Tag: Grace Whitman ’22
A Show for Civic Duty: Whose Vote Counts, Explained
by The Cowl Editor on October 15, 2020
Film and Television
Insight into the Fight to Vote, Political Corruption
by Grace Whitman ’22 A&E Staff
In 1776, 56 men signed a document stating that “All men are created equal,” but in reality, they have not always been treated as such when it comes to voting. In terms of voting, being able to express your opinion at the ballot box has not always been a right, but rather a privilege.
Almost half of eligible voters did not cast a ballot in the 2016 general election. People who do not vote leave political results to chance. Vox’s new Netflix special series Whose Vote Counts, Explained details the different systems that keep Americans away from the polls, strengthen some votes over others, and favor money over constituents.
Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, Selena Gomez, and John Legend, Whose Vote Counts lays out the importance of voting and why your individual vote matters.
Featured throughout the three-episode series are prominent political figures including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. Representative for New York›s 14th congressional district, and John Kasich, former Ohio governor and candidate for the 2016 Republican Party presidential nomination. Although they have polarizing opinions on policies, both Ocasio-Cortez and Kasich strongly agree that the right to vote is extremely important to our democracy.
Among other people interviewed in this series are Desmond Meade, an advocate and ex-convict who lobbied to overturn laws that did not allow former felons to vote in Florida; Stacey Abrams, voting rights activist and former minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives; and Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Republican Governor of California.
The first episode, titled “The Right to Vote,” explains that over the past roughly 250 years, different groups have had to fight for their right to vote. Even with the passage of the Native American Citizenship Act and the 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments, legislators still create laws to make it more difficult for marginalized populations to actually cast a vote. This episode encourages people to vote with a strong sense of urgency.
The second episode, titled “Can You Buy an Election?” breaks down the dark money in politics and the impact that corporations, super political action committees (PACs), and political nonprofits can have in the election process.
The final episode, “Whose Vote Counts,” tackles topics including the practice of gerrymandering and the electoral college. Lately, the government has been controlled by people whom most Americans have voted against. In 2012, Republicans received 47.1% of the national popular vote but 53.7% of the seats in the House of Representatives. Additionally, President Donald Trump received about 2.9 million fewer votes nationwide than did Hillary Clinton in 2016.
Although there are countless flaws in the American democratic system, the right to vote allows people to voice their opinions and to send a message to the people at the top. Whether you are a progressive or a conservative, there is a role for you in helping to shape our next generation. With the 2020 general election coming up on Nov. 3, vote early, request an absentee ballot if necessary, and vote for the change that you want to see. Channel your dreams and passions to be an important voice for your community and country.
The Legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
by The Cowl Editor on October 1, 2020
Film and Television
Books and Movies to Inspire a New Generation
by Grace Whitman ’22 A&E Staff
The loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been felt throughout the entire country as we have lost one of the most influential women in American history. Nicknamed “the Notorious RBG,” Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a lifelong advocate for gender equality and human rights, passed away due to complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer on Sept. 18 surrounded by her family. The gender equality cases for which she litigated and helped to decide on the Supreme Court will continue to shape the law for generations to come. For those who want to learn more about Ginsburg’s life, there are many movies, television shows, and books that honor her legacy.
The book My Own Words, written by Justice Ginsburg and her two biographers, Mary Hartnett and Wendy W. Williams, was released in 2016 and became a New York Times best-seller almost immediately. The book includes excerpts from some of the most defining moments of her life, including essential court cases and life experiences. Ginsburg pays tribute to some of the most important figures in her life who inspired her, including her mother Celia Bader, American feminist and social activist Gloria Steinem, and the first female Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. My Own Words shows Ginsburg’s passion for life and dedication towards making our world more just.
The 2018 film On The Basis of Sex, starring Felicity Jones as Ginsburg, begins with Ginsburg walking into Harvard Law School as one of only nine women admitted to a 561-person class. A true testament to her dedication and work ethic, Ginsburg is shown raising her daughter Jane, attending her own classes, and attending her husband Marty’s classes when he was diagnosed with cancer—all at the same time. Despite these challenges, Ginsburg tied for first in her graduating class.
Later in the plot, the film acknowledges her struggle in finding a job post-graduation. She did not receive a single job offer from a law firm in New York City, regardless of her qualifications, as a result of being a woman. She persevered, however, and obtained a law professorship at Rutgers University, beginning the career which would propel her into the Supreme Court. This movie showcases the legacy of Justice Ginsburg and will most definitely inspire many young women and men to dedicate their lives to mirror Ginsburg in fighting for what is right.
Finally, RBG, a 2018 documentary, received multiple Academy Award nominations for Best Documentary (feature) and Best Original Song for a film. The story begins with Ginsburg’s childhood in Brooklyn, New York. Viewers are then shown the exceptional life of Ginsburg, and more specifically what motivated her to change the world for women. Inspired by the precedent set by racial equality activists, she expressed her desire for equal rights and protection for women. RBG changed the legal system forever as she argued several cases that demonstrated that discrimination on the basis of sex is unconstitutional, citing the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution as evidence for her arguments.
Other extremely successful books about RBG include Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life, a biography. Ruth Bader Ginsburg broke the glass ceiling and shattered stereotypes for women and men alike. To honor her legacy, keep asking yourself: “What would Ruth do?”
Introducing New Oscars Diversity Requirements
by The Cowl Editor on October 1, 2020
Film and Television
Best Picture Category Gets Qualifiers for Inclusion
by Grace Whitman ’22 A&E Staff
After the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences failed to nominate a single person of color for Best Actor in a Leading or Supporting Role in January 2016 for the second year in a row, it was blatantly obvious that the Academy needed change. In 2016, 92% of top film directors were men, and 86% of top films featured white actors in lead roles. The lack of diversity reflected in film is an industry-wide problem; thus, a special task force was created to set new representation standards for films to be eligible to compete for Best Picture.
Under the new guidance, filmmakers must fulfill two of the four following standards in order to be nominated for the Best Picture category. The standards will go into effect in 2024, giving filmmakers time to adjust to the new requirements.
In order to meet Standard A, the film must either feature at least one lead actor or significant supporting actors from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group, have at least 30% of all actors in secondary and more minor roles from at least two underrepresented groups (such as women, people of color, LGBTQ+, or individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities), or include a main storyline centered around an underrepresented group.
In order to meet Standard B, at least two key crew members must be female, LGBTQ+, disabled, or from an underrepresented racial or ethinic group, or 30% of the film’s crew must be from an underrepresented group.
Standard C requires the film’s distributor to employ apprentices or paid interns from underrepresented groups.
Finally, Standard D requires the film company to have executives in its marketing, publicity, or distribution teams that are members of these underrepresented groups.
The reaction in the film industry has been incredibly mixed, with some people expressing disagreement over the decision. Dean Cain, known for playing the role of Clark Kent/Superman in the television series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, was a major critic of the new requirements, tweeting on Sept. 8, “How about we judge on this criteria—which film was the BEST PICTURE? (also, when do we start handing out participation Oscars?).”
Other critics believe that these new requirements reflect affirmative action because they supposedly put race as a predominant factor in choosing the winner. These critics believe that the best film should win, regardless of its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Additionally, many believe that these new standards will not change the practices or stories being told through films, but will only serve as a quota that films will need to meet.
On the other end of the spectrum, many actors and actresses have shown their support for the Academy’s new requirements, applauding the new guidance as a much-needed step toward building an industry that truly reflects its audience.
Hollywood Producer DeVon Franklin, who played a large role in creating the new guidelines, was asked about the controversy in an interview with Deadline Hollywood. In response, he said, “We do think that actually when people take a moment and read through the standards, and see that there is so much flexibility, it will actually help inform how they are looking at it. When you are just reading a headline, it is easy to react but when you actually get into the standards and how much flexibility there is for filmmakers and studios and many major distributors to apply it really enhances the creative process. It doesn’t restrict it.”
As Franklin explained, films still have several behind-the-scenes ways of achieving eligibility for Best Picture through the new standards. Despite their criticism, the new requirements still allow for creative freedom that could help to make the industry more inclusive. The new requirements will allow movies to reflect the diverse audience and industry populations.
Although there have been mixed reactions to the Academy’s decision, the progressive intentions of the new requirements will enhance creativity and allow for the advancement of inclusion in the entertainment industry. With these new diversity standards, the Academy has taken definitive action against the systemic inequalities in Hollywood.
Educating through Music: A Black Lives Matter Playlist
by The Cowl Editor on September 17, 2020
Music
How Artists are Using Their Platforms to Fight for Justice
by Grace Whitman ’22 A&E Staff
2020 has been a year of surprises and new experiences for everyone all over the world. With that said, one thing that has not changed is the need to fight for racial equality in America.
Since the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in late May of 2020, millions of Americans have taken to the streets to protest against police brutality and the killing of Black people by police officers.
Over the past few months specifically, Black artists have used their platforms to fight for racial equality. In the music industry, Anderson .Paak released an impactful protest song entitled “Lockdown,” which was released on Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates the liberation of slaves on June 19, 1865. Based on his own experiences at protests this year, .Paak speaks his truth about police brutality and the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement. One lyric reads, “Sicker than the COVID,” alluding to the idea that America is facing two deadly viruses—COVID-19, which impacts Black Americans at significantly higher rates than white Americans, and racism.
In June, H.E.R. released a heart-wrenching song called “I Can’t Breathe,” a reference to the deaths of George Floyd, Eric Garner, and many other Black lives. When asked about the inspiration behind her song during the iHeartRadio Living Room Concert, she said, “I think music is powerful when it comes to change and when it comes to healing and that’s why I wrote this song, to make a mark in history. And I hope this song does that.” H.E.R.’s lyrics are genuine and inspiring, which can be seen when she sings, “Because we do not seek revenge. We seek justice.”
Lil Baby also released a song called “The Bigger Picture,” which details his experience with police brutality, racism, and actively standing up for change. The song opens with news reports about the protests from this year and progresses into a fast rap about concentrating on the bigger picture. All proceeds from “The Bigger Picture” will go to The National Association of Black Journalists, Breonna Taylor’s attorney, The Bail Project, and Black Lives Matter.
Additionally, Spotify compiled an official Black Lives Matter playlist that showcases anthems of the Black Lives Matter movement over the past few years including Childish Gambino’s “This Is America,” which won the 2018 Grammy song of the year.
Several prominent musicians have used their platforms to create change, but other sections of the artistic community have also used the Black Lives Matter movement as inspiration. After the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, large murals were created all over the country, including one on Fifth Avenue in front of Trump Tower with the words “BLACK LIVES MATTER.”
From George Floyd’s hometown of Houston, Texas to Brooklyn, New York, and all over the world, artists have channeled the power of music to communicate their message. There is a clear link between graffiti and activism, as murals give artists and common people alike a place to make their voices heard.
In order to enact necessary social and institutional change in our country, we need to continue the conversations surrounding racism and oppression. Art from a plethora of genres serves as a creative reminder to keep fighting for what is right.
Artists Express Themselves in Isolation
by The Cowl Editor on September 3, 2020
Arts & Entertainment
A Quarantine Playlist for Your Listening Pleasure
by Grace Whitman ’22 A&E Staff
While the rest of the world sat at home during quarantine, watching Netflix, baking banana bread, and sleeping until noon, did you really think that the world’s biggest artists were doing the same? Well, of course not.
Although quarantine has deprived us of intimate contact, many people have found other ways to connect with one another and to find inspiration through their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first big quarantine love song arrived on May 8, courtesy of Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber. ”Stuck With U” tells a story about being with loved ones throughout quarantine. The lyrics read, “So, lock the door and throw out the key / Can’t fight this no more, it’s just you and me / And there’s nothin’ I, nothin’ I, I can do / I’m stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you.”
If this life is the new normal, at least spend it with the people you love. All sales and streaming revenue from “Stuck With U” have gone to The First Responders Children’s Foundation, which supports grants and scholarships for children of essential workers during the global pandemic.
OneRepublic also released a song in late March called ”Better Days.”The band wrote this song while they were quarantined together in Los Angeles after returning from their European tour. A portion of the proceeds from “Better Days” will be donated to MusiCares’ COVID-19 Relief Fund through September 2020 to help artists whose livelihoods have been affected by the pandemic.
One of the biggest artistic pieces released during the pandemic was Taylor Swift’s surprise album folklore. The black and white cover art on Swift’s eighth album features her lost in the woods, demonstrating the sense of isolation many have felt in 2020. The album is not a classic summer pop album, but one filled with original stories and mature lyrics. This album, in addition to the rest of her discography, demonstrates Swift’s remarkable and versatile songwriting talent.
Country singer Luke Combs took quarantine inspiration to a new level with his viral song “6 Feet Apart.” In the song, he discusses how there was only bad news on TV back in March. He describes how everything will get better when we do not have to social distance and be six feet apart anymore.
On top of all of the new music released over the last six months, some previous favorites have managed to earn more airtime due to their relevance to the coronavirus pandemic. Some examples include Soulja Boy’s ”Kiss Me Thru the Phone,” “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer, ”How to Save a Life” by The Fray, and ”SICKO MODE” by Travis Scott.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic took away many of the things that we love, music was there to unite the world.
Taylor Swift is “The Man”
by The Cowl Editor on March 5, 2020
Arts & Entertainment
by: Grace Whitman ’22 A&E Staff
Taylor Swift once again proved her artistic genius when she released the music video for her single, “The Man” on Feb. 27.
At first glance, it seemed like any other video, but little would viewers know the “man” in the video is actually Swift. The legendary superstar was unrecognizable as she dressed as an arrogant and ill-tempered businessman. Coinciding with her lyrics, the music video highlights the double standards and inequality between men and women in today’s world.
As the chorus of “The Man” goes, “I’m so sick of running / as fast as I can / wondering if I’d get there quicker / if I was a man.” The video emphasizes how a woman may have to work 10 times harder to get to the same finish line.
Additionally, a Taylor Swift music video is not complete without hidden references. One of the most impactful scenes took place at 13th Street Station. Graffiti on the wall spelled out the names of Swift’s previous albums, including Reputation, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and Fearless. Additionally, two signs were hung up, one reading, “Missing: If found return to Taylor Swift,” while the other depicted an X through an icon of a scooter. The signs allude to Swift’s 2019 battle with Scooter Braun, who purchased Big Machine Label Group, that owned the masters of all six of Swift’s past musical projects.
The video also referred to the album battle at the conclusion when it said, “directed, written, owned, and starring Taylor Swift.” Other memorable scenes included a Wolf of Wall Street reference, the US Open, and a hallway with 19 hands alluding to the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.
Swift’s creative genius shined in this video, as she broadcasted a greater message about women’s equality and empowerment.
Using Music as a Platform for Voting Activism
by The Cowl Editor on February 13, 2020
Music
Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift Step Up
by Grace Whitman ’22 A&E Staff
Music and politics have gone together for as long as we can remember. Whether it is through artists choosing to endorse political candidates, or through their lyrics, like in Shawn Mendes and Khalid’s song “Youth,” musicians use their platform to promote political views and better the world. With the primary elections coming up, there is no better time to register to vote than right now.
Even at her young age, Grammy Award Winning 2020 Best New Artist Billie Eilish has taken a leap into politics. Eilish teamed up with HeadCount, a non-partisan organization whose goal is to use the power of music to register voters and promote participation in democracy.
HeadCount helped fans at her Where Do We Go World Tour register to vote for the 2020 elections. Although she just recently became eligible to vote, Eilish is passionate about inspiring her generation to go vote and participate in the democratic process. HeadCount’s other touring partners include Maroon 5, Jay-Z, Panic! At The Disco, Harry Styles, Halsey and hundreds of others.
Especially after the suicide bombing at Manchester Arena during her 2017 Dangerous Women Tour, Ariana Grande has been committed to using her platform for good. Grande’s Sweetener World Tour broke HeadCount’s all-time voter registration record with 33,381 in December of 2019. In an interview with Elle Magazine, Grande said that the role of artists is to “not only help people and comfort them, but also push people to think differently, raise questions, and push their boundaries mentally.”
Although she had been private about her political views growing up in the spotlight, Taylor Swift has recently revealed where she stands. In her new Netflix documentary Miss Americana, Swift highlights how she refuses to stay silent, especially given the number of people she can influence.
“Every time I didn’t speak up about politics as a young person, I was applauded for it,” she says. “It was wild. I said, ‘I’m a 22-year-old girl—people don’t want to hear what I have to say about politics.’” Now, at 30 years old, Swift is using her platform to fight for the history she wants to be made.
Although Swift may have risked her reputation when she endorsed two Democratic congressional nominees in Tennessee, she ultimately inspired approximately 65,000 people to vote, according to Vote.org. In her Instagram post on October 7, 2018, she wrote, “Please, please educate yourself on the candidates running in your state and vote based on who most closely represents your values. So many intelligent, thoughtful, self-possessed people have turned 18 in the past two years and now have the right and privilege to make their vote count. But first, you need to register, which is quick and easy to do.”
Additionally, Swift released a brand new song exclusively for the documentary called “Only the Young.” With the intention of inspiring the next generation to vote and make a difference in our world, Swift’s song is a message of hope and faith in the new generation.
As mentioned before, music and politics have gone hand in hand for decades. In 1971, the 26th Amendment gave 18-year-olds the right to vote. Do not let this right go to waste. Heed the call and make your voice heard in these elections. Be sure to request an absentee ballot if necessary.
Super Bowl LIV Commercials Score Big
by The Cowl Editor on February 6, 2020
Film and Television
Tom Brady, Chrissy Teigen, Boston Celebrities Steal the Show
by Grace Whitman ’22 A&E Staff
Super Bowl LIV was undoubtedly the most-watched televised event of the year, with roughly 100 million Americans tuning in. FOX had sold out all 77 ad slots for an average of $5.6 million for each 30-second ad.
While the Super Bowl is one of the biggest athletic events of the year, there is also a lot on the line in the world of advertising. Every year, companies get their creative juices flowing, trying to one-up each other with their use of pop culture references, celebrities, and humor.
The most talked about commercial from the game was by Hulu. The streaming platform enlisted Tom Brady, who will be up for free agency after this season. It is up in the air on whether Brady will retire, move to another team, or stay in New England.
The black-and-white commercial shows Brady slowly walking into Gillette Stadium. He says, “They say all good things must come to an end,” prompting gasps and panic from viewers. He then says, “It’s time to say goodbye to TV as you know it,” referring to the end of cable television and the global switch to streaming. But those concerns were quickly put to rest as Brady then said, “But me? I’m not going anywhere.”
On a more comical note, in early January, Planters announced that the company would be killing off 104-year-old Mr. Peanut. During the Super Bowl, Planters introduced Baby Nut, a baby version of Mr. Peanut. The ad took place at Mr. Peanut’s funeral, attended by other advertising mascots including Mr. Clean and the Kool-Aid Man. This has sparked a huge public response, resulting in #babynut trending on Twitter.
PC’s 2019 Late Night Madness performer John Legend also starred in a Super Bowl commercial for Genesis with his wife Chrissy Teigen. The couple is seen throwing a going-away party for “old luxury.” As Teigen introduces the new luxurious GV80 to the party guests, Legend misses his cue to drive up and show off the car. While Teigen scolds him for being late, Legend asks for the “magic word,” which is “sexiest man alive,” alluding to his new honor in 2019.
Feb. 2 was not only Super Bowl Sunday, but also Groundhog Day, and Jeep took advantage of the holiday for its commercial promoting the Jeep Gladiator. Bill Murray reprised his role as meteorologist Phil Connors from the 1993 comedy movie Groundhog Day where he relives the same day over and over again. The brilliant commercial ends with, “No day is the same in a Jeep Gladiator” and scored first place on the USA Today’s Super Bowl Ad Meter.
Another favorite was Hyundai’s Boston-themed ‘Smaht Pahk’ ad. The commercial featured home-grown Boston celebrities Chris Evans, Rachel Dratch, John Krasinski, and former Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz. Playing on the thick Bostonian accent on words like “park,“ “car,“ “wicked,” etc., this commercial hit home for many Providence College students.
Although Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl, many corporate marketing departments took home a win with their commercials.
62nd Grammy Awards Pay Tribute
by The Cowl Editor on January 30, 2020
Music
Remembering Kobe Bryant, Nipsey Hussle Through Music
by Grace Whitman ’22 A&E Staff
Hours after the tragic passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year old daughter, Gianna, the Recording Academy started the 62nd annual Grammy Awards with a tribute in their honor. Host Alicia Keys took the stage somberly saying “We’re all feeling crazy sadness…because Los Angeles, America, and the whole wide world lost a hero” and continued to say, “We’re literally standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built,” referring to the Staples Center where Bryant played for 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers. Both of Bryant’s retired jersey numbers were illuminated in the Staples Center rafters, which the cameras focused on during Keys’ opener.
“The one thing that has the power to bring all of us together…is music,” said Keys. Music is the healing force of the universe and this year’s Grammy Awards attempted to show just that.
But the show had to go on. “We’re gonna sing together, laugh together, dance together,” said Keys later. “Celebrating this music because I know how much Kobe loved music. I know how much he loved it, so we gotta make this a celebration in his honor.”
Per usual, the show was filled with astonishing musical performances by artists like Demi Lovato, Lil Nas X, Aerosmith, and H.E.R.
Camila Cabello brought her dad and the rest of the world to tears with her emotional rendition of her song “First Man” off of her new album Romance. For “the first man that really loved me” as the song goes, Cabello belted out the heartfelt ballad to her father in the front row.
The Grammy’s tribute to Nipsey Hussle, whose death stunned the entire world last year, was a reminder of another LA legend gone too soon. John Legend, Meek Mill, DJ Khaled and others performed a tribute to Hussle with their song “Higher.” The song by DJ Khaled, which features Nipsey Hussle and John Legend, was recorded before Hussle’s death in March of 2019.
“Higher” was awarded Best Rap/Sung Performance. As he accepted the award on behalf of Hussle, Legend said, “We all love him, and we all miss him. Thank you for allowing us to use his legacy and lift it up in song tonight…let’s love each other, let’s love our families, let’s hold each other tight.”
As for the biggest awards of the night, Billie Eilish humbly stole the show, taking home all four of the most prestigious awards. Eilish won the Grammy for Best New Artist, Album of The Year for her debut album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, and Song of the Year and Record of the Year for her hit “Bad Guy.” With these victories, Eilish became the first woman and the youngest individual to sweep the major awards.
Additionally, Lizzo took home her first Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance, Dan + Shay won Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their song “Speechless,” and Tyler The Creator won Best Rap Album for his album Igor.
The 62nd Grammy Awards was a night of inspiration and perseverance. The celebration reminded viewers and the audience how precious life is. May we live our lives in the moment and continue to lift each other up.
He’s Watching You
by The Cowl Editor on January 16, 2020
Arts & Entertainment
Netflix Releases Season 2 of You
by: Grace Whitman ’22 A&E Staff
The psychological thriller You premiered its second season on Netflix on December 26, 2019, and it has already drawn in millions of viewers. You’s main character, Joe, played by Penn Badgley, is a reserved bookstore manager in New York City during season one. Over the course of the season, it is revealed that Joe will go to any length to get the girl he wants. This all occurs while he is convincing himself his disturbing deeds are committed in the name of true love. Joe meets a beautiful girl named Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail) at his bookstore and starts to obsessively stalk her via her social media accounts. You brings to light the dangers of social media, reminding you that it might be a good idea to turn your Instagram account onto private mode.
Even after a gruesome first season, millions of viewers have already tuned into season two. In the new season, Joe moves to Los Angeles, changes his name to Will and falls in love—although it is more like an obsession—with another girl named Love Quinn, played by Victoria Pedretti. Home to celebrities and countless wannabe Instagram influencers, LA was the perfect spot for Joe to dive into his victim’s life through social media.
As the first season ended, many viewers naturally hate the stalker and murderer Joe, but as fans begin season two, they root for Joe even though they know he is a serial killer. The fact that the show is from Joe’s point of view and depicts him as genuinely wanting to avoid any violence makes him more likeable to the audience. The way that he narrates the story for himself makes viewers feel more of a connection with him. Joe wants to change, and as humans, we root for a person who wants a second chance. You intentionally portrays Joe as a genuinely good and respectful guy, similar to how Love and Beck both saw him.
When first offered the role, Penn Badgley was hesitant to take on Joe Goldberg. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he said, “I didn’t want to do it—it was too much. I was conflicted with the nature of the role. If this is a love story, what is it saying? It’s not an average show; it’s a social experiment.” It takes a whole new kind of method acting to tap into the mind of a serial killer on the screen.
If you are looking for a slightly scary yet thrilling drama, You is the show for you. On top of that, season two ends on a cliffhanger, leaving fans suspecting a season three is coming.