Joe Goldberg and Love Quinn’s relationship in Netflix’s You is characterized by obsession, manipulation, and violence. Their first intimate encounter occurs in Season 2, Episode 7, titled “Ex-istential Crisis,” marking a significant turning point in their twisted love story.
A Catalyst for Chaos: The “Ex-istential Crisis” Episode
The seventh episode of You’s second season, “Ex-istential Crisis,” sees the fragile peace between Joe and Love shattered by a series of revelations and betrayals. Candace Stone’s resurfacing and persistent attempts to expose Joe, coupled with Love’s own burgeoning possessiveness, create a pressure cooker environment. This episode highlights not only Joe and Love’s attraction but also their shared capacity for violence and deception, ultimately paving the way for their ill-fated partnership. The intimacy they share during this episode is a direct consequence of these heightened emotions and underlying tensions.
The Buildup to Intimacy
Leading up to this point, Joe and Love have been engaged in a cat-and-mouse game, a dance of attraction and distrust. Joe, still haunted by his past and clinging to his idealized version of Beck, struggles to fully commit to Love. Love, on the other hand, aggressively pursues Joe, exhibiting signs of obsessive behavior and a need for control that mirrors, and arguably surpasses, Joe’s own. Candace’s relentless pursuit and her near exposure of Joe’s true nature push both characters to their breaking points, forcing them to confront their darkest impulses.
The Aftermath: A Turning Point
After their night together, the dynamic between Joe and Love shifts irrevocably. Love reveals a secret that binds them together in a way Joe could never have imagined. This revelation cements their relationship, albeit on a foundation of shared trauma and a disturbing willingness to protect each other, no matter the cost. It also sets the stage for the increasingly volatile and ultimately tragic events of the second and third seasons. This moment of intimacy, therefore, serves as a crucial catalyst in the unfolding narrative of You.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Joe and Love’s Relationship
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Joe and Love’s complex and ultimately destructive relationship in the Netflix series, You:
Q1: What initially attracts Joe to Love?
Joe is initially drawn to Love because she seems different from his previous obsession, Beck. She appears independent, free-spirited, and creative. He sees her as a “cool girl” who understands him in a way that Beck never did. However, he quickly realizes that Love’s surface charm masks a deeply troubled and possessive personality. The illusion of shared trauma and her apparent acceptance of his flaws also plays a significant role in his initial attraction.
Q2: Does Joe genuinely love Love?
The question of whether Joe genuinely loves Love is complex and debatable. While he experiences moments of affection and appreciation for her, his actions are primarily driven by his obsessive tendencies and a desire for control. He projects his idealized version of love onto her, often failing to see her for who she truly is. Ultimately, Joe’s love for Love is tainted by his manipulative nature and his inability to form healthy, genuine connections.
Q3: How does Love’s family influence their relationship?
Love’s family, particularly her twin brother Forty, significantly impacts her relationship with Joe. Forty’s protectiveness and erratic behavior create tension and instability, forcing Joe to constantly navigate their complex dynamic. The Quinn family’s wealth and influence also shield Love from the consequences of her actions, enabling her destructive tendencies and further complicating her relationship with Joe. Family secrets and unspoken traumas contribute heavily to the dysfunctional dynamic.
Q4: What is the significance of Love’s pregnancy?
Love’s pregnancy serves as a major turning point in their relationship. It forces Joe to confront the prospect of becoming a father and settling down, something he initially resists. However, he ultimately accepts the responsibility, albeit with reservations. Love’s pregnancy also intensifies her possessiveness and her determination to keep Joe by her side, leading to even more drastic measures. The expectation of parenthood dramatically alters the power balance in their relationship.
Q5: How does Love’s behavior compare to Joe’s?
Love’s behavior mirrors and often surpasses Joe’s in terms of obsession and violence. While Joe attempts to rationalize his actions, Love embraces her darker impulses more openly. Both characters are capable of extreme measures to protect their loved ones and maintain control over their relationships. However, Love is arguably more impulsive and less calculating than Joe, making her a more unpredictable and dangerous partner. They are both masters of deception and manipulation.
Q6: Does Love know about Joe’s past?
Love eventually uncovers aspects of Joe’s past, including his involvement in Beck’s death. However, she doesn’t know the full extent of his crimes until later in their relationship. This knowledge gives her power over Joe and allows her to manipulate him in ways that no one else has before. Shared secrets become weapons in their increasingly toxic relationship.
Q7: How does Candace’s return affect Joe and Love’s relationship?
Candace Stone’s reappearance in Joe’s life throws his world into chaos and directly impacts his relationship with Love. Candace’s relentless pursuit of Joe and her attempts to expose his true nature create significant tension and distrust. Love’s awareness of Candace’s presence further fuels her possessiveness and her determination to protect Joe, leading her to take drastic actions to eliminate the threat. Candace serves as a constant reminder of Joe’s dark past.
Q8: What are the major differences between Joe’s obsessions with Beck, Love, and Marienne?
While Joe’s obsessions with Beck, Love, and Marienne all share similarities, there are also key differences. With Beck, Joe idealized her and projected his fantasies onto her. With Love, he initially saw her as someone different, but ultimately fell into a pattern of manipulation and control. With Marienne, he seemed to genuinely want to be a better person, but his underlying tendencies ultimately resurfaced. Each relationship reveals a different facet of Joe’s complex and troubled psyche. The object of his obsession changes, but the underlying pathology remains.
Q9: Why do Joe and Love move to Madre Linda?
Joe and Love move to Madre Linda in Season 3 in an attempt to start fresh and escape their past. They hope that a new environment and a focus on raising their son, Henry, will allow them to build a healthier and more stable relationship. However, their underlying issues and their inability to escape their past ultimately lead to their downfall in the seemingly idyllic suburban setting. Escaping their past proves impossible.
Q10: How does therapy affect Joe and Love’s relationship?
Therapy is introduced as a potential tool for Joe and Love to improve their communication and address their underlying issues. However, both characters struggle to be honest and open in therapy, using it as a means to manipulate each other and gain an advantage. Therapy ultimately fails to address their core problems and contributes to their escalating conflict. Therapy becomes another battleground.
Q11: What ultimately leads to the demise of Joe and Love’s relationship?
The demise of Joe and Love’s relationship is a culmination of their shared trauma, their inability to trust each other, and their escalating violence. Love’s possessiveness, Joe’s recurring obsessions, and their inability to escape their past all contribute to their tragic end. The cycle of violence and betrayal becomes inescapable.
Q12: What is the significance of the episode title “Ex-istential Crisis” in relation to Joe and Love?
The title “Ex-istential Crisis” is particularly significant because it encapsulates the inner turmoil and existential dread that both Joe and Love are experiencing. They are both grappling with their identities, their past actions, and their place in the world. The episode marks a turning point where their carefully constructed facades begin to crumble, forcing them to confront the darker aspects of their personalities. The crisis forces them to make choices that define their existential path, leading to inevitable consequences.