Decoding the Enigma: What Does Rhys Montrose Really Want in “You”?
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Rhys Montrose, or rather, the idea of Rhys Montrose, doesn’t “want” in the traditional sense. He is, in essence, a manifestation of Joe Goldberg’s fractured psyche, a projection of his darkest desires, repressed rage, and desperate craving for connection cloaked in the guise of an admired public figure. Therefore, what “Rhys” wants is what Joe Goldberg secretly wants: recognition, justification, and absolution for his murderous impulses, plus a twisted sense of companionship and shared purpose. He craves external validation for his self-perceived redemption arc and desperately seeks a partner in crime, someone to share the burden of his terrible acts, making him feel less alone in his depravity.
Unpacking the Rhys Illusion: Joe’s Shadow Self
Season 4 of “You” throws a major curveball, revealing that the charismatic author and aspiring politician, Rhys Montrose, isn’t actually Joe’s accomplice. Instead, the Rhys we see interacting with Joe, sending those cryptic texts and orchestrating the “Eat the Rich” killings, is a hallucination, a meticulously constructed alter ego born from Joe’s own subconscious. The real Rhys exists, but he’s largely unaware of Joe’s existence, only meeting him briefly before his tragic demise at Joe’s hands.
This revelation is crucial because it reframes everything we thought we knew about the season’s mystery. Suddenly, the question isn’t “Who is Rhys, and what are his motives?” but rather “What does this version of Rhys represent within Joe’s mind?”. He embodies the narcissistic fantasy of being both a reformed character and a powerful, influential figure. Rhys’s apparent social acceptance provides Joe with vicarious validation. Furthermore, Rhys embodies the capacity for violence that Joe so desperately tries to disown, allowing Joe to compartmentalize his actions and blame them on someone else.
Joe fixates on Rhys because he embodies the very qualities he craves but refuses to acknowledge within himself. Rhys is seemingly successful, charismatic, and on the path to power, mirroring Joe’s desire to rise above his past and be seen as someone worthy of admiration. This leads us to a deeper understanding of Joe’s motivations and the unsettling truths he attempts to bury deep within his psyche.
The Hallucination’s Deadly Game
The hallucinated Rhys compels Joe to commit acts of violence, framing it as a necessary evil to “punish” the morally corrupt wealthy elite. This aligns with Joe’s own warped sense of justice, which he uses to justify his actions to himself. The Rhys hallucination provides a convenient scapegoat, allowing Joe to detach himself from the consequences of his choices.
However, the illusion eventually crumbles. When Joe is forced to confront the real Rhys Montrose, he murders him, shattering the carefully constructed fantasy. This act forces Joe to acknowledge the truth: he is the killer, and the “Rhys” he’s been interacting with is nothing more than a reflection of his own dark side. The realization is devastating, but it also marks a turning point, albeit a twisted one.
Rhys: A Symptom, Not a Cause
It’s essential to remember that Rhys is not the root of Joe’s problems, but rather a symptom of his deeply ingrained psychological issues, namely his antisocial and narcissistic tendencies. He’s a manifestation of Joe’s desire for external validation, his inability to take responsibility for his actions, and his ongoing struggle with his violent impulses. Even without Rhys, Joe is a dangerous individual capable of extreme violence and manipulation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was the real Rhys a bad person?
The real Rhys, from what we see, appears to be a complex character. While ambitious and perhaps opportunistic, he is not presented as inherently evil. His political aspirations are perceived by some as a means of positive change, whilst he is seen as an opportunist by others, making him a flawed, but ultimately human character. Joe’s decision to frame the real Rhys stems from the hallucinated Rhys’s influence, which in turn stems from Joe’s own desires.
2. Did Joe ever truly care about Rhys?
Joe’s “caring” for Rhys, or rather his hallucinated version, is based on a projection of his own desires and insecurities. He doesn’t see Rhys for who he is, but for what he represents – a chance at redemption, acceptance, and even companionship. This infatuation is driven by Joe’s erotomania and his pathological need for external validation.
3. Why did Joe kill the real Rhys?
Joe kills the real Rhys for two main reasons: First, he believes the hallucinated Rhys is the killer and must be stopped. Second, he is blackmailed by Tom Lockwood into doing so. Killing the real Rhys solidifies the hallucination and allows Joe to maintain the illusion, at least temporarily. Ultimately, this act proves to Joe that the hallucinated Rhys is not real.
4. What does the Rhys hallucination reveal about Joe’s mental state?
The Rhys hallucination highlights the severity of Joe’s psychological issues. It indicates a deep-seated inability to confront his own dark impulses, a reliance on delusion to cope with his actions, and a fractured sense of self. He displays symptoms consistent with antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder.
5. How does Rhys’s political ambition play into Joe’s obsession?
Rhys’s political ambition taps into Joe’s own desire for power and influence. Joe sees Rhys as someone who has successfully “rebranded” himself, overcoming a troubled past to achieve public acclaim. This fuels Joe’s fantasy that he too can escape his past and become someone respected and admired.
6. Is Joe responsible for his actions while hallucinating Rhys?
While Joe experiences hallucinations, he is still responsible for his actions. The show explores the complexities of mental illness but ultimately holds Joe accountable for the violence he perpetrates. The hallucinations serve as a narrative device to expose Joe’s inner demons, not as an excuse for his behavior.
7. Why did Joe confide in the hallucinated Rhys?
Joe confides in the hallucinated Rhys because he represents the unfiltered version of himself that he keeps hidden from the world. The hallucination is a safe space for Joe to express his darkest thoughts and desires without fear of judgment, or so he believes.
8. What is the significance of the “Eat the Rich” theme in relation to Rhys?
The “Eat the Rich” theme provides a justification for Joe’s violence. The hallucinated Rhys uses this ideology to rationalize the killings, aligning them with a perceived sense of social justice. This allows Joe to see himself as a vigilante, punishing the morally corrupt elite, rather than a cold-blooded killer.
9. How does Kate’s reaction to Joe’s confession impact the narrative?
Kate’s acceptance of Joe, despite his confession, is deeply troubling. It suggests a normalization of violence and a willingness to overlook moral boundaries for personal gain. This raises questions about the ethics of wealth and power, highlighting the potential for corruption and complicity.
10. Does the Rhys storyline suggest Joe can ever truly change?
The Rhys storyline casts serious doubt on Joe’s ability to change. Despite his attempts at self-deception and his yearning for redemption, he continues to succumb to his violent impulses. The Rhys hallucination reveals that his dark side is an integral part of his personality, making true reform unlikely.
11. How does the show portray the dangers of obsession and idealization?
The show demonstrates the destructive nature of obsession and idealization through Joe’s fixation on Rhys. He creates a distorted image of Rhys based on his own desires and projects his own flaws onto him. This ultimately leads to violence and tragedy, highlighting the dangers of losing touch with reality.
12. What role does social media and celebrity culture play in Joe’s obsession with Rhys?
Social media and celebrity culture contribute to Joe’s obsession by creating a false sense of intimacy and accessibility. Joe perceives Rhys as someone he “knows” through his public persona, leading him to believe that he understands him on a deeper level. This illusion fuels his fantasy and makes him more susceptible to delusion.
13. Can Joe be diagnosed with erotomania?
Yes, the latest season of “You” identifies erotomania as a potential mental health condition contributing to Joe’s behaviour. Joe’s delusional belief that he is the object of another person’s desire perfectly aligns with the symptoms of erotomania.
14. What does the Games Learning Society think of the representation of mental illness in the show You?
The portrayal of mental illness in “You,” particularly Joe’s dissociative identity disorder with the Rhys hallucination, presents a complex ethical challenge. While the show raises awareness of such conditions, it also risks perpetuating harmful stereotypes about individuals with mental illness as being inherently violent. A nuanced approach that balances dramatic storytelling with responsible representation is crucial. For more on the intersection of media, learning, and social impact, explore the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
15. What is Joe’s primary motivation?
Joe’s primary motivation shifts throughout the series but often boils down to a desire for control and validation. He seeks to control the narrative of his own life, to be seen as a good person, and to find someone who truly understands him. However, his methods are consistently flawed, and his pursuit of these goals always leads to destruction.
In conclusion, the Rhys Montrose hallucination serves as a potent symbol of Joe Goldberg’s inner turmoil. By understanding what “Rhys” wants, we gain a deeper insight into the fractured psyche of a disturbed individual and the devastating consequences of unchecked obsession.