Joe Goldberg and Delilah Alves’ relationship in the Netflix series “You” is fraught with tension and manipulation. They ultimately sleep together in Season 2, Episode 7, titled “Ex-istential Crisis.” This encounter marks a significant turning point, escalating the drama and further complicating Joe’s already twisted narrative.
The Significance of “Ex-istential Crisis”
The episode “Ex-istential Crisis” is pivotal not just for the consummation of Joe and Delilah’s relationship, but also for revealing the depths of Joe’s depravity and Delilah’s vulnerability. It showcases Joe’s inability to form healthy relationships, driven by his obsessive and possessive tendencies. Delilah, initially strong and independent, finds herself increasingly ensnared in Joe’s web of lies and manipulations. The act itself is shrouded in Joe’s internal monologue, highlighting his flawed perception of events and justifying his increasingly erratic behavior. This episode serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of manipulation and the devastating consequences of trusting someone with ulterior motives. The after-effects of this encounter trigger a cascade of events, ultimately leading to a tragic climax.
Delilah: A Victim of Joe’s Obsession
Delilah’s character represents a potential victim of Joe’s obsessive nature, albeit a more self-aware one compared to some of his past targets. She’s portrayed as ambitious and protective of her younger sister, Ellie. Her relationship with Joe is built on a foundation of lies and deceit, further emphasizing the unhealthy dynamic at its core. Delilah suspects Joe isn’t who he claims to be, adding a layer of suspense and intrigue to their interactions. Her eventual sexual encounter with Joe can be interpreted as a complex power play, perhaps motivated by a desire to understand him better or even manipulate him herself. Ultimately, however, she becomes another casualty of Joe’s deeply rooted psychological issues.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Joe and Delilah’s Relationship
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Joe and Delilah’s intertwined fate, aimed at clarifying common misconceptions and providing a more in-depth understanding:
1. How did Joe and Delilah meet initially?
Joe, under the alias Will Bettelheim, met Delilah while working at Anavrin in Los Angeles. Delilah, a savvy investigative journalist, was already suspicious of him, having observed discrepancies in his behavior and background. Their initial interactions were characterized by veiled mistrust and a mutual curiosity, setting the stage for a complicated and ultimately tragic relationship. Joe, always on the lookout for his next obsession, was drawn to Delilah’s intelligence and independence, seeing her as another “project” he could mold to his twisted ideal.
2. Why was Delilah suspicious of Joe?
Delilah, as a journalist, possessed a keen eye for detail and an inherent skepticism. She noticed discrepancies in Joe’s stories and his reluctance to share details about his past. Her professional instincts kicked in, and she began to investigate him, leading her to uncover hints of his true identity and his involvement in suspicious activities. This suspicion drove much of her interaction with Joe, as she tried to piece together the puzzle and expose his lies.
3. Did Delilah genuinely like Joe?
The nature of Delilah’s feelings for Joe is complex. Initially, her interactions were primarily driven by suspicion and a desire to uncover his true identity. As she spent more time with him, and perhaps as he manipulated her emotions, she may have developed some genuine affection or, at the very least, a sense of pity or sympathy for his perceived struggles. However, any feelings she might have had were inevitably tainted by the lies and manipulation that formed the foundation of their relationship. It’s important to remember that Joe is a master manipulator, capable of weaving convincing narratives and exploiting vulnerabilities.
4. What were Joe’s intentions towards Delilah?
Joe’s intentions towards Delilah, as with all his romantic interests, were rooted in obsession and control. He romanticized her, projecting his idealized version of her onto reality. While he may have initially believed he was “saving” her or helping her, his true motivation was to possess and control her life, molding her into the perfect partner he envisioned. His past actions demonstrate a pattern of possessiveness and violence when his relationships don’t conform to his unrealistic expectations.
5. How does Delilah’s sister, Ellie, factor into their relationship?
Delilah’s fierce protectiveness of her younger sister, Ellie, played a significant role in her interactions with Joe. Delilah constantly worried about Ellie’s well-being and sought to provide a stable and supportive environment for her. Joe cleverly used this concern to his advantage, positioning himself as a confidant and ally to Delilah, further solidifying his place in her life. Ellie, in turn, provided a glimpse into Delilah’s caring and nurturing side, making her character more sympathetic and adding another layer of complexity to her relationship with Joe.
6. What happens to Delilah after their encounter?
Following their encounter in “Ex-istential Crisis,” Delilah’s fate takes a tragic turn. Joe, unable to fully control his impulses and fearing exposure, ultimately imprisons her and Candace in the infamous glass cage. The subsequent events lead to a harrowing climax and Delilah’s eventual death at the hands of Love Quinn, Joe’s new love interest and partner in crime. Delilah becomes another victim of Joe’s destructive patterns.
7. Why does Love kill Delilah?
Love kills Delilah because she learns the truth about Joe and Love’s past crimes. Delilah poses a threat to their carefully constructed façade and the future they envision together. Love, impulsively and violently protective of Joe, takes matters into her own hands to eliminate the perceived threat. This act reveals a darkness within Love that rivals Joe’s own, further complicating the already twisted dynamic between them.
8. Does Joe regret what happens to Delilah?
Joe’s reaction to Delilah’s death is complex and ambiguous. He expresses moments of remorse and guilt, but these feelings are often overshadowed by his self-justifications and his tendency to rationalize his actions. He sees himself as a victim of circumstance and blames others for the consequences of his choices. Whether he genuinely regrets Delilah’s fate or simply regrets the complications it creates for him is open to interpretation, showcasing the disturbing nature of his character.
9. How does Delilah’s death impact Ellie?
Delilah’s death has a profound impact on Ellie. It leaves her orphaned and vulnerable, forcing her to navigate the world on her own at a young age. Joe, burdened by guilt and a desire to protect Ellie, sends her money and encourages her to start a new life elsewhere. This act, while seemingly benevolent, is ultimately a way for Joe to alleviate his own guilt and distance himself from the consequences of his actions.
10. What is the overall message conveyed through Delilah’s storyline?
Delilah’s storyline serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of manipulation, obsession, and the devastating consequences of trusting the wrong person. It highlights the vulnerabilities of individuals seeking connection and the ease with which they can be exploited by those with malicious intent. Furthermore, it underscores the cyclical nature of abuse and the importance of recognizing and breaking free from unhealthy relationship patterns.
11. How did the actors portraying Joe and Delilah feel about the storyline?
While specific interviews may vary, actors involved in depicting difficult storylines like this often express a commitment to portraying the characters and their experiences with authenticity and sensitivity. They may work closely with writers and directors to ensure the narrative is handled responsibly and that the complexities of the characters are fully explored. Their performances are crucial in conveying the emotional weight of the story and prompting viewers to reflect on the themes explored.
12. Is there any redemption for Joe Goldberg?
The question of Joe Goldberg’s redemption is a central theme throughout the series. While he exhibits moments of remorse and occasionally attempts to make amends, his deeply ingrained patterns of obsession and violence consistently undermine any progress he might make. The series ultimately leaves the audience to question whether true redemption is possible for someone so deeply flawed and whether he is ultimately destined to repeat his destructive cycle. His continued self-deception makes genuine change seem unlikely.