What a season finale. This was a great episode in which all the characters' arcs were intertwined which made for some great intense scenes. The ending also didn't outright assume that there would be a second season. It resolved the story while leaving possibilities for a second season which we are getting. The performances have been top notch throughout the whole season with the standout being Jason Bateman. It has been an entertaining 10 hours of television and I can't wait for season 2 to come out.
22 Reviews
Excellent ending to a great first season
markwha25 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
*spoiler alert*
I rarely find myself genuinely surprised when watching shows but this episode really had me in shock and awe and numerous times I found myself on the edge of my seat. My only complaint is that we won't get any more of Esai Moreales' Del - really loved that character and how well he was acted. There's no question that this series brings many of us back to the likes of Breaking Bad or the early seasons of The Walking Dead. I'm throughly glad that I waited until there were 4 seasons out to start this show, because now I'll be giving it a well deserved binge as I'm sure most of you reading this are as well!
I rarely find myself genuinely surprised when watching shows but this episode really had me in shock and awe and numerous times I found myself on the edge of my seat. My only complaint is that we won't get any more of Esai Moreales' Del - really loved that character and how well he was acted. There's no question that this series brings many of us back to the likes of Breaking Bad or the early seasons of The Walking Dead. I'm throughly glad that I waited until there were 4 seasons out to start this show, because now I'll be giving it a well deserved binge as I'm sure most of you reading this are as well!
If you stuck with this, you're rewarded.
emortland6 December 2018
Episode as well composed as its soundtrack...
rog-196611 September 2018
S1: Solid show, professionally made, but not the consistency or depth to really soar
bob the moo9 March 2019
The opening episode of Ozark very much hits the ground running (if you pardon the pun at the expense of one of the characters); it is urgent, impacting, and violent. It very much lives in the moment and it sums up the elements of this show that work well. Although subsequent episodes turn down the pace, it keeps that air reasonably well, and keeps the jeopardy moving, with new and altered risks and threats at each turn. On this front it is not remarkable, but it does the job well.
Ozark has had endless comparisons to Breaking Bad, which is unfair because the two are not alike where it matters. Marty is not on a journey in the way Walter was; his character is defined in the first episode and he really doesn't move from there. On the face of it, this is a family man in his neck of crime trying to get out, but it is a mire he willingly stepped into, and the skills he uses to try to get out are the same skills he used on day 1. This is a problem though - and not because it makes it less like Breaking Bad. The problem is that the show doesn't feel like it is driving down or into the story or characters, but rather that it is living on the action alone, which puts a strain on the writing to always come up with a problem, but one that can be overcome. It makes it engaging in the moment generally, but I didn't get drawn in as it could have done.
Despite this writing weakness, the cast do well, and the show benefits from a lot of talent, and a lot of people who have great presence. Bateman in particular does this, and he holds attention well. Likewise Linney is a strong bit of casting. Support is good but not perfect. For example Harner tries hard, but his character doesn't totally convince; Mullan is a terrific actor doing a character of still menace - well worn turf, and while he does well, he doesn't raise the bar. Garner is good, and is giving the most complex character - only downside is that she doesn't always come across clear to the viewer.
It is all very professionally made though, and it has more than enough incident and pace to hold the attention, although it doesn't ever have the feeling of depth or anything that would make you invest too deeply in the people. Entertainingly grim and dramatic though.
Ozark has had endless comparisons to Breaking Bad, which is unfair because the two are not alike where it matters. Marty is not on a journey in the way Walter was; his character is defined in the first episode and he really doesn't move from there. On the face of it, this is a family man in his neck of crime trying to get out, but it is a mire he willingly stepped into, and the skills he uses to try to get out are the same skills he used on day 1. This is a problem though - and not because it makes it less like Breaking Bad. The problem is that the show doesn't feel like it is driving down or into the story or characters, but rather that it is living on the action alone, which puts a strain on the writing to always come up with a problem, but one that can be overcome. It makes it engaging in the moment generally, but I didn't get drawn in as it could have done.
Despite this writing weakness, the cast do well, and the show benefits from a lot of talent, and a lot of people who have great presence. Bateman in particular does this, and he holds attention well. Likewise Linney is a strong bit of casting. Support is good but not perfect. For example Harner tries hard, but his character doesn't totally convince; Mullan is a terrific actor doing a character of still menace - well worn turf, and while he does well, he doesn't raise the bar. Garner is good, and is giving the most complex character - only downside is that she doesn't always come across clear to the viewer.
It is all very professionally made though, and it has more than enough incident and pace to hold the attention, although it doesn't ever have the feeling of depth or anything that would make you invest too deeply in the people. Entertainingly grim and dramatic though.
Best episode so far. On par with Breaking Bad.
chevythompson13 October 2018
Amazing show with a solid ending
rabeeselmi14 February 2022
Best episode the entire season
Kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time!!
The writing wins !! And of course the actors performances was the bestt!!
Very unexpected thriller with the best story.. And tge ending was very emotional Sooo exited for season 2.
The writing wins !! And of course the actors performances was the bestt!!
Very unexpected thriller with the best story.. And tge ending was very emotional Sooo exited for season 2.
Superbly Finished Season.
sabahmm3 April 2020
Season One Review
southdavid12 February 2020
Little late to this party, I accept, but I've just finished the wonderful first season of "Ozark".
Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman) launders money for the Mexican cartels and has done successfully for years. When his business partner is accused of skimming money off the top and murdered, Marty convinces the cartel that he has a plan to launder millions more of their money around the Ozark region of Missouri. Together with his wife Wendy (Laura Linney) and two children, they uproot to the region and Marty tries every trick he can think of to clean the money before the cartels deadline. But some of the residents don't take too kindly to the upheaval that Marty brings to their lives and businesses.
Filling that "Breaking Bad" shaped hole, "Ozark" is another series about a relatively good man, pushed into a bad situation and playing around at the limits of what he's prepared to do firstly to make money, and then to keep himself and his family safe. As with "Breaking Bad" the law only provide one of many threats to his continued safety, as the Cartel, generally taking the form of Esai Morales, in a typically charismatic performance, are a looming presence. But not his only one, a redneck family, led by Julia Garner (making another great career choice after being in "The Americans") have simple designs on stealing the money and potentially killing Marty to do so. Even more dangerous, the area of the Ozark's is already dominated by a criminal family, the Snell's, Heroine producers and who definitely don't appreciate the increased scrutiny that Bryde brings, as well as the disruption to their enterprise that he creates. This family is led by the always amazing Peter Mullan and Lisa Emery.
So yes, whilst the performances are great, the story is also excellent. It wisely doesn't try to recreate "Breaking Bad's" attempt to keep his criminal enterprise under wraps, the family are aware pretty much from the outset, and the people that he uses to launder the money either find out pretty quickly, or are recruited because they're amenable to it outright. There is a gnawing dread to the show and you can feel the various nooses tightening around Marty's neck. Jason Bateman really is wonderful, and his transformation into serious roles, along with new producing and directing roles is a revelation.
Can't wait to start season two.
Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman) launders money for the Mexican cartels and has done successfully for years. When his business partner is accused of skimming money off the top and murdered, Marty convinces the cartel that he has a plan to launder millions more of their money around the Ozark region of Missouri. Together with his wife Wendy (Laura Linney) and two children, they uproot to the region and Marty tries every trick he can think of to clean the money before the cartels deadline. But some of the residents don't take too kindly to the upheaval that Marty brings to their lives and businesses.
Filling that "Breaking Bad" shaped hole, "Ozark" is another series about a relatively good man, pushed into a bad situation and playing around at the limits of what he's prepared to do firstly to make money, and then to keep himself and his family safe. As with "Breaking Bad" the law only provide one of many threats to his continued safety, as the Cartel, generally taking the form of Esai Morales, in a typically charismatic performance, are a looming presence. But not his only one, a redneck family, led by Julia Garner (making another great career choice after being in "The Americans") have simple designs on stealing the money and potentially killing Marty to do so. Even more dangerous, the area of the Ozark's is already dominated by a criminal family, the Snell's, Heroine producers and who definitely don't appreciate the increased scrutiny that Bryde brings, as well as the disruption to their enterprise that he creates. This family is led by the always amazing Peter Mullan and Lisa Emery.
So yes, whilst the performances are great, the story is also excellent. It wisely doesn't try to recreate "Breaking Bad's" attempt to keep his criminal enterprise under wraps, the family are aware pretty much from the outset, and the people that he uses to launder the money either find out pretty quickly, or are recruited because they're amenable to it outright. There is a gnawing dread to the show and you can feel the various nooses tightening around Marty's neck. Jason Bateman really is wonderful, and his transformation into serious roles, along with new producing and directing roles is a revelation.
Can't wait to start season two.
One of the Best endings for a show!!!!
moviesfilmsreviewsinc30 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
In the aptly named Ozark finale, "The Toll," Mason is paying the price of resistance. He confronts the Snells, telling them that he can't continue to move their heroin.
Jacob cryptically points out, "Life is all about choices. And right now, all either of us can do is accept that." As Mason returns home, we get a blip of conversation between Jacob and Marty, the former of which is saying that he "kept his promise." In the house, Mason finds his newborn, but no Grace. Freedom comes at a cost. This sends Marty into action, who tells Wendy and kids to pack and leave town. He goes to Jacob himself, where he proposes to be the Snells' sole customer and launder their profits. Back home, the packing isn't going to plan. The Cartel's representative, Garcia, is confronting Wendy. Jonah steps in with a gun, but when his weapon fails, it's Buddy who saves the day, blasting Garcia into a wall. The Byrdes quickly leave. Marty makes it back to the house after they're gone, and he and Buddy dispose of the body. Over at the Blue Cat, Roy is asking Rachel some pushy questions about Marty and Russ. This seems to make her more nervous because she starts poking around the walls where Del's money is hidden. She finds the cash, loads up her own bag full, and starts to head out. As she passes through the bar, Del is waiting there to get details on Marty. Rachel is able to avoid a major conflict, and she leaves with her money and a suitcase, seemingly skipping town. He dunks the baby, holding his tiny form beneath the water. He closes his eyes. Suddenly, though, he brings the baby back up and into his arms. He crosses his forehead: a baptism, complete. Back at home, Marty lies on his kids' trampoline. He hears a noise and gets up. His family rounds the corner to meet him. There may be danger, but they have returned. Everyone, including Wendy, is here to stay. There is such a fine line between death and rebirth. Between a loss of faith and the choice to carry on. Between giving up and choosing fidelity. The Byrdes will face insurmountable odds moving forward. Here's hoping they'll keep choosing hope.
Jacob cryptically points out, "Life is all about choices. And right now, all either of us can do is accept that." As Mason returns home, we get a blip of conversation between Jacob and Marty, the former of which is saying that he "kept his promise." In the house, Mason finds his newborn, but no Grace. Freedom comes at a cost. This sends Marty into action, who tells Wendy and kids to pack and leave town. He goes to Jacob himself, where he proposes to be the Snells' sole customer and launder their profits. Back home, the packing isn't going to plan. The Cartel's representative, Garcia, is confronting Wendy. Jonah steps in with a gun, but when his weapon fails, it's Buddy who saves the day, blasting Garcia into a wall. The Byrdes quickly leave. Marty makes it back to the house after they're gone, and he and Buddy dispose of the body. Over at the Blue Cat, Roy is asking Rachel some pushy questions about Marty and Russ. This seems to make her more nervous because she starts poking around the walls where Del's money is hidden. She finds the cash, loads up her own bag full, and starts to head out. As she passes through the bar, Del is waiting there to get details on Marty. Rachel is able to avoid a major conflict, and she leaves with her money and a suitcase, seemingly skipping town. He dunks the baby, holding his tiny form beneath the water. He closes his eyes. Suddenly, though, he brings the baby back up and into his arms. He crosses his forehead: a baptism, complete. Back at home, Marty lies on his kids' trampoline. He hears a noise and gets up. His family rounds the corner to meet him. There may be danger, but they have returned. Everyone, including Wendy, is here to stay. There is such a fine line between death and rebirth. Between a loss of faith and the choice to carry on. Between giving up and choosing fidelity. The Byrdes will face insurmountable odds moving forward. Here's hoping they'll keep choosing hope.
Beatiful..
eng-gaser28 January 2019
Wow, just wow, that's all I can say right now. I've just finished this unbelievable season finale, I'm simplay feeling speechless right now, and I'm usually not. You must see it yourself, believe me.. If you even haven't seen any episode from this series, it doesn't matter,that's how good it's.
The Toll
bobcobb30116 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Ozark concluded its first season with an episode that was solid, but certainly not spectacular. Seeing Del die was a bit of a shock, but one that I think this program needed to shake things up ahead of season 2. The final few moments brought back remnants of Secrets and Lies season 1 with the family reuniting ahead of one individual's mistakes, so I don't know if that's a compliment or not.
The show was fine overall, but a tad overrated by the net.
The show was fine overall, but a tad overrated by the net.
Great first season, but final episode pushed believability
forbes4831 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
****SPOILERS****
This is a great 'cleanup' episode to a first very impressive season. Bateman continues to baffle us with his love him/ hate him character. The great Laura Linney, sensational as always, accelerates her power as her character gains dimension. I hope season 2 will develop Charlotte, who is a little wasted so far. The Jonah character is great as the time bomb - no one knows what he is capable of. ****SPOILERS**** Two issues that really seemed like they pushed it, and I try not to nit-pick on this stuff: 1) The drowning/baptism was absolutely manipulative scripting - when you are baptizing, you pray before, during and after. The whole thing was a contrived 'gotcha', IMO. 2) How could Darlene Snell have gotten the shotgun off of the wall rack, walked past the table and then shot Del without his body guard, standing 3 feet away, reacting?
Still, great show, looking forward to more!!
This is a great 'cleanup' episode to a first very impressive season. Bateman continues to baffle us with his love him/ hate him character. The great Laura Linney, sensational as always, accelerates her power as her character gains dimension. I hope season 2 will develop Charlotte, who is a little wasted so far. The Jonah character is great as the time bomb - no one knows what he is capable of. ****SPOILERS**** Two issues that really seemed like they pushed it, and I try not to nit-pick on this stuff: 1) The drowning/baptism was absolutely manipulative scripting - when you are baptizing, you pray before, during and after. The whole thing was a contrived 'gotcha', IMO. 2) How could Darlene Snell have gotten the shotgun off of the wall rack, walked past the table and then shot Del without his body guard, standing 3 feet away, reacting?
Still, great show, looking forward to more!!
Love the show but,,,,,,
EmmeCHammer23 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I love Ozark but the similarities to greatest show on TV Breaking Bad are sooo close it eerie. I keep watching it and comparing it, there are heroes ( bad people) you cheer for and villains (bad people) you don't. Overall a great show but the writers definitely were fans of the GOAT BREAKING BAD and most of the characters are the same except different setting and different jobs, so if you haven't seen either watch BREAKING Bad first and don't ever compare the two if you haven't seen the first, there is no comparison only copycats.
Good finale
Abdulxoxo25 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The most noteworthy thing that happened in this finale is the shocking death of Del. Del comes down to investigate the death of his henchman, which ultimately leads to a negotiation with the Snells. The outcome of that meeting involves Del receiving a bullet in the head over a really trivial issue. Darlene is one hot-headed, impetuous woman, never mess with her. Del's demise not only means more trouble for all of them but also a game-changer in the plot. I'd expect a huge consequences of this in the next season. Wendy and the children decide to stay and face the risks with Marty rather than flee without him. Other part that's ambiguous involves Rachel taking her share of the money and fleeing with it. On the whole, a fantastic first season with top-notch acting, a really polished script with heightened drama and rich characters. The technical department also deserves some praise. I'm excited for season 2.
Go for it :D
smexy-207961 August 2021
Just started recently few years later after was it released to watch this show. It'slow paced but every episode is unique by it;s own. Finale started out well as everyone would expect from any show and it ended it in same way greeving from viewer for more and more. Won't denie tho it had some downfalls as mine own expectations but it will make anyone on edge of his seat. Overall it is great show to spend free time and i recomend it to everyone who haven't watched it yet.
The TRAMPOLINE
nebohr21 January 2021
This Is A Very Busy Episode That Involves All The Main And Secondary Characters. Some Transform, Some Prevail And Some Die. We Started To Get Really Apprehensive At 1:12:44 And My Wife Started Crying Shortly Thereafter. I Seriously Doubt If You Can Watch This All The Way Through.
If you're not hooked by the first episodes...
SureCommaNot3 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
There's nothing compelling me to continue watching future seasons. For the viewers who were hooked from the start, you'll continue to enjoy this, but for everyone else (if you're making yourself watch more of the show, to see what all the hype is about) I have to honestly say the later episodes of Season 1 won't offer much to change your mind.
I'll concede that the character of Wendy shows depth none of the other characters have. And Jonah shows some growth. But the characters seem awfully watered down otherwise.
Too many things in the show just don't make sense, and then we've got outright gaffs (mouths not matching words, for example). I'm still trying to make sense of the "baby baptism" scene. Everything in the preacher's face looked like he was trying to drown his son (or trick some unseen audience into thinking that). My theory is he was thinking, "I don't know why my newborn son looked 9 months old when he came outta his mama. Maybe if I hold him underwater for half a minute, he'll magically come up looking like a 2-month-old. Well, hallelujah! Somehow that worked!" Cue the ill-fitting classical music.
I'll concede that the character of Wendy shows depth none of the other characters have. And Jonah shows some growth. But the characters seem awfully watered down otherwise.
Too many things in the show just don't make sense, and then we've got outright gaffs (mouths not matching words, for example). I'm still trying to make sense of the "baby baptism" scene. Everything in the preacher's face looked like he was trying to drown his son (or trick some unseen audience into thinking that). My theory is he was thinking, "I don't know why my newborn son looked 9 months old when he came outta his mama. Maybe if I hold him underwater for half a minute, he'll magically come up looking like a 2-month-old. Well, hallelujah! Somehow that worked!" Cue the ill-fitting classical music.
Pathetic ending to such a promising first season..
skrgy44-771-8034458 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
First season had its ups and downs with admittingly mostly ups... but this episode was beyond the reach of reality and was impossible to enjoy. It felt like it had the promise of cleverness, an end beyond what the viewer was able to conceive, or even a conclusion. But we were left with an unrealistic punch line. Let me clear when I say the Cartel would NEVER allow any of this to happen. The most brutal organized crime organization outwitted by a group of overly intelligent simpletons from Ozark?? Get a grip. "They have no reason to believe we'd kill em after making a deal" No, they would literally kill everyone involved for opportunity loss and make a scene out of it. Enjoy your fantasies. This episode lost track of reality in attempt to please the artistically inclined.
I don't know why
abortamir21 January 2022
Won't watch another season
arclinecreative12 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
There are way too many plot holes, mistakes and things that just don't happen that pull everything else down. I can't even begin to listen the issues. I had high hopes for this series, but it has totally gone down the toilet due to bad writing and a few really stupid characters.
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