YOU's Joe is a villain with who viewers have a love-hate relationship with: a sinister killer with an occasional heart of gold. He stalks his innocent victims and murders them quite horrifically. Yet, Joe also turns that killing streak onto individuals that are, debatably, even worse than him. It's a very fascinating on-screen character dynamic for viewers to really get invested in because Joe could land on either side.
This part-time villain may be responsible for terrorizing individuals but he is also a part-time hero for people like Paco. Between his worst impulses and moments of heroism, Joe shows that just because a character is a bad guy, doesn't mean that they can't have some redeeming qualities.
Worst: Vindictive
Joe has a short fuse especially when it comes to adults and even more so towards individuals that have wronged him, no matter how small. His clenched jaw acts as a warning sign to viewers that he is plotting retribution towards his next chosen target, who has slighted him in some fashion.
Although his vindictive personality can see him save others in times of need as seen through his attack on Henderson, it is often a result of complete jealousy proven in Joe's killing of Beck.
Best: Compassionate
Joe has a compassionate side to his personality seen in his treatment of Paco and Ellie. Admittedly, Joe was somewhat responsible for Delilah's death and he did lie to Ellie for a long time about her sister's disappearance. However, he didn't kill Delilah. In fact, he made a promise to Ellie to financially support her in the wake of her sister's murder, which he lives up to in season 3.
Joe also provided similar support to Paco when his mum's abusive partner turned the tables on him, Joe constantly provided Paco with reading material and sometimes food when he was relegated to the stairs outside of his home. All of these deeply caring and compassionate actions go against Joe's violent character.
Worst: Manipulative
Joe is manipulative in more ways than one. In season 1, he manipulates Beck into questioning Peach's motives. However, the relationship between Joe and Dr. Nicky left viewers mesmerized by Joe's clear ability to manipulate individuals even those trained in psychoanalysis. Joe fabricates a story that mirrors his and Beck's where he later discusses his concern that his partner is having an affair with their therapist, which he suspects of Beck.
Joe's manipulation of Dr. Nicky sees him trying to tap into the doctor's moral compass while also somewhat taunting the other man. His questioning of Dr. Nicky shows how truly manipulative and clever Joe can be which viewers see more of throughout the 3 seasons.
Best: Empathetic
In some episodes of YOU, Joe looks somewhat remorseful for the killing he has done, especially when it's the object of his dubious affections. Yet, there are some instances in the series where his empathy and metaphorical thirst for blood point him in a deserved direction. This part of his personality is shown in a conversation he has with Delilah who reveals her history with Henderson.
Due to his traumatic childhood, Joe's compassion and empathy come out when faced with people who had similarly hard lives, such as Paco and Ellie. Perhaps, by killing people like Henderson, Joe is trying to ensure that the world doesn't create more people like him in the end.
Worst: Judgemental
On the surface, Joe seems like an easy-going guy that can charm his way through social situations by keeping his opinions to himself. The clever inner narration of YOU allows viewers an insight into his mind, which is extremely judgmental. From the moment Beck walks into Mooney's in season 1, he begins judging her appearance alongside her book choice to paint a somewhat picture of her personality, which is accurate.
Although Joe's opinions are almost always correct, they are full of preconceived ideas before getting to know the character in question, showcased through his judgmental tone. While it showcases how well Joe can read other people, the judgment can feel like he doesn't give others enough of a chance: forming an opinion and that being the end of it.
Best: Curious
Joe's judgemental eye could also be seen as a curious one with his constant need to understand people and their actions, which makes him the perfect voyeur. He asks open-ended and deep questions to learn more about people in his life or those he wants to be in his life.
While this curiosity can be a double-edged sword as it also helps his predatory ways, the knowledge that Joe uncovers eventually helps him protect other individuals. A prime example of this is when Delilah feels comfortable being vulnerable with Joe and shares that Henderson took advantage of her 10 years prior, which leads to Joe protecting Ellie from the same fate.
Worst: Predatory
Predatory is just one word that comes straight to viewers' minds when they think of Joe, he doesn't exactly hide his creepiness. Upon meeting him, many characters feel like something is off about Joe.
This predatory nature is shown in two ways: he stalks his prey, like through his perfectly positioned telescope to Love's apartment, while simultaneously seeking to exploit others, highlighted through his catalog of history on Peach. Joe chooses his target to stalk whilst exploiting those that may question his character. This aspect of Joe is perhaps why this is his most sinister fatal flaw with viewers labeling him as the show's main villain.
Best: Conscientious
For all of Joe's flaws, he has a great work ethic and standard. This conscientiousness shows in his work at Mooney's and his ability to not get caught in the act. Joe certainly showcases his workmanship when he restores first edition books to a healthy standard almost to a military time limit. This suggests that Mooney's tough love towards him has resulted in his strive for perfection, which Joe shows in his job in the library as well.
It does not just work where Joe is conscientious though, he also takes great care in his kills. He walks away from all his victims without being charged. Joe's conscientious attitude isn't always used for good but it is obvious that he holds his work with very important regard.
Worst: Unforgiving
Joe loves to hold a grudge, which often sees the people that wronged him dead or trapped in a glass box. He is unforgiving for both tiny and huge acts of betrayal as seen in the finale of season 3. Over the course of the season, Joe and Love went from being married with a child to sitting opposite one another plotting to kill each other.
After spending the season cleaning up after Love's various kills and murder attempts, Joe finds himself betrayed by his wife after she learns of his new obsession. However, he turns the tables on Love and kills her in one of the show's biggest plot twists. While Love's death is surprising, season 3 sees Joe slowly become more and more fed up with her increasingly unhinged antics, making it a very dangerous combination when Love makes her move against him.
Best: Agreeable
Joe will kill for the people he loves, but he will also agree to anything that will make his potential victim happy before he begins hating them. He agrees to take Beck bed shopping, makes an appearance at the Dickens festival, and helps Forty in writing his screenplay. Joe's character takes himself out of his comfort zone to please others. While this agreeable nature is a tactic to get others to be lulled in a false sense of security, it is also one of the best parts of his personality because he does put everything into the activity.
Joe's will-do attitude is often for his benefit. However, this tends to go south when he is roped into some questionable things, which makes for a hilarious watch. Joe may be vindictive, manipulative, and predatory, but he will always try to please the ones he loves.