Summary

The Netflix series "You" challenges viewers' perceptions of serial killers by portraying the protagonist, Joe, as a complex character with both good and bad qualities, leading to a moral dilemma for the audience.

Abstract

The article discusses the moral complexity of the main character, Joe, in the Netflix series "You." Joe is depicted as a serial killer with a stalking habit, yet he also exhibits protective and charming behaviors, which can lead viewers to empathize with him despite his crimes. The author expresses a struggle with reconciling Joe's dark side with his seemingly good nature, questioning whether a serial killer can be considered a "nice guy." The series aims to subvert traditional portrayals of serial killers, presenting Joe as more relatable and less monstrous than typically seen in media. The author seeks engagement from the audience to discuss Joe's character and to challenge their own perceptions of what constitutes a villain.

Opinions

Joe's character is multifaceted, with both negative traits (stalking, murder) and positive attributes (protective, charming).
The author feels conflicted about Joe, recognizing the gravity of his actions but also feeling drawn to his character.
There is an implication that Joe's victims may be portrayed as more flawed or evil than Joe himself, which complicates the viewer's moral judgment.
The series intentionally blurs the lines between the stereotypical serial killer and a seemingly ordinary, nice person.
The author invites viewers to share their thoughts on Joe, suggesting a desire for external perspective to reconcile their own views on the character.
The article suggests that the audience might be waiting for a turning point where Joe is revealed in a more traditionally villainous light, which the series has not yet provided.

Can a Serial Killer Be a Nice Guy?

The Netflix series You plays with your perception of serial killers

I don’t usually do this.

But is anybody watching the Netflix series You?

I am binge-watching the series by myself, and thanks to some family drama, I got through seven episodes of season two and three on Thanksgiving day.

The problem is, I don’t have anyone to talk to about the series and, yes, it’s actually beginning to drive me crazy. I need someone to talk to. I need You.

The thing I keep thinking is how Joe, a serial killer, can be a nice guy.

I guess that’s the point of the series. A serial killer could be our neighbor or co-worker and no one would ever suspect them to be a murderer.

Until someone’s neighbor or co-worker suddenly goes missing.

Joe’s Dark Side

Don’t get me wrong, Joe is no saint. He has a serious stalking habit. He breaks into women’s homes and steals things. He hacks into their electronic devices.

His stalking leads him down a dark path. But he also has many good qualities like his protective nature towards a boy whose mom’s boyfriend is abusive.

But Joe can be charming and the voice-overs of his thoughts can seduce you into believing his bad behaviors are actually, maybe, somehow good.

Even when he commits murder, I found myself not repulsed by the guy. A few of the people he kills seem much more evil overall than he does.

He’s is not the social outside or psychopath we’re used to seeing on TV.

That’s where I need you. I need someone to share their thoughts with me.

Straighten Me Out

I feel my thinking about Joe is wrong. Murder is taking another person’s life. Their death should never feel justified because the victim had some flaws.

But I can’t shed the feeling that Joe is a good guy. Every time I look at him I somehow don’t see him as the serial killer he is because he is such a nice guy.

There are moments when You feels like it’s going to flip the switch. And we will finally see Joe as a serial killer, but it stays with the ‘nice guy’ character.

So I need someone to tell me what you are thinking about Joe.

Maybe, you can straighten me out or, perhaps, you think like me.

I am struggling with my perception of Joe not being an evil villain, and if you haven’t seen You, head over to Netflix and start watching and wondering.

Check out my YouTube video on my journey as writer. It’s about why I stopped writing for 15 years.