Ozark: In the End, Jonah Proved That He’s A True Byrde
“What have you done for the family”? That was the main question in almost every episode of Ozark. For Marty and Wendy Byrde, it was their main dialogue as each one really believed they were doing their best to protect the family. Death was always waiting around the corner and with each decision (good or bad), the stakes grew higher.
At the end of the series finale, the last remaining member of the Byrde family can now enter into that discussion. Jonah Bryde staked his claim in the family tree as he pulled the trigger on what viewers believed was the unexpecting Private Investigator, Mel Sattem.
With that shot, Jonah saved his family from further harm as Sattem was either ready to blackmail or turn the Byrde family into the authorities after learning that Ben ashes were in the goat cookie jar. Instead of letting them go down, Jonah grabbed a shotgun and supposedly shot Sattem. This brought on the infamous smirk on his father Marty’s face that fans are still in disbelief over.
Marty believed that his actions were to protect the family. He thought it was his duty as the head of the house and also as the one who put then in this position in the first place. But not to be outdone was his wife Wendy who wanted that same responsibility. Her actions were more sinister and ruthless than Marty’s as she often went against his desires.
Charlotte is not innocent either. Although she never killed anyone, she understood what was at stake, so much so that she went to work for her parents knowing all that they did. In her own way, she was protecting the family as well. The only one left was the rebellious Jonah who at times went against the family by laundering money for Ruth and Darlene and also by telling family secrets.
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With that single shot, this was Jonah’s redemption. This was the only way Ozark could have ended. The Byrde’s were not model citizens. Yes, they were placed in a tough spot in the beginning but they also made decisions that cost people their lives in order to save their own.
In a bizarre kind of way, they did manage to stick together and come out on top. Marty had blood on his hands and so did Wendy. Charlotte may not have pulled any triggers but she didn’t run away from the drama either. It was Jonah who many believed would be the last one standing. His hatred for his mother was evident after the death of Ben but that car accident changed him.
One shot. And with that shot, the Byrde family drama continues, but this time, it’s unity involved. Jonah is now tied to the family despite his feelings toward the entire situation. They say that blood is thicker than water and at times, that saying has proven not to be true. However, regarding what transpired at the end of Ozark, Jonah proved that he will do what it takes to protect his family, finally.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
