation but also his, and even assumes leadership over her father’s questionable business empire.

Key Moments:

  • Confronting Joe about his secrets but choosing to work with him instead of against him.
  • Agreeing to leave London with Joe and manage his public image and legacy.
  • Helping clean up the chaos left by Joe’s alter ego, ‘Rhys Montrose.’

In the fourth season, Kate emerges as Joe’s long-term partner, a rare feat considering she survives their relationship. She acknowledges the truth about him and opts for control over emotions. By the finale, Kate and Joe have established a powerful public image together, but maintain an emotionally detached bond, with Kate being one of the few who effectively manages Joe without harboring illusions.

4. Marienne Bellamy

Portrayed by: Tati Gabrielle

First Appearance: Season 3, Episode 3, ‘Missing White Woman Syndrome’

In the third season, we’re introduced to Marienne, who is both a librarian and a recovering addict with a child. At first, she gets drawn in by Joe’s charisma, but later realizes his true nature. By the fourth season, she becomes a key character as she tries to break free from Joe’s control.

During the fourth season, Joe confines her in his notorious cell within a deserted structure. Yet, Marienne employs her wit and collaboration with another character named Nadia to stage her demise and break free.

Key Moments:

  • Realizing Joe’s intentions and distancing herself in season 3.
  • Surviving the cage by faking a drug overdose with Nadia’s help.
  • Escaping Joe’s control entirely and leaving the city for good.

Among all the characters, Marienne is unique as she manages not just to break free from Joe’s imprisonment, but also to leave unharmed and independent. This triumphant departure and complete separation from Joe symbolizes an extraordinary victory over the serial killer.

5. Nadia Farran

Portrayed by: Amy-Leigh Hickman

First Appearance: Season 4, Episode 1, ‘Joe Takes a Holiday’

As a die-hard enthusiast, I found myself drawn into the intricate web of Joe, or should I say Jonathan Moore, a university student who seemed too perfect to be true. My gut instincts kicked in, leading me on a mission to uncover his hidden past. I aided Marienne’s daring escape by sneaking supplies and strategizing her staged overdose. My keen senses and swift decision-making skills allowed me to amass incriminating evidence against him. I eagerly sought opportunities to bring this suspicious figure to light, determined to expose the truth.

Key Moments:

  • Helping Marienne fake her death and escape.
  • Breaking into Joe’s apartment to find incriminating evidence.
  • Attempting to report Joe to the authorities with proof of his crimes.

Though Nadia fails to bring Joe to ruin, she effectively rescues Marienne. Yet, Joe preempts her strategies and falsely implicates her in the murder of a different character, leading to her imprisonment. Despite this outcome, Nadia’s actions come very close to disrupting Joe’s meticulously constructed life.

6. Delilah Alves

Portrayed by: Carmela Zumbado

First Appearance: Season 2, Episode 1, ‘A Fresh Start’

Delilah stood out from the crowd when it came to romantic interests. She was not only intelligent and perceptive but also witty with her responses. Beyond these traits, she possessed a robust moral compass and took on the responsibility of caring for her younger sister, Ellie. Her inquisitive nature and intuition drove her to delve into the mystery surrounding Joe, despite their fleeting romantic entanglement.

Key Moments:

  • Sneaking into Joe’s storage unit and finding his cage.
  • Attempting to expose him and reporting suspicious behavior.
  • Standing up to Joe with facts, not emotion.

Despite coming close to uncovering Joe’s hidden truths, she moved too slowly. Unfortunately, it wasn’t Joe who ended Delilah’s life, but Love Quinn – all in the name of shielding Joe. Delilah had a robust personality and promising character development, yet her time on screen was cut short. Her demise was indeed heart-wrenching, but her tenacious spirit left a lasting impact.

7. Guinevere Beck

Portrayed by: Elizabeth Lail

First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1, ‘Pilot’

In the series, Beck is initially introduced as Joe’s primary romantic interest. Despite her initial innocence, she gradually discovers his hidden truths and recognizes the peril she finds herself in. Her strength emerges late, but significantly, she has the nerve to confront Joe head-on, demonstrating bravery that many others lack.

Key Moments:

  • Discovering Joe’s box of souvenirs.
  • Learning the truth about Candace and Peach’s deaths.
  • Trying to escape from the glass cage in the bookstore.

Tragically, Joe ends up taking Beck’s life, but not before he manages to gather evidence of Joe’s wrongdoings and tries to flee. Regrettably, she wakes up too late compared to others, yet her daring attempt to outmaneuver Joe is nothing short of courageous.

Joe Goldberg might seem like an unrivaled manipulator, but he’s not invincible. Characters such as Love Quinn, Marienne Bellamy, and Candace Stone have shown that even the most cunning hunters can be outwitted. These characters penetrated his facade, contradicted his stories, and in certain instances, managed to evade him or reverse the situation.

The narrative masterfully creates tension through Joe’s skill at blending anonymously among us, yet the true excitement arises when someone recognizes him and takes a stand against him. These characters serve as a reminder that despite his dangerous nature, Joe is not invulnerable, which is what keeps viewers hooked.

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2025-05-26 13:08