Every once in a while, a show comes along that makes you stop mid-bite, glance at your partner, and say, “Wait… did that just happen?” That’s exactly what You did to us as we wrapped up Season 1 with episodes 9 and 10. Equal parts romantic thriller and psychological horror, the final stretch of this first season pulls no punches—and leaves a lasting chill.

We’d been hooked since episode one, but these last two episodes took things to another level. Joe Goldberg isn’t just a charming bookstore manager with a dark side—he is the dark side. And Beck, well… let’s just say her arc in these episodes is both heartbreaking and infuriating.

Episode 9: “Candace” – Ghosts, Secrets, and a Closet Full of Lies

Episode 9 is the slow build to the storm. As Beck starts putting the pieces together, we can feel the tension rising. Joe’s past is unraveling, and for the first time, we get a deeper look at Candace, his ex-girlfriend who’s “gone missing.” The flashbacks are brief but effective—something bad definitely happened there, and Joe’s vague answers aren’t helping.

We were yelling at the screen while Beck read Joe’s secret box of mementos—because you know that’s never a good sign. Teeth? Phones? Seriously, Joe? This isn’t just red flag territory—it’s a full-blown emergency.

There’s a sense of dread that builds throughout the episode, especially once Beck starts faking understanding to survive. It’s classic thriller pacing, and it worked on us completely.

Episode 10: “Bluebeard’s Castle” – Love Doesn’t Live Here Anymore

This is the moment when everything shatters.

Beck is trapped in “the cage” beneath the bookstore, and Joe is finally exposed—not just as a stalker, but as a full-blown killer. Watching Beck try to outsmart him by writing that chilling “manuscript confession” had us hoping for a second that she might actually make it. But the show isn’t about clean escapes and happy endings. It’s about what happens when obsession goes unchecked.

The final confrontation between Joe and Beck is devastating. We both sat in silence when it was over, trying to process it. Joe’s twisted logic, his view of love, his belief that he’s the victim—it’s what makes this show so haunting. And the worst part? He gets away with it. Again.

That final scene, with Candace suddenly reappearing? Perfect hook for Season 2.

Streaming Information:

You is streaming now on Netflix.

Why Season 1 of You Still Holds Up

Looking back, Season 1 is a masterclass in slow-burning psychological tension. Joe is equal parts charming and terrifying, and the show constantly walks that tightrope between romance and horror. It makes us question how often we overlook warning signs in the name of love—or curiosity.

Watching it together has sparked a lot of “what would you do?” conversations between Nathan and me. Would you read your partner’s texts if you felt something was off? How far would you go to “protect” someone? These aren’t easy questions, and You doesn’t pretend they have easy answers.

Balancing Shows and Vibes

Needless to say, we don’t watch You during dinner. It’s a post-meal, wine-in-hand, lights-dimmed kind of show. We usually follow it up with something a little lighter (Krapopolis continues to be our go-to palate cleanser) because You really knows how to mess with your head.

Final Thoughts: A Killer Season

Season 1 of You is one of those rare first seasons that hits the ground running and doesn’t let up. It’s creepy, thought-provoking, and way too easy to binge. Even if we knew Joe was bad news from the start, the way the show frames his perspective makes it hard to look away—and that’s exactly the point.

As disturbing as it gets, we can’t help but want to know what happens next. Because if this is how Season 1 ends, what’s waiting for us in Season 2?