Content Warning: The following article contains spoilers for the Netflix series Ozark.
There have been a lot of jarring deaths in Netflix’s Ozark, as the crime-filled drama series does not shy away from abruptly ending its characters’ compelling story arcs. Some deaths are more heartbreaking than others, with the worst ones often resulting in tear-jerking moments that will stay with fans long after they’re done watching the show.
From Sue’s untimely end to Buddy’s quiet demise, the most tragic deaths in the series are often the ones that happen to characters who deserve better. Unlike obnoxious characters like Cade and Del, the deaths of more likable figures in the show are often devastating for viewers who root for and have grown to love them.
Cade Langmore
Cade is a memorable ing character for all the wrong reasons. He’s depicted as a hardened small-time criminal and a horrible father, as he convinces Ruth that there’s no good life out there for any Langmore so she may as well give up on her ambitions. What’s worse is that he puts the Byrdes in even more danger when he loses his cool and murders an FBI agent.
When Cade is offered a bag of cash to get out of the Ozarks, he doesn’t hesitate to leave his family behind. For all of these reasons, Nelson’s predictable assassination of Cade on the highway likely didn’t bother audiences all that much.
Camino Del Rio
Del is the first big baddie viewers meet on the show and he makes quite a dramatic entrance. He’s a violent and unforgiving character who never forgets to remind Marty that his family’s life is in his hands.
He was the looming villainous presence during the major changes in the Byrdes’ lives, so it was almost comforting to watch Marty work out a deal with him and the Snells. Things seemed to be looking up, but Del made the terrible mistake of offending Darlene. His death was shocking, but not heartbreaking – although it was slightly disappointing that he was taken out so early.
Agent Roy Petty
Agent Petty’s questionable methods and manipulative ways make it hard to sympathize with him, even after learning about his difficult relationship with his mother. The way he tricks and uses people like Rachel and Russ is despicable, but understandable considering the nature of his job.
When Marty uses his mom as leverage, fans likely realized that Roy is capable of genuine love and concern. His death is unfortunate because of how random it is, as it isn’t entangled in an evil plot to take the FBI down. He just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and definitely said all the wrong things to Cade.
Helen Pierce
Whether fans like her or not, Helen is undeniably one of the best characters in Ozark. The cartel’s lawyer is cunning, calculating, and coldhearted. Her story arc is an interesting one, as she starts out as the Byrdes’ handler before eventually working with them, but she turns around and betrays them towards the end.
Helen’s ambition and dislike for the Byrdes ruined her chances of survival. Her shocking death is somewhat sad because it feels like a waste of a skillful character. That said, she could never achieve what Wendy has and Navarro knows that she’s disposable, even though she may not believe it.
Mason Young
Mason’s disturbing storyline is one that will stay with viewers for a long time. His descent from being a faithful pastor preaching from his boat to a murderous father who can’t even recognize his own child is upsetting.
While it can be argued – and Marty does say – that Mason is responsible for the way things turned out for his family, the Byrdes certainly played a big role in it. The fact that he endangered Helen and Zeke makes it harder to feel bad for him, but it was still troubling to see his life end in such a sorry state.
Russ Langmore
Russ’ short-lived relationship with Agent Petty allowed fans to see a different side of the Langmore. Far from being the gruff and narrow-minded uncle to Ruth that viewers have grown used to, Russ shows that he can actually be a loving, optimistic, and ambitious person.
It’s unfortunate that Roy’s trickery only sends Russ straight back to his old ways, which indirectly gets him killed. Russ’ murder especially stings because of how it affects Ruth and Wyatt after. That said, his death was in exchange for Marty’s life, and given the choice, fans would likely choose the Byrdes over Russ and Boyd.
Jacob Snell
For the longest time, Jacob and Darlene have always had each other’s backs. Jacob eventually realizes that Darlene’s recklessness will get them in trouble with the cartel, but what he doesn’t know is that she sees the way he changes around her, too.
The way Darlene brilliantly foils Jacob’s murder attempt is still one of the most unforgettable scenes in the series. The way he professes his love for her and laughs with her one last time is moving but messed up. It’s hard to feel fully sympathetic towards the Snells, considering how they’re always getting in Marty’s way.
Sue Shelby
Who could forget the charming old lady who just happened to doom herself by buying a flashy car? Sue may be a charming therapist on the surface, but she’s a cunning old-timer who has no trouble taking bribes from both Marty and Wendy in couple’s therapy.
She’s a sweet person whose storyline had the perfect comical twist, but everyone could see her death coming from a mile away after she drove up to Marty’s driveway and in front of Helen. Despite being a minor character, Sue’s demise likely tugged at some heartstrings – she just wanted to check on Marty and show off her brand new car, after all.
Buddy Dieker
Buddy is one of the bravest characters on the show, as he has nothing left to lose at that point in his life. Even though viewers know from the start that Buddy has less than a year left to live, it doesn’t make his death any less heartbreaking.
Fans have grown to love the fearless Buddy who has a surprisingly fascinating past with the mob. His friendship with Jonah and protectiveness of the Byrdes are just a few of the aspects that make him such a great character. Buddy at least dies peacefully next to Wendy, after doing what he does best by helping her trick the Snells. Jonah’s tear-jerking eulogy about Buddy’s interesting life and loving nature says it all, and fans likely couldn’t help but shed a tear or two after hearing the young boy speak about how the old man was his only real friend.
Ben Davis
It’s almost too painful to watch things spin out of control for Ben after he makes a horrific mistake by confronting Helen. He obviously only wants to do the right thing for Wendy and Ruth, but he has no idea what that is and how dangerous his situation really is.
Ben has formed meaningful bonds with Ruth and Jonah, which is in large part why his death is so devastating. Of course, the most heartbreaking part of his tragic end is that Wendy gives up on him and leaves him to Nelson. When Ben looks around for Wendy in the parking lot, everything clicks and he realizes what she has done. It’s a dark conclusion to that story arc that truly underscores how far the Byrdes are willing to go for the cartel.