Things changed mightly throughout the course of Netflix's Ozark. The Byrdes settle into a new normal that includes Wendy becoming a power player in her own right as an employee of the Navarro cartel. The series deals with some familiar drama, but the more visible the Byrds and their gambling operation becomes, the more threats to their family emerge.
After so much action, the only thing fans know for sure is there's no such thing as a happy ending for Wendy, Marty, Jonah, and Charlotte.
Updated on May 28th, 2020 by Matthew Wilkinson: The show is full of drama and tension with amazing twists and turns around every corner. It's very difficult to predict what is going to happen and that's what makes each episode so compelling. While not every episode is as strong the rest, those which are stronger really are incredible.
Updated On May 8th, 2022, by Kevin Pantoja: After a long wait and a final season that consisted of two parts, Ozark has officially come to an end. While the last moments weren't totally a happy moment for the Bryde family, they mostly got out on good , which was more than fans expected. Although the actual series finale received mixed reviews, the last season featured some fantastic episodes that rank among the best in the history of Ozark.
In Case Of Emergency (Season 3, Episode 7) - 8.3
In the eyes of many fans, season 3 of Ozark was the highlight of the entire series. Part of what makes "In Case of Emergency" from that season so great is that it is heavy on one thing Ozark does better than most shows, which is family drama.
This episode sees Wyatt kind of hit a breaking point where he shouted at Ruth that he blamed the Brydes for their problems. It's a pivotal scene that helps build toward Ruth against the Brydes down the stretch. There's also plenty of drama involving Maya, Frank Jr. and more.
One Way Out (Season 2, Episode 7) - 8.4
"One Way Out" is another strong episode of the series, and once again the Byrde family ends up in major danger mainly because Mason targets them.
Meanwhile, Ruth continues to show she is vulnerable by trying to impress her father. She gets herself involved in a heist to steal boat-parts to help their business fixing things but takes plenty of risks in trying to succeed. It shows just how far she is willing to go in the toughest of situations, which plays a part in how Ruth's story ends.
Sugarwood (Season 1, Episode 1) - 8.4
"Sugarwood" is the very first episode of Ozark, and it does a brilliant job of setting the tone of exactly what the show will be all about. Marty's partner ends up trying to screw over a client and it quickly puts him and his family's lives in danger.
Quickly packing up their life, it is very clear that the show is going to be a gripping one that will keep audiences hooked throughout. While the details concerning what the show will be about aren't made abundantly clear, it is a perfect start.
Kevin Cronin Was Here (Season 3, Episode 3) - 8.4
It's not a good sign that Wendy dreams of taking Marty out of the equation the same way she does Cade. Only, this time, she pulls the trigger. The issues that exist in any marriage are amplified to the point of absurdity during this episode. Marty's and Wendy's attempts to sabotage each other is at times deceitful and sneaky, and at others, painstakingly ive-aggressive.
Is Marty simply threatened by Wendy's relationship with Navarro or genuinely concerned for her safety? Helen is a catalyst for dissension as she stokes Wendy's ambitions, making Marty appear a liability. Not content to watch her marriage implode, Wendy pushes casino owner Carl completely over the edge.
Civil Union (Season 3, Episode 2) - 8.4
One of the big storylines in season 3 was the fact that Wendy began making powerplays behind Marty's back, which all begin in this episode. She goes to Helen for help rather than her husband, leading Marty to begin taking action by spying on her.
The series also gets a major new addition to the cast in this episode as well, as Wendy's brother appears at the very end, providing a major twist for things to come.
Boss Fight (Season 3, Episode 4) - 8.5
In "Boss Fight," flashbacks to Marty's past reveal the origin of his ability to play the odds. As Navarro conducts some kind of test to determine who might be dispensable and who's not, the only voice of reason is Wendy's brother. Finally, someone arrives and witnesses this wildness from the outside.
With so many players on the board, everyone around Marty is reminded of his worth. Not just as the numbers guy but as a partner, father, and husband. Until now, he's been pushed aside and dismissed since Wendy's unilateral decision that they stay put, but there's so much more going on in Marty's head than he reveals.
Ellie (Season 4, Episode 5) - 8.5
One of the many thorns in the side of the Byrdes during the final season is Mel, the private investigator tasked with finding Helen Pierce. This episode revealed a bit of his history by showing audiences that his drug problem got him kicked off the police force.
That's just the start of this installment though as it has high drama throughout. The ending is also a kicker, seeing Darlene confront Wendy only to find out that Charlotte and Wyatt have spoken, causing Darlene to have a heart attack. Wendy's hesitance to call an ambulance showed how far she had fallen.
Outer Darkness (Season 2, Episode 6) - 8.5
"Outer Darkness" is another excellent episode of Ozark, taking place deep into season 2. Things really heat up by this point and that is mainly due to the pressure that the FBI begin to place on the Snells by searching their field and it brings out a major twist.
This episode is a perfect example of how the show leads audiences down one path, thinking that something will clearly happen but then the other does. There's plenty going on in the episode and it's no surprise it is one of the strongest.
Sangre Sobre Todo (Season 4, Episode 6) - 8.6
When Netflix launched the final season of Ozark, they did so in two parts. As part one was nearing its end, "Sangre Sobre Todo" arrived and saw Ruth prepare to leave for a better life with Wyatt, only for Wyatt to propose to Darlene so they could keep the baby.
As Darlene returned from the hospital, she was confronted by Frank Sr. and let out her typical rage by murdering him in cold blood in a shocking moment. Wendy also goes too far, scheming to have her own son arrested in a misguided attempt to bring him home. Throw in an interesting angle with Javi and Navarro and you have a winner of an episode.
The Badger (Season 2, Episode 9) - 8.6
While the big part of this particular episode is Marty Byrde being able to deal with the Snells, who proves to be a consistent thorn in his side throughout the second season, there is a lot more going on in this story.
That's what makes this a special episode, as the Byrde family is given a major ultimatum about whether or not they can get a gaming license, while Charlotte also goes against the family. Her decision to actually get a lawyer really adds an emotional dynamic to this one.
