Netflix's You centers on Joe, a serial killer and stalker, as he obsessively falls in love with two women. In Season 1, he falls for Beck, a young and talented writer. In Season 2, he falls in love with Love Quinn, a widowed chef. While we know that he has fallen in love with other women (i.e. Candace), the show primarily focuses on these two love interests. At times, Joe toys the line between charming and creepy. However, ultimately, he fully crosses the line, placing himself on the creepy and scary plane.
Sometimes, it's almost as if Joe is looking for the magical love who will accept him, but also make him become the better person. While he justifies his actions continuously, he does want to do and be better. He believes that finding the right love will get him there. If he were to combine Beck and Love Quinn, he would have the perfect person for him. He'd have someone who accepts him (Love Quinn), and someone who holds him able to do and to be better (Beck).
However, life isn't that easy, and Joe doesn't really get completely what he wants with either one of them. Still, Beck and Love Quinn do have some similarities, showing that Joe does have a type, but they also have stark differences.
Similarity:Value Their Friendships
For Beck and Love Quinn, their friendships are really important to them. They are both extremely dedicated to their friends. When Peach overdoses, Beck drops everything to help her out. While Peach was a toxic friend, Beck still valued that friendship. She could accept Joe's criticism of Peach, but only so far, ultimately sticking up for her friend.
For Love Quinn, she really wants Joe to meet her friends. If her friends accept him, then Joe is in with Love Quinn. We also learn that these friendships are ones that Love has had for a long time. They're bonded, and they understand parts of her better than her family. For instance, they know that Love is happy when she cooks, but frustrated when she bakes.
Difference: Damsel in Distress
Joe almost likes that Beck needs help. She calls him for help with purchasing and putting together a bed. Later, in their relationship, she needs reassurance of her worth as a writer. While a fully capable person, Beck can be insecure at times. This is something that appeals to Joe; he wants to be needed.
Meanwhile, Love Quinn has served most of her life as a protector, especially when it comes to her brother. She has healthy friendships and a strong sense of self. So, she doesn't need Joe to reassure her or solve her problems. While she's okay with Joe helping out her brother, she doesn't need him to do so.
Similarity: Have Family Problems
Beck's main problem is with her father. She actually lies to her friends, telling them that he is dead because that relationship feels dead to her. When she was a kid, he wasn't the best father since he was addicted to drugs. Now, he has a new family, and she feels like he doesn't want her in his life since she represents his old life and his failures.
For Love Quinn, her whole family is dysfunctional. Part of the reason that she and her brother, Forty, are so close is because they bond over the trauma of dealing with horrible parents. Love's problem parent is her mother. Joe actually witnesses Love's mother slap her, showing a dark underbelly to this seemingly enlightened Quinn family.
Difference: Wealth and Power
Although Beck's friends are wealthy, she is not. Beck is a person of very moderate means. When her TA position is threatened at her university, she's wrecked. Without it, she won't be able to live on her own. In addition, she works as a yoga teacher. When she loses that job after Peach's death, she's worried about making ends meet. Joe actually gives her a job at the book shop to help her.
Love Quinn is wealthy. She's part of an empire, essentially, meaning that she's always had extra assistance. In addition, the Quinn power and privilege is so extensive that they are somewhat above the law.
Similarity: Intelligent
Both of the leading ladies are smart, albeit in slightly different ways. While both are well-read, Love Quinn is insightful. She seems to be able to see beyond the cover; ultimately, it would be hard to hide anything from her in the long term. While Beck wasn't as insightful initially, she did understand how to appeal to Joe in order to get a fighting chance.
Unfortunately, it wasn't enough for her to survive, but Joe tries to learn from Beck. He re what she did to appeal to him when she was trapped and tries to use it in order to get out of a similar difficult situation.
Difference: Wooing of Joe
In Season 1, Beck is wooed. She doesn't go out of her way to woo Joe. However, in Season 2 Love Quinn lets Joe know right away that she likes him.
Even when they are just "friends," she leaves him gifts in his locker, delicious baked goods. She cooks for him, and she lets him know how much she wants him in her life--even inviting him to a big family function.
Similarity: Break-up with Joe
Both ladies break-up with Joe. His lying and lack of trust contribute to each break-up. Although he isn't happy with each break-up, he accepts the decision, and he tries to move on. To move on, he dates one woman in Season 1, and he hooks up with a friend in Season 2. Beck becomes jealous of his relationship, and she decides to start something with him again. Love Quinn also becomes jealous of his hook-up/relationship, but with very different end results.
Difference: Mental Stability
For all of her flaws, Beck has mental stability and health. She may play roles to some degree, but she's really a kind person who is dedicated to her craft. While Beck may be surrounded by mentally unstable people who are attracted to her (like Peach and Joe), she is a sane individual.
Love Quinn plays the kind and all-sacrificing role well. Her friends adore her. Her lack of mental stability could make her a perfect match for Joe, except he seems to be already looking for his next love at the end of Season 2.
Similarity: Are Artistic And Creative
While the method in which Beck and Love Quinn show their artistic natures and creativity is different, they both are artists. Beck is a poet and writer. She starts out as an MFA student who both values writing, but is also afraid that she's not a remarkable author. Joe picks talent, and Beck develops into an up and coming writer, even before she's kidnapped.
Love Quinn is a talented chef who formally studied the art. She currently practices it at her family's business, cooking and baking for them. Also, Love has a talent in finding the perfect food for those she cares about. Figuring out Joe is a puzzle, but she's figures out what he likes and cooks something special just for him.
Difference: Commitment to Joe
Once Beck finds out who Joe is and what he has done, she can't stay committed to him. Beck is a sane person, and Joe also has killed some of her friends. Due to this, there would be no way she would accept Joe and end up with him.
Love Quinn, on the other hand, accepts Joe and even seems to appreciate him more now that she knows some of his secrets. She is ready to be with him for the long haul, whether he wants it or not.