If you’ve spent any time on Netflix lately, you probably know Zach Cherry as Dylan, the fiercely competitive "Innie" with a strange obsession with waffle parties in Severance. Or maybe you recognize him from the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the guy who tells Spider-Man to do a flip.
But honestly? A lot of people forget that long before he was an Emmy nominee in 2025, he was the only person in Joe Goldberg’s life who didn’t end up in a plexiglass box or six feet under.
In the first season of You, Zach Cherry played Ethan Russell. He was the lovable, slightly nerdy, and incredibly grounded bookstore clerk at Mooney's. He was basically the "normal" barometer for the show.
Who was Ethan Russell, really?
While Joe Goldberg was busy stalking Guinevere Beck and hiding bodies in the basement, Ethan was just trying to get through his shift.
He wasn’t a plot device. He was the guy who provided the texture of a real life in New York. Unlike every other person Joe encountered, Ethan was actually a good friend. He was kind. He was supportive. He was also remarkably observant, which is probably why it’s so shocking Joe didn't target him.
Most fans remember the intense scenes with Peach Salinger or the high-stakes drama of the cage. We tend to overlook the quiet reliability of the bookstore scenes. Ethan was the only one who didn’t have a dark secret or a manipulative agenda. In the world of You, that makes him a unicorn.
Why Joe Goldberg didn't kill him
It’s a valid question. Joe kills anyone who gets in the way of his "love" or anyone who sees through his mask. So why did Ethan survive?
- Zero Threat Level: Ethan never stood between Joe and Beck.
- Genuine Utility: He actually did his job at the bookstore, allowing Joe more time to be a creep.
- Lack of Judgment: Ethan was so genuinely nice that he took Joe at face value.
The dynamic between them was fascinating because it was one of the few times we saw Joe interact with someone without a predatory lens. It was a glimpse into what Joe’s life could have been if he weren't, you know, a serial killer.
The 2025 cameo that changed everything
For years, Ethan was just a memory from Season 1. But then came Season 5.
When the news finally broke about Joe Goldberg’s crimes—thanks to that viral TikTok live—the show brought back a parade of familiar faces. Seeing Zach Cherry return as Ethan was a massive highlight for long-time viewers.
Ethan didn't come out with a vengeful "I knew it all along" vibe. That wouldn't be him. Instead, he gave a very "Ethan" response: he admitted he never had a personal problem with Joe but firmly stated he believed the victims. It was a subtle, powerful moment that highlighted his character’s inherent goodness. It also drove Joe absolutely crazy.
Why Zach Cherry's performance matters
Zach Cherry has this incredible ability to be "the everyman" while still being the funniest person in the room. In You, he had to play the straight man to Penn Badgley’s internal monologue.
That isn't easy.
He had to make the audience believe that a normal human being could work alongside a monster and notice nothing. He sold it through pure, unadulterated sincerity. You’ve probably met an Ethan. You might even be an Ethan. He’s the guy who remembers your favorite book and genuinely cares how your weekend went.
Beyond the bookstore
Since his time at Mooney's, Cherry's career has exploded. He’s now a staple of prestige TV.
- Severance: As Dylan George, he’s become a fan favorite for his deadpan delivery and surprising emotional depth.
- Fallout: He popped up as Woody Thomas, proving he can thrive in big-budget genre pieces.
- MCU: His recurring bit as Klev is the kind of world-building fans live for.
He’s not just "that guy from that thing" anymore. He’s a powerhouse.
What we can learn from Ethan Russell
If you’re revisiting the series, pay attention to the Mooney's scenes. Look at how Cherry uses his improv background to make his interactions with Joe feel lived-in and spontaneous.
There’s a lesson in Ethan’s survival. In a world full of Joe Goldbergs and Peach Salingers—people obsessed with status, control, and obsession—the person who survives is the one who is just... kind.
Honestly, we could all use a bit more of that "Ethan energy" in 2026.
To get the most out of your next You rewatch, keep an eye on the background of Season 1. Notice the subtle ways Ethan tries to be a good coworker. It makes the eventual reveal of Joe’s true nature in Season 5 feel much more impactful when you see it through the eyes of the person who was there from the start.
Stop looking for the "secret villain" in every character. Sometimes, the most important person in the story is the one who’s just trying to do a good job and be a decent human being.
