Featured Actors: Penn Badgley and Madeline Brewer
Television Series: YOU
Episode Title: “Finale” (April 24, 2025)
Outstanding Performances
The conclusion of the Netflix hit series has left audiences divided over the destiny of its notorious protagonist, yet the unanimous consensus is that Badgley and Brewer brilliantly executed their roles in the thrilling finale.
The intense final episode packed the punch of an entire season, capturing the complex dynamics of Joe and Bronte’s relationship with finesse. Joe remains the eternal optimist, while Bronte strategically waits for the right moment to make her critical move. The tension builds ominously throughout the episode, culminating in a dramatic climax.
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The episode escalates when Bronte, armed and determined, declares her quest for justice, while Joe’s emotional eruption about his son adds another layer of intensity. The climactic confrontation between Joe and Bronte in the forest, which reportedly took two weeks to film, was a gripping highlight of the finale.
While it’s hard to describe the violent encounter between Joe and Bronte as enjoyable, the undeniable depth of Badgley and Brewer’s performances cannot be ignored. Brewer, joining the series in its final chapter, faced the daunting task of matching and ultimately overpowering Joe, a challenge she met with remarkable prowess, particularly in the finale.
Joe’s haunting final monologue offers one last glimpse into his distorted mind. Despite his unyielding self-assurance, his concluding words carry a sense of despair and emptiness, effectively conveyed from within his metaphorical cage. Regardless of one’s feelings about Joe’s fate, Badgley’s portrayal in these final moments did justice to his character’s complex narrative.
Scroll down for this week’s Honorable Mentions
HONORABLE MENTION: Angela Bassett
The departure of Peter Krause’s character Bobby from 9-1-1 has left fans more than just sad; they are enraged by the decision. Angela Bassett perfectly encapsulates this storm of emotions. Following Bobby’s death, we see Athena grappling with her new reality, a portrayal that Bassett delivers with profound emotion and strength, promising a resilient future for both her character and the series. — A.S.
HONORABLE MENTION: Mariel Molino
In the NCIS: Origins finale, Mariel Molino delivered a stunning performance that broke hearts. Her character’s confrontations and vulnerabilities were depicted with intense emotion, culminating in a poignant scene where she pleads to drop an investigation, showcasing Molino’s versatility and depth. — Matt Webb Mitovich
HONORABLE MENTION: Mark Rylance
Mark Rylance’s portrayal of Thomas Cromwell in PBS’ Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light was nothing short of spectacular. Facing his demise, Cromwell, as played by Rylance, displayed a mix of resignation and cunning, his performance a brilliant blend of nuanced monologues and expressive silences, capturing the tragic essence of his character’s end. — Dave Nemetz
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Hi, I’m Samantha from the Decatur Metro team. I bring you behind-the-scenes insights on filming and TV updates.
