The show started to go off the rails after season 2, but it was all still enjoyable due to the consistently amazing performance of Penn Badgley . He is on his A-game again in season 5, but held back by an inconsistent script leading to many out of character moments for Joe. The "always one step ahead" trait of his character is here one episode, then gone the next ,which leads into the events of the final episode where us the viewers can see the twist coming miles before.
Season 5 started off with a good premise with a few twists ,that will be predictable to many, but were still entertaining to watch. Around the midpoint it started to lose its footing but came back with a great episode 8 and 9, which should have been the finale. Instead Episode 10 took a different direction with a narrative switch which didn't feel deserved, and multiple retcons that felt cheap. While it doesn't ruin the whole series like other shows final seasons have , it's sad to see it go out on such a low note, with so much wasted potential and storylines still left unfinished. A few series characters are brought back but add virtually nothing to the story and are mostly used as nostalgia bait, contributing to the feeling of this season being rushed. The best way I can summarise season 5 is that it's a good season (with many high points) but a very bad final season, lacking the finality this show deserved.
Goodbye, you.
