You returns with its fourth season, introducing a compelling new character, Rhys Montrose, portrayed by Ed Speleers. Rhys quickly becomes a figure of intrigue for Joe Goldberg, played by Penn Badgley. This time, Joe has faked his own death and relocated to London, where he assumes the identity of Jonathan Moore, a university professor. As Joe attempts to navigate his new life, he finds himself slipping back into familiar, dangerous habits.
The story unfolds with Joe obsessively tracking Marienne Bellamy (Tati Gabrielle), even as he settles into the elite circles of London’s affluent socialites. Within this glamorous backdrop, Joe encounters Rhys—a charismatic yet enigmatic individual who captivates Joe’s attention. Despite his efforts to establish a connection, Joe often feels outmatched by Rhys, leading to a season filled with suspense and intrigue as layers of mystery begin to unravel.
Rhys Montrose: The Main Antagonist of You Season 4
Rhys Accuses Joe of Multiple Murders
Rhys makes his debut in the first episode of season 4, titled “Joe Takes a Holiday.”Joe meets him at an exclusive party, where Rhys portrays himself as a successful author with political aspirations, sharing a common background of hardship with Joe. Their connection seems genuine as they bond over their outsider status among the wealthy elite of Britain. However, Joe soon discovers that Rhys harbors a dark secret—he is a serial killer who aims to frame Joe for the murders he has committed.
Rhys: A Manifestation of Joe’s Mind
Rhys as Joe’s Alter Ego
As the season progresses, it becomes evident that Rhys is not merely an antagonist; instead, he represents Joe’s own twisted psyche. The reality unfolds that there are two versions of Rhys: one is the real man Joe met, and the other is a fictitious creation of Joe’s mind. This alter ego embodies Joe’s suppressed dark desires, allowing him to commit violent acts that the reformed version of himself would resist.
In a pivotal moment during episode 7, titled “Good Man, Cruel World,”Joe realizes that Rhys has kidnapped Marienne. In a frantic attempt to rescue her, he confronts Rhys, only to be faced with the revelation that this menacing figure is simply a construction of his imagination. After a profound encounter, Joe is compelled to leave and save Marienne from the real danger.
The Impact of Rhys Montrose on Joe and the Anticipation for Season 5
Rhys: An Indelible Presence in Joe’s Life
Understanding that Rhys is merely a figment of his imagination shakes Joe to his core. Although he believed he was making strides toward healing from his past, this revelation confirms that his dark tendencies have not vanished; they merely lurked beneath the surface, manifesting as Rhys to alleviate Joe’s guilt. By the end of season 4, after a dramatic confrontation where Joe seemingly eliminates Rhys by throwing him off a bridge, he believes he has rid himself of this psychological burden.
However, when Joe catches a glimpse of Rhys’s reflection staring back at him, it raises profound questions about the permanence of this mental struggle. You season 5 promises to explore just how deeply intertwined Rhys remains with Joe’s psyche and the implications for Joe’s ongoing journey.
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