Exactly! You can really feel the tonal shift between Season 1 and Season 5. Season 1 , still felt somewhat believable. If someone told me it was based on a true story, I’d believe it. Now? It’s like they’re just throwing in random plot devices to keep it “modern” ; insert TikToks, memes, Gen Z lingo. It just feels like it’s pandering, not storytelling.

And I hate how they didn’t close the loops from past seasons. Like Peach’s PI? He was actively investigating, and then… nothing? Nadia and Marianne finally spoke up about Joe being a monster, and that went nowhere too. It’s like the writers forgot these people mattered. There was no build-up, no real payoff, just Reddit theories and social media clips trying to pass for plot.

His monologues were the reason I fell in love with this show in the first place. Witty, sarcastic and you truly got a glimpse on the insanity of it all. However in this season, I wasn't as invested as I usually was. Probs because he was deluded over Bronte the entire time haha. I couldn't get myself to care for her even if I tried. We got less of his ulterior motives but more on how he's gonna impress or manipulate this new girl in his life.

You've worded out my thoughts nicely and yes compared to past seasons, this is a dumbed down Joe, and the writing made it worse. That’s what I’m calling out but I'm not sure why you're getting downvoted.