You Season 4 Review : Penn Badgley’s thriller is unapologetically addictive

Story: In this fourth season of 'You,' Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) vows to leave the past behind and start a new life in London. But, he soon finds a new obsession that begins to take hold and even brings back the demons from his past.

Review: 'You' season 4 picks up right where the last one left off, with Joe faking his own death, and murdering his wife Love. Continuing the story, Joe is now in London under the guise of Jonathan Moore, a reserved professor of English Literature who is just trying to enjoy his European holiday. But, despite his vows to be a better person this time, life has other plans for him.

This time, the story is filled with ample twists and turns in each episode, making this serial killer drama extremely addictive. This 10-part series, split into two halves of five episodes each, is similar to previous seasons in that it introduces the characters through Joe's narration and centres on him. After saving his co-worker’s girlfriend, Kate (Charlotte Ritchie) from an attack, he effortlessly enters the elite socialite club in London. But the tables are turned, when one of them is murdered and Joe is framed for it. Discovering who committed the crime and why Joe is the target drives the plot forward.

The premise actually shifts from a man who kills to the one being framed really works, thanks to Badgley’s captivating performance as Joe. You will undoubtedly take your eyes away from the screen for a brief moment during the scene in which he disposes of the first body, but Badgley handles it with grace. Given his previous seasons' performance, it's nothing new for him, but his unwavering gaze and expressionless face will keep you staring at him. His relationship with his next-door neighbour Kate, played by Charlotte Ritchie, is also intriguing. They didn't start out well, but as the story progresses, it's possible to observe how their equations have evolved.

Nadia, played by Amy-Leigh Hickman and Joe's student with a secret, is only introduced briefly in these episodes but will undoubtedly play an important role later on. Ed Speleers is engaging as Rhys Montrose, and his relationship with Joe is particularly interesting. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the rest of the cast, who serve only to heighten the melodrama.

There are some obvious flaws, such as Joe's ability to afford a everything in London after having lost everything the previous season and how quickly he can get out of any situation. Just don't apply too much logic to it all, and this whodunit thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat.

All said, this fourth season of 'You' is surprisingly gripping and unapologetically addictive. By the end of the fifth episode, one will be yearning for the season's second half, which will air next month. Until then, just speculate on what happens to Joe.