Warning: this article contains spoilers for Murder In A Small Town season 1, episode 8.Aside from bringing a murderer to justice and tying up a few loose ends, the season finale of Murder in a Small Town finale (“Sleep While I Sing”) builds on the momentum of a serial killer running loose in the coastal town and reveals that teacher, Tommy Cummins (Noah Reid) is the culprit. After Karl Alberg’s (Rossif Sutherland) breakthrough realization, he arrives just in time to save Devon (Alisha Newton) and bring Tommy before the bar.

After the art teacher has been arrested, ex-lovers Karl and Cassandra "Cass" Lee (Kristin Kreuk) catch up and discuss her new aspirations. Subsequently, the rocky lovers seem to agree that they deserve a second chance at romance, and the screen fades to black. While this is a perfect spot to potentially end the series, Murder In A Small Town teased a new story that would make a second season immensely more interesting.

Murder In A Small Town Finale Sets Up A More Interesting Story For Cassandra

Cass Wants To Take A More Direct Role

Cassandra smirking in Murder in a Small Town episode 7

Local librarian Cass started out as a somewhat generic love interest but, after her traumatic kidnapping in episode 5, her character turned a new leaf. The second half of the season showed Cassandra being afflicted by her experience, even leading her to break off her and Karl's tentative relationship. Murder In A Small Town episode 8 reveals how far Cassandra has come, with the Gibsons native telling Karl she has plans to run for town council. Furthermore, her new role would include overseeing the police.

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With a little help from Roger Galbraith (Lucas Bryant), Cassandra realizes she's allowed to pursue a love story despite her reservations and fears. Karl and Cassandra's relationship in Murder In A Small Town made waves when they succumbed to their romantic tension in the pilot episode ("The Suspect"), but the season offered anything but smooth sailing for the couple. After eight episodes, their coming back together is a testament to how far they (and Cassandra especially) have come. A second season could expand on her newfound courage and continue exploring her much-needed character development.

Cassandra Getting Her Own Arc Can Make Murder In A Small Town Season 2 Better

Cass On The Town Council Adds More Intrigue And Conflict

The show already has a lot working in its favor, with Murder In A Small Town's filming location offering sprawling scenery and idyllic views that lend themselves to impressive cinematography. However, the police procedural may quickly fall into a repetitive — and eventually — state if they do not capitalize on Cassandra's new prospective place on the town council. Cass upholding her position of authority could lead to interesting power dynamics during cases. She and Karl may run into professional disagreements, or Cassandra might find herself caught between her beliefs and her job.

If Cassandra lands that town council spot for police oversight, the entire Gibsons police force will see a new, wholly independent side of her.

Cassandra being directly involved in cases could complicate her relationship with Karl as well. While the two were able to work together throughout the first season of Murder In A Small Town, Cassandra was on the periphery of the investigation as a member of the public. If Cassandra lands that town council spot for police oversight, the entire Gibsons police force will see a new, wholly independent side of her. A second season of Murder In A Small Town could explore Cassandra's perspective, inner conflicts, and unique abilities that already made her such an asset throughout the first season.

Murder in a Small Town (2024)

Detective Karl Alberg moves to a peaceful coastal town to recover from the emotional toll of big-city police work. However, a series of mysterious murders shatters the town’s tranquility. Alberg must rely on his investigative skills to uncover secrets buried in this seemingly idyllic community, as danger continues to surface.

Cast
Rossif Sutherland, James Cromwell, Jonathan Whitesell, Tammy Gillis, Aaron Pearl
Seasons
1