Ozark season 4 part 2 was released by Netflix on 29th April 2022. While the first part ended on a huge cliffhanger as Javi kills Wyatt and Darlene resulting in Ruth snapping and going on a rampage to kill Javi. Part 2 picks up right where part 1 had left us. The last seven episodes of Ozark are immensely powerful and deliver on the promise of the previous seasons but most importantly the creators don’t forget their initial idea or theme- Bad people get away with everything. They make sure to follow through with it however cruel it may seem making it one of the most satisfying finales ever. Spoiler warning for Ozark season 4 part 2.
Ozark Season 4 – What Does the End mean?
In the Finale episode titled, “A hard way to go” we see Wendy and Marty finally succeeding in clearing their name and Camilla being the head of the Navarro Cartel. Ruth Langmore’s beautiful journey from a petty thief to the owner of the Missouri Belle. However, life doesn’t work like that. Something is to be sacrificed for everything and in Ozark that’s truer than ever. In the finale, where everything seems normal and calm Camilla extracts the info that Ruth had murdered her son- Javi. Camilla warns Marty and Wendy not to interfere in this as only that will ensure their family’s safety.
Marty who’d formed almost like a father-daughter relationship with Ruth has to make the horrendous choice of letting her die to make sure his family is safe. Although, that is not where the problems end for the Byrdes. As they return home bearing the guilt of another death on their conscience, they’re greeted by Mel Satem- the private investigator. He has cracked the mystery of the goat cookie jar. He threatens the Byrdes and tells them they don’t get to win, as that is not how the world works. In reply to that Wendy delivering the most powerful final line, “Since when?” we hear a gun cock. It is Jonah. Screen cuts to black and we hear a gunshot.
Pretty straightforward, right? Marty and Wendy have made their son just like them who’ll do anything to keep his family safe. Or so it seems. This my overthinking brain speaking, when I watched the finale for the first time I had this question as in why does the screen cut to black? Is it an editing or aesthetic choice? At first, seems like it but if you dive further another sinister possibility strikes you. What if Jonah didn’t kill Mel. Then whom did he shoot? Well, Wendy. They both were having problems and at the end as well Jonah didn’t seem to have resolved all is issues for his mother. It is clear he holds her responsible for everything they’ve been through.
What if as they encounter this final adversity Jonah decides to pull out the root cause of it all- in his eyes, Wendy. Ozark is not shy of displaying violent deaths, the entire show is filled with them so the screen cutting to black has some meaning to it. Turns out, I’m not the only who thinks as, Redditors have similar thoughts. Read the entire thread if you’re interested in this discussion.
Creator’s Take on the Ending
Although, the show creator- Chris Mundy, doesn’t seem to address the theory as in a recent Netflix promotional event he was asked about the future of the Byrdes and his answer was pretty straightforward. “[The Byrdes] run to the Midwest, and in some ways, they’re going to have the political clout to dictate national politics.” His answer was short and crisp but that tells us that for him all the Byrdes survived and in the coming years would be battling for political influence. He was also asked about the spinoff possibilities and his reply was rather sad, “It’s going to really sink in soon that we’re not working together anymore. And there’s a sadness in that. So, I don’t think any of us would ever say no to anything, but there’s no [follow-up] being written. I know that.”
Though, Bateman had previously mentioned he would like to reprise Marty Byrde’s role in a spinoff or a movie series and we would love to see that. Mundy was also asked about the seemingly disjointed car accident in the finale. While Wendy thinks it was an assurance that her family will get through anything and the Father thinks it is a final warning before judgement strikes. Mundy’s interpretation is pretty simple he mentions it is to signifying after the finale as well anything can happen to the Byrdes. Regardless, one thing is clear. Season 4 is the final season of Ozark. A satisfying end to an unpredictable journey.
The season has some brilliant performances with Jason Bateman being at his best as Marty, Julia Garner as Ruth carries so much emotional weight but is there is a stand out performance then that has to be Laura Liney as Wendy. From being menacing to vulnerable, the range this woman has is staggering. She is brilliant as Wendy Byrde and I would love to see her again. That being said, Ozark has been a recipient of awards, mainly Julia Garner as Ruth and I hope this year’s Emmys recognizes Laura Liney for her best performance.
Until there’s an update regarding the revival of Ozark this is it as the beloved show takes our leave. If you have your interpretation of the end let us know. Check out all four seasons of Ozark on Netflix.
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