After five seasons filled with obsession, manipulation, and murder, Joe Goldberg’s twisted saga has reached its conclusion. Penn Badgley, who not only stars in but also serves as a producer for the popular Netflix series You, previously announced that Season 5 would mark the series’ final act. Based on Caroline Kepnes’ psychological thriller novels, the show concludes with a finale brimming with unexpected twists, passionate moments, and a body count that rivals a Law & Order marathon.

Creating a satisfying ending to such a complicated and darkly captivating series was no simple feat. However, showrunner Sera Gamble expertly managed a complex tapestry of narratives: a Succession-style corporate power struggle, the introduction of Anna Camp as a pair of conniving twins, a new romantic interest for Joe, and the return of several recognizable characters from Joe’s violent history—some recast, others long forgotten, but all playing a part in the show’s ultimate resolution.

Let’s examine where the characters land and what Joe’s final haunting message truly signifies.

What Happens to Bronte in the Finale?

Bronte (aka Louise), portrayed by Madeline Brewer, initially appeared headed for the same tragic end as Joe’s former lovers, such as Beck (Elizabeth Lail). Her writing hinted at a longing to be enveloped by love—perhaps a sign of her impending doom. Yet, when she and Joe reach a lake house, it seems her time is running out.

Unexpectedly, Bronte defies the odds. In a stunning twist, she survives Joe’s effort to silence her and exacts poetic revenge by shooting him—specifically in the groin—as the police draw near. She later leverages Joe’s confession to publish a new edition of Beck’s book, free from Joe’s manipulation. “Eventually, he’ll just be some jerk I dated,” she declares, ready to move forward.

Bronte’s friends, Dom and Phoenix, escalate their online investigation into the public sphere, appearing on podcasts and advocating for justice. However, the narrative misses a poignant moment by not reuniting Bronte with them, despite her claims that they were her true family.

What Is Joe Convicted Of?

In the epilogue, Bronte assumes Joe’s characteristic voiceover as he is led into the courtroom, handcuffed and disgraced. Set to Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” the scene reveals Joe has been found guilty of murdering Beck and his wife Love (Victoria Pedretti), along with Beck’s boyfriend Benjamin and her friend Peach Salinger. These convictions also clear Dr. Nicky (John Stamos), who had been unjustly imprisoned for Beck’s murder.

Bronte’s narration makes it evident: Joe Goldberg will never regain his freedom.

Does Kate Lockwood Die?

Following a brutal encounter with Joe in the basement of Mooney’s bookstore—which is set ablaze by Maddie—Kate (Charlotte Ritchie) is left unconscious, her future uncertain. Joe later reveals to his son Henry that he did something awful to her, but does not confirm her death.

Fortunately, Kate survives, bearing burn scars she refers to as “badges” of atonement. She hands over control of her family’s company to her half-brother Teddy, who turns it into a nonprofit. Kate focuses on raising Henry and supporting artist Marienne Bellamy (Tati Gabrielle), who was believed to be dead in Season 4 but is now shown to be alive and flourishing with her daughter.

What Happens to Nadia?

Nadia (Amy-Leigh Hickman), Joe’s former student who was wrongfully accused of murder in Season 4, is finally exonerated thanks to Kate’s actions. Though she’s partially blamed for Kate’s shooting—having brought the gun used in the altercation—Nadia finds solace in the epilogue. She resumes teaching and writing, depicted leading a group of women in what seems to be a prison classroom, using her experiences to assist others.

What About Maddie and Harrison?

Despite their numerous wrongdoings—including Maddie killing her twin Reagan and Harrison concealing it—the couple finds an unexpectedly happy conclusion. Maddie enters rehab, raises the daughter she had for Reagan, and is now expecting twins with Harrison. The two are last seen enjoying life in Central Park, a strangely wholesome ending for characters who were involved in murder and arson.

What Happens to Joe?

After attempting to escape, Joe is captured due to Bronte’s clever tactic to extract a confession. He is wounded—both physically and emotionally—as his crimes are laid bare and ridiculed online. In prison, stripped of his signature hairstyle and encased by drab green-gray walls, Joe immerses himself in Norman Mailer’s The Executioner’s Song, a true crime account about a killer who opted for execution by firing squad. It’s a fitting choice for a man who once pleaded to be shot rather than confront justice.

Joe also receives fan mail from admirers who romanticize