In You Season 1, Episode 3, Joe Goldberg’s carefully constructed facade begins to crack as his obsession with Beck intensifies. The central event of the episode focuses on Joe’s continued manipulation and ultimate disposal of Benjamin “Benji” Ashby, Beck’s ex-boyfriend and a significant obstacle in Joe’s twisted pursuit of love. Joe does not simply “get rid of” Benji; he kidnaps, imprisons, and ultimately murders Benji after days of psychological torment.
The Anatomy of a Sociopathic Act: Joe’s Control Over Benji
Joe’s actions towards Benji in Episode 3 are a masterclass in sociopathic behavior, meticulously planned and executed with chilling precision. He doesn’t act impulsively; instead, he strategically removes Benji from Beck’s life, isolating him and gaining complete control.
The Initial Abduction and Imprisonment
After discovering Benji’s weaknesses – specifically his peanut allergy and his questionable business practices – Joe sets his plan into motion. He lures Benji to a meeting under false pretenses. This isn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision; it’s a calculated maneuver designed to eliminate a rival. Once Benji arrives, Joe subdues him and takes him to his infamous glass cage in the basement of Mooney’s bookstore.
The Psychological Torture and Manipulation
Imprisoned and helpless, Benji becomes a subject of Joe’s warped sense of justice. Joe initially attempts to extract information from Benji about his true character and past actions. However, Joe’s underlying motive isn’t simply to uncover the truth; it’s to justify his own actions and portray Benji as deserving of his fate. He torments Benji psychologically, playing mind games and exploiting his vulnerabilities.
The Final Act: Murder by Peanut Oil
Despite Benji’s pleas and attempts to manipulate Joe, Joe ultimately decides that Benji poses too great a threat to his relationship with Beck. Joe’s control slips, and he fears Benji will reveal the truth about his imprisonment. Driven by this fear and his delusional belief that he is acting in Beck’s best interest, Joe takes the ultimate step. He spikes Benji’s coffee with peanut oil, triggering a severe allergic reaction and causing his death. He then carefully stages the scene to look like a drug overdose.
Covering His Tracks: Joe’s Post-Murder Deception
Following Benji’s death, Joe meticulously works to cover his tracks, further demonstrating his calculated and manipulative nature. He aims to remove any evidence that could link him to Benji’s disappearance and death.
Body Disposal and Evidence Elimination
Joe disposes of Benji’s body in a secluded location, making it difficult to trace back to him. He also eliminates any physical evidence that could connect him to the crime scene. This includes cleaning the glass cage thoroughly and disposing of any items that could link Benji to Mooney’s bookstore.
Manipulating Beck and Others
Joe continues to manipulate Beck and those around her, crafting a narrative that paints Benji as a troubled and unreliable individual. He uses his knowledge of Benji’s flaws to his advantage, subtly influencing the perception of Benji’s disappearance and eventual death. He strengthens his position as Beck’s confidant and protector, further solidifying his place in her life.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Joe’s Actions and Motivations
Here are some frequently asked questions designed to shed more light on Joe’s motivations and the ripple effects of his actions in You.
Q1: Was Benji actually a threat to Beck, or was Joe projecting his own insecurities?
While Benji certainly had his flaws and engaged in exploitative business practices, his perceived threat to Beck was largely a product of Joe’s obsessive and delusional thinking. Joe’s insecurities fueled his belief that Benji would inevitably hurt Beck, justifying his drastic actions in his own mind. Benji posed a threat to Joe’s control over Beck, more than a direct threat to Beck herself.
Q2: Could Benji have escaped the glass cage if he had played his cards differently?
While Benji was certainly resourceful, his chances of escaping the glass cage were slim. Joe had meticulously planned his abduction and ensured that Benji was completely isolated and deprived of any means of escape. The cage was designed specifically to contain him. Benji’s biggest mistake was underestimating Joe’s ruthlessness and his unwavering commitment to his distorted vision of love.
Q3: What psychological factors contribute to Joe’s ability to commit such heinous acts?
Joe exhibits classic traits of a sociopath, including a lack of empathy, a manipulative nature, and a distorted sense of right and wrong. His traumatic childhood experiences likely contributed to his development of these traits. He rationalizes his actions as acts of love and protection, shielding himself from the true nature of his crimes.
Q4: Did anyone suspect Joe’s involvement in Benji’s disappearance at this point in the season?
At this early stage, suspicion towards Joe was minimal. He carefully cultivated a persona of a helpful and supportive individual, successfully masking his true nature. Paco, the young boy who lived next door to Joe, witnessed some suspicious activity, but his observations were dismissed or misinterpreted.
Q5: How did Benji’s death impact Beck’s life and her relationships with others?
Benji’s death significantly impacted Beck’s life, leaving her feeling vulnerable and confused. It also strengthened her connection with Joe, as he provided her with emotional support and a sense of security. The event cast a shadow over her relationships with her friends, as they grappled with the loss and the unsettling circumstances surrounding Benji’s disappearance.
Q6: Was the use of peanut oil a carefully planned method of murder, or an impulsive decision?
While Joe had identified Benji’s peanut allergy early on, the use of peanut oil as the murder weapon appears to be a relatively impulsive decision made as his control over the situation deteriorated. He recognized it as a readily available and untraceable method of killing Benji, given his pre-existing allergy.
Q7: How does Joe justify his actions to himself?
Joe constantly rationalizes his actions by framing them as necessary sacrifices for the greater good, specifically for Beck’s happiness. He believes that he is protecting her from harm and removing obstacles that stand in the way of their destined relationship. This distorted perception of reality allows him to maintain a sense of moral superiority, despite his criminal behavior.
Q8: Does the show ever address the ethical implications of romanticizing a character like Joe?
The show deliberately explores the ethical implications of romanticizing a character like Joe. While he may initially appear charming and desirable, his actions gradually reveal the true extent of his depravity. The narrative often juxtaposes Joe’s romanticized self-perception with the harsh reality of his crimes, prompting viewers to question their own perceptions and biases.
Q9: How does Joe’s relationship with Paco, the young boy next door, contribute to his character development?
Joe’s relationship with Paco provides a glimpse into a more vulnerable and paternal side of his character. He sees himself as a protector and mentor to Paco, offering him guidance and support. However, even in this relationship, Joe’s manipulative tendencies are evident, as he uses Paco to further his own agenda. It also highlights the cycle of abuse and trauma, as Joe mirrors some of the abusive patterns he experienced in his own childhood.
Q10: What are some of the key themes explored in You Season 1?
You Season 1 explores several key themes, including: obsession, delusion, the dangers of social media, the complexities of love and relationships, and the blurred lines between good and evil. It also examines the psychological impact of trauma and the consequences of unchecked power.
Q11: How does You use flashbacks to provide context for Joe’s behavior?
Flashbacks are strategically used throughout the season to reveal Joe’s traumatic childhood experiences and his complex relationship with Mr. Mooney, his mentor. These flashbacks provide context for his behavior and shed light on the origins of his manipulative tendencies and his distorted worldview.
Q12: What are the long-term consequences of Joe’s actions in Episode 3 and beyond?
Benji’s murder sets the stage for a series of escalating events that continue to haunt Joe throughout the series. It forces him to become increasingly adept at covering his tracks and manipulating those around him. The guilt and paranoia associated with his crimes begin to take a toll on his mental state, leading to even more extreme and desperate actions in subsequent episodes and seasons. The constant fear of being exposed drives much of his behavior going forward.