The crime series “Ozark” chronicles the transformation of the Byrde family from managing a modest money-laundering operation to overseeing a criminal network in Missouri. In many ways, “Ozark” resembles “Breaking Bad,” but it explores an entirely distinct underworld. Unlike “Breaking Bad,” which traces the downfall of a single individual, “Ozark” delves into the family’s resilience and survival instincts.
In the series titled “Ozark“, the initial characters are relatively low-level crooks. Specifically, the character Marty Byrde, a financial advisor played by Jason Bateman, is involved in laundering money for a drug cartel. However, his life takes a drastic turn when they assassinate his partner. In a desperate bid to save himself, Marty proposes that he can launder $500 million over the course of five years if given the opportunity to relocate to the Ozarks. The show spanned four seasons, leaving critics speculating if Marty’s risk would eventually prove profitable.
It’s clear that the series finale of Ozark left viewers with differing opinions. Some found the outcomes for the main characters to be somewhat unjust, as certain individuals who committed serious crimes managed to escape punishment, while beloved characters suffered injustices. However, upon re-evaluating the show as a whole, it’s easy to see that the ending was actually fitting and well-executed.
Ozark’s Ending Got A Mixed Response, But It Was Perfect For The Netflix Show
Ozark Avoided The Controversial Ending The Sopranos Gave Us
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but reflect on how the four seasons of Ozark have progressively ramped up the danger against the Byrde family, making it seem like their future was narrowed down to just three possibilities: either they find a way out, end up in prison, or face an untimely demise. It felt like the Byrdes were on a predestined path towards escape, imprisonment, or death. The finale, “A Hard Way To Go,” finally provided some closure, but it sparked quite a diverse reaction among viewers.
In simpler terms, “Ozark” wraps up its story in a less sensational or spectacular manner compared to “Breaking Bad.” The series maintains the same understated tone throughout. Unlike many crime dramas that tend to cater to audience expectations over realism, “Ozark’s” ending is more grounded in reality. Additionally, it subtly conveys a message that wealth can provide an effective barrier from facing criminal repercussions, which resonates more with actual life experiences than one might be willing to acknowledge.
Moreover, Netflix series tend to be raw and uncompromising, eschewing a tidy, joyful conclusion as a prerequisite. For instance, by the end of Ozark, the Byrde family has essentially become invulnerable to any retaliation. The unexpected twist involving Jonah (Skylar Gaertner) sees him decide to align with his family’s criminal operations. This gritty yet authentic ending proved fitting for the Netflix series, even though it left some viewers divided.
Instead of mirroring the controversial finale of “The Sopranos,” where the protagonist appears to be killed and the screen fades to black without confirmation, the ending of “Ozark” initially seemed to follow suit. However, a key difference sets it apart.
Ozark distinguishes itself from The Sopranos‘ final scene by eliminating ambiguity. Upon their return home, they find Mel Sattem (Adam Rothenberg) ready to bring them down with incriminating evidence. In the ensuing moments, Jonah emerges with a shotgun. The screen subsequently goes dark, but the sound of a gunshot echoes, suggesting that Jonah likely killed Mel.
Ruth’s Fate Was Tragic, But It Was The Only Way Her Story Could Have Ended
Ruth’s Ending Was The Best In Ozark
It’s widely agreed that Ruth is Ozark’s most beloved character, and Julia Garner has been awarded two Emmys for her portrayal. Throughout the series, Ruth experiences the greatest hardships due to her work with the Byrde family, even losing everything dear to her. Surprisingly, the Byrdes permit her demise at the hands of the cartel.
In this twist, when Camila Elizzondro (Verónica Falcón), the latest head of the cartel, discovers that Ruth was responsible for Javi’s (Alfonso Herrera) death, she sets an ambush to exact revenge on Ruth as she returns home. This conclusion is heartbreaking, given that Ruth seemed to have found freedom with her two legitimate jobs and a cleaned-up criminal record. However, it was the inevitable end to her storyline.
Many viewers found Ruth’s demise to be unjust, given her portrayal as a complex anti-heroine. Yet, her untimely end serves to highlight one of the primary themes in the series, which is that those with power will preserve it. The creators faced a significant challenge in scripting Ruth’s finale, but it effectively freed the “Langmore family” from the curse she believed would eventually claim her.
Ruth Langmore’s narrative consistently revolves around the lingering Langmore family affliction, which seems to doom each member to either an untimely demise or a life of disappointment. In simpler terms, her storyline in Ozark is captivating because it follows Ruth as she strives to break free from the cycle of mistreatment, hardship, and criminality that has plagued her family for generations.
In the final episode of Ozark, Ruth may meet her end, but she does so on her own accord. After constructing a life filled with professional opportunities, personal growth, and future aspirations, she is anything but unsuccessful. Ruth’s demise, heartbreaking as it is, represents a break from the Langmore family curse, making it a fitting conclusion to the series.
The Byrdes’ Ending Wasn’t Shocking, But It Made Sense For Their Characters
Jonah Ozark’s Twist Was Perfectly Bleak & Fitting For The Show
It was never plausible that the Byrde family would meet their end in the last moments of Ozark, as such an ending wouldn’t align with the series’ overall tone. The bond between Marty (Jason Bateman) and Wendy Byrde (Laura Linney) is exceptional, making them a powerful duo when they leverage their strengths together.
It wasn’t unexpected that the family managed to escape punishment for their crimes thanks to a deal with the FBI offering immunity, given their pattern of self-preservation by teaming up with whoever seemed most advantageous. Such an outcome aligned well with their character traits and the general plotline of the series.
During the course of Ozark, Jonah undergoes a captivating and suspenseful transformation that keeps viewers hooked until the very end. Throughout the series, he struggles mightily to separate himself from his family’s illegal operations, all while maintaining an intense sense of responsibility towards them. In season 3, Jonah takes on the role of home security for the family, which serves as a precursor to the unexpected finale plot twist.
At the brink of Mel pursuing the Byrde family, Jonah unexpectedly appeared just in time to rescue them. Leaving things unresolved by walking away would have left his future uncertain. Instead, by opting to involve himself in their criminal endeavors, Jonah has sealed his fate and provided a neat conclusion for this storyline as the series concludes.
Ozark’s Ending Deserves To Be Reassessed Years Later
There Is Potential For An Ozark Season 5, But It May Look Very Different
Netflix tends to end shows prematurely, leaving cliffhangers and incomplete storylines. However, Ozark was an exception to this rule, wrapping up on its own terms. While the ending may not have provided the Byrde family with the resolution they deserved, it doesn’t mean it was inherently poor. After three years, the finale of Ozark deserves another look.
Reflecting on the divisive conclusion of the series Ozark, it’s evident that it concludes the narrative without being overly tidy or implausible. The acting, particularly by Jason Bateman and Julia Garner, is exceptional, and there are still unexpected turns and plot twists to keep viewers engaged. Given the complexity of its themes, it was impossible for Ozark to craft an ending that pleased every viewer. Critics may have judged the finale too harshly when compared to other crime dramas.
| Ozark Seasons Rotten Tomatoes Audience Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Season | Year | Score |
| 1 | 2017 | 92% |
| 2 | 2018 | 91% |
| 3 | 2020 | 88% |
| 4 | 2022 | 71% |
Although Ozark concludes with its fourth season, the family is poised to enter the political arena, expanding their contacts and potentially more avenues for criminal activities. It could be intriguing if their old lives resurface in another installment of Ozark, but such a continuation would take on a completely new form.
Instead of constantly linking Ozark to Breaking Bad and The Sopranos, season 5 may possibly delve into the family’s ascension to political power, a theme reminiscent of House of Cards, which centers around a corrupt political lineage. Although this shift could be intriguing, it seems unnecessary following Ozark’s finale.
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2025-07-05 19:29