The 2017 Netflix drama series Ozark delighted audiences across all four seasons, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The relentless tension of the show mirrored the public’s intense interest in its intricate plot. The storylines surrounding the Byrde and Langmore families were deeply intertwined with themes of deceit, crime, money laundering, drugs, and corruption. Given this, it’s no surprise that the series ended the way it did.
Throughout the series, viewers hoped for Ruth Langmore’s redemption and a chance for her to lead a normal life away from the world of crime. Fans also wanted the Byrde children to escape the shadow of their parents’ criminal empire and have the opportunity for a fresh start. However, instead of this hopeful resolution, the series finale left us devastated, with the final scenes striking a much darker tone than anyone anticipated.
Ozark Ending Explained: A Bleak Ending for the Byrdes
In the final moments of Ozark , Ruth’s tragic fate and the Byrde family’s continued evasion of justice became the primary focus. Ruth’s death was particularly, as fans had grown to root for her throughout the series. So, why did the show end in such a grim and unresolved manner? Was it necessary for Ruth to die, and why did the Byrdes manage to escape the consequences of their actions? The answers lie in the nature of the world the Byrdes had created for themselves.
Marty Byrde and Wendy Byrde (Image via Getty)
The Byrdes’ survival and escape required eliminating the biggest threat to their freedom, Javi Navarro. With Javi in control and holding all the power, there was no hope for them to escape his grasp. Javi, the nephew of Omar Navarro, was ruthless, power-hungry, and unyielding. While Omar, the drug lord and patriarch of the cartel, showed a degree of fairness, Javi was driven only by greed and ambition. Omar’s eventual demise was inevitable given the immense corruption and the cartel’s dangerous network.
Ruth Langmore’s Tragic End In the final episode of Ozark , Ruth Langmore’s fate comes full circle in a devastating way. Ruth is killed by Camila, Javi’s mother, as part of a quest for revenge. Ruth had been a key figure in the events leading up to Javi’s death, and Camila sought to punish those she believed were responsible. As Ruth exits her car after being blocked on the road, she faces Camila, who delivers the fatal blow. Ruth’s acceptance of death and her lack of resistance reflect her deep despair.
Having already lost everything — her cousin Wyatt, her best friend, and her love, Ben Davis — Ruth had nothing left to live for. She had tried to redeem herself, attempting to have her criminal record expunged, but she wasn’t fully committed to the change. Ruth’s earlier plea to Marty Byrde to end her life spoke volumes about her inability to escape the constant shadow of the Navarro cartel. Ruth’s death wasn’t just tragic; it was an inevitability in the ruthless world the Byrdes inhabited.
The Byrde Family’s Escaping Fate Despite Ruth’s death, the series continues its dark trajectory with the Byrde family. As the Byrdes prepare to deal with the aftermath of Ruth’s murder, they are confronted by Mel Sattem, a private investigator who had been closely following their every move. Mel had long suspected that the Byrdes were hiding something and had an ongoing investigation into the circumstances of Ben’s death. When he is found sitting on their back porch, holding the goat cookie jar containing Ben’s ashes, it becomes clear that he is a dangerous threat to the family’s future.
Byrde Family (Image via Getty)
Johan Byrde, Marty and Wendy’s son, ultimately takes the situation into his own hands. In a pivotal moment, he kills Mel Sattem, ensuring that the family’s dark secrets remain buried. This act of violence marks the final blow to any chance of redemption or escape for the Byrdes, cementing their future as fugitives with no way out. Jonah’s decision to kill Mel has lasting consequences for both him and his family, as the crime seals their fate and further ties them to the criminal underworld.
Jonah Byrde’s Role in Sealing Their Fate Jonah Byrde’s troubled journey culminates in this moment of violence. While Jonah had long been a symbol of innocence caught in his parents’ web of criminality, his final act reflects the deep scars of his upbringing. Jonah should never have been forced to mature so quickly, but his parents’ actions, coupled with his growing awareness of their moral compromises, shaped him into someone capable of making such a drastic decision.
The gravity of Jonah’s actions cannot be understated. By killing Mel Sattem, Jonah ensures that the Byrdes will remain free from investigation, but this comes at a personal cost. The weight of this murder will stay with Jonah, a young man who was once naive but is now forever marked by his family’s criminal legacy. Despite his parents’ pride in him, Jonah’s act guarantees that he, too, is trapped in the same endless cycle of crime and violence.
Marty Byrde and Wendy Byrde (Image via Getty)
The Dark, Unforgiving World of Ozark As Ozark reaches its conclusion, the show remains as bleak and unforgiving as it was from the start. The Byrdes have survived, but the price they paid was steep. Jonah’s fatal decision to kill a federal agent ensures that he, like his parents, will never truly be free from their criminal past. The family will continue to live in the shadows, constantly running or covering up their tracks. For the Byrdes, there is no true escape, no happy ending — just a life defined by their choices and their blood-soaked legacy.
While the final season of Ozark tied up several key storylines and concluded many character arcs, it left viewers with lingering questions about the Byrdes’ future. The series posed a powerful question: Is this truly the end for the Byrdes, or is it simply the beginning of a new chapter in their ongoing struggle to outrun the consequences of their actions? The ambiguity of the finale leaves open the possibility that the Byrdes’ story may continue in some form, whether through new characters or a future spinoff.
Ozark ’s finale stayed true to the dark, complex themes that defined the show. Ruth Langmore’s tragic death, the Byrde family’s escape from justice, and Jonah’s irreversible act of violence all ensured that the series ended on a somber, poignant note. The Byrdes may have evaded the law, but they can never escape the moral consequences of their actions, leaving audiences with a lingering sense of unease and reflection on the true cost of their criminal lives.
Spencer Pratt is an American reality TV personality whose net worth is currently estimated at $2 million. Pratt first gained widespread attention on MTV’s hit reality show The Hills (2007-2010). Alongside his now-wife, Heidi Montag, Pratt became a central figure on the show, frequently at the heart of controversies and conflicts. His role as the antagonist, particularly in his feuds with Lauren Conrad and other cast members, became a defining part of the show.
Following the conclusion of The Hills , Spencer and Heidi made appearances on several other reality shows, including I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! (2009) and Celebrity Big Brother UK (2013 and 2017). During this time, the couple became famous for their lavish lifestyles and attention-grabbing antics. In 2009, they also released a book titled How to Be Famous , which further contributed to their public image.
Over time, Spencer embraced social media and became popular on Snapchat. He also ventured into the world of crystals, building a business around his passion for these stones. His entrepreneurial spirit was matched by his openness about how he and Heidi had worked to rebuild their finances. They began a more sustainable lifestyle and started a family in 2017, welcoming their first child. The couple continued to stay in the public eye by appearing in The Hills: New Beginnings (2019-2021). At their peak, the couple’s combined net worth reached an impressive $10 million, although they eventually squandered much of it.
Spencer Pratt (Image via Getty)
The Fall From Wealth: How Spencer and Heidi Squandered Their Fortune
In December 2013, Spencer and Heidi revealed that they had burned through nearly all of their $10 million fortune. In an interview with In Touch Weekly , the couple admitted to their financial mismanagement, saying that they had lived as though they were celebrities of the highest order. “We thought we were Jay-Z and Beyonce, or the new Beckhams,” Spencer said.
Heidi later confessed that a belief in an impending 2012 apocalypse led them to spend recklessly. She joked that they were trying to enjoy their money before an asteroid destroyed the planet. One of the most revelations was Heidi’s spending habits. She admitted to spending roughly $1 million on handbags, particularly Birkin bags, which can cost up to $40,000 each. Additionally, Heidi spent $100,000 per month on hair and makeup. She also underwent a costly plastic surgery procedure in one day, spending a staggering $200,000.
Their lavish lifestyle didn’t stop there. The couple hired a full staff, including bodyguards who cost as much as $15,000 for a night out. They enjoyed extravagant dinners, often paired with bottles of wine costing $3,000. Spencer’s obsession with crystals further drained their finances. He spent an estimated $500,000 on crystals he believed emitted positive energy. Their expenses also included $2.5 million invested in Heidi’s music career, which ultimately resulted in the release of an album that sold just 6,000 copies.
Looking back, Spencer admitted that their behavior was driven by a desire to fit into a world of luxury and fame. Despite being advised by their business managers to cut back, they continued to act as though they were financially invincible. This reckless spending spree eventually led to their financial downfall.
Pacific Palisades Home
In February 2017, Heidi and Spencer purchased a home in the prestigious Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles for $2.52 million. By early 2025, the home was valued at an estimated $3.8 million. Sadly, the couple’s home was destroyed in the Palisades Fire on January 7, 2025, marking another tragic chapter in their financial journey.
Spencer William Pratt was born on August 14, 1983, in Los Angeles, California. His younger sister, Stephanie Pratt, would also go on to become a reality TV personality. Stephanie appeared on The Hills , Made in Chelsea , Celebrity Big Brother , and Celebs Go Dancing , cementing the Pratt family’s association with reality television.
Spencer Pratt (Image via Getty)
The Beginning of Spencer’s Career: From The Princes of Malibu to The Hills
Spencer Pratt’s television career began in 2005 when he appeared on the short-lived series The Princes of Malibu . In addition to starring on the show, Pratt was also an executive producer. During this time, he became good friends with series star Brody Jenner, and this friendship helped Spencer land his role on The Hills .
The Hills was a spin-off of the popular reality show Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County and focused on the lives of Lauren Conrad, Heidi Montag, and their friends. Spencer’s relationship with Heidi became one of the main storylines, and their eventual move into an apartment together in 2007 led to the unraveling of Heidi’s friendship with Lauren. The rivalry between Spencer, Heidi, and Lauren became a central plot point for several seasons of the show.
As The Hills progressed, Spencer found himself embroiled in further drama, especially during season 3 when he was accused of spreading rumors about Lauren Conrad’s sex tape. This feud carried on throughout the show’s run, further establishing Spencer’s image as a reality TV villain.
Spencer’s Role in Heidi’s Music Career and Further TV Appearances
While on The Hills , Spencer played an active role in Heidi’s budding music career. He rapped a verse on her single “Body Language” from her debut album and even directed the music video for another single, “Higher.” However, the couple’s television careers didn’t stop with The Hills . In 2009, Spencer joined the cast of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here , where he and Heidi participated in challenges to raise money for the Feed the Children Foundation. Despite quitting the show early, they eventually returned but left once again due to Heidi’s health issues.
Spencer and Heidi’s television appearances continued through 2009 and 2010, with the couple appearing as themselves in How I Met Your Mother . Their last appearance on The Hills came in the middle of its sixth and final season, but by then, Spencer had already earned the title of “Greatest Reality TV Villain” in a Yahoo poll.
Spencer Pratt (Image via Getty)
The Couple’s Continued TV Presence and Podcasting Ventures
Spencer and Heidi continued to appear in reality television, notably on Marriage Bootcamp: Reality Stars and Celebrity Wife Swap . The couple swapped lives with Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard and her photographer husband Sacha Brown. Spencer became friends with Survivor winner Tyson Apostol during their time on Marriage Bootcamp , and the two began hosting a podcast called The Spyson Hour to recap Survivor .
They also competed on the British version of Celebrity Big Brother , participating in both the 2013 and 2017 seasons. During their first stint on the show, they famously feuded with TV personality Rylan Clark, finishing as runners-up. In 2013, a special called Speidi: Scandals, Secrets, & Surgery aired on Channel 5, detailing the couple’s rise to fame. The couple also appeared in After scare: Heidi & Spencer on E!.
In 2019, Heidi and Spencer returned to MTV in the rebooted series The Hills: New Beginnings , marking another chapter in their ongoing reality TV careers.
Personal Life: From Marriage to Family and Social Media Fame
Spencer and Heidi’s personal life has been just as eventful as their professional one. The couple eloped in 2008 and held a formal wedding ceremony in 2009. Shortly after, in July 2009, Heidi filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, but the couple soon admitted that the filing was staged to help Heidi’s faltering career. They later renewed their vows in a ceremony in Carpinteria, California.
Spencer and Heidi have two sons, Ryker and Gunner. Spencer has also garnered a following on Snapchat, where he shares glimpses of his family life and his love for hummingbirds. In 2018, he won the Shorty Award for Snapchatter of the Year.
In 2013, Spencer completed his undergraduate degree in political science at the University of Southern California, a decade after he had left to pursue a career in television. Today, Spencer is focused on his business ventures, including running his crystal store, Pratt Daddy Crystals.
