You Season 5: A Nostalgic Nod to Gossip Girl in its Finale
Closing the Chapter on Joe Goldberg
As fans eagerly digested the final season of You, they were treated to an unexpected delight—a mini reunion with the world of Gossip Girl. After a captivating journey that spanned seven years, Joe Goldberg’s saga, expertly portrayed by Penn Badgley, comes to a close in this gripping fifth season, serving a blend of suspense, drama, and a sprinkle of nostalgia.
A New York Comeback
Following the events of season four, where Joe’s disastrous London escapades left viewers on the edge of their seats, he returns to his roots in New York City—this time accompanied by his wife, Kate Lockwood, played by Charlotte Ritchie. Together, they embark on a mission to reconnect with their son, Henry, who has been under the care of characters established in previous seasons. Yet, just when things seem to stabilize, the couple is faced with a parental dilemma when Henry faces disciplinary action at school, igniting Joe’s fears about the darker traits he may have inadvertently passed to his son.
The Unexpected Cameo
Plot Spoiler Alert:
In a twist that left many viewers astounded, the school counselor, Dr. Val, is revealed to be a familiar face to many—a former star of Gossip Girl, Michelle Hurd. As the episode unfolds, viewers leap from their seats as they recognize the actress from her days playing Laurel, a fashion photographer who was prominently featured in the first two seasons of the iconic series.
Actress Michelle Hurd is behind Dr. Val in You season five
A Shocking Reunion
Fans erupted on Reddit, gleefully posting comparisons of Hurd’s roles in both You and Gossip Girl. One enthusiastic user remarked, "She didn’t recognize Dan Humphrey. Did she?" Fans were left flabbergasted, including those who exclaimed, "Omg no way!" as they connected the dots between Hurd’s character in Gossip Girl and her latest role.
This delightful cameo isn’t merely a nostalgic wink; it evokes fond memories of Laurel and highlights Hurd’s versatility as an actress. Beyond her Gossip Girl stint, she has an impressive resume, also known for portraying Detective Monique Jeffries in Law & Order: SVU and as Raffi Musiker in Star Trek: Picard.
The Fan Reactions
The excitement surrounding Hurd’s appearance in You was palpable. One animated fan expressed their enthusiasm, proclaiming, "Every time I saw her, I kept screaming into the screen saying ‘Joe should just kill her ’cause she did Dan’s sister Jenny so dirty in Gossip Girl!’" It’s moments like these that remind viewers of the rich tapestry of character interconnections within the TV universe.
Conclusion
The duality of good and evil within Joe Goldberg’s character mirrors the morally ambiguous universe of Gossip Girl, creating a captivating bridge between the two shows. With its gripping plotlines and unexpected cameos, You season five provides an exhilarating conclusion to Joe’s tumultuous journey while reminding us why we fell in love with these characters in the first place.
If you haven’t dived into the latest season yet, now is the perfect time—You is available to watch on Netflix. Don’t miss the thrilling twists and nostalgic callbacks that await!
