Archive 81 ending explained (and what’s next in season 2)

Archive 81 is now streaming on Netflix, as of Jan. 14, 2022. Fans all over the world are binge-watching the new horror-thriller series and wondering what’s next.

If you watched the new Netflix original series and need an explainer or you just want to find out how the first season ends, you came to the right place!

Archive 81 is based on the popular podcast series of the same name. The series was created by Rebecca Sonnenshine. It stars Mamoudou Athie, Dina Shihabi, Martin Donovan, Matt McGorry, Julia Chan, Evan Jonigkeit, and Ariana Neal.

Archive 81 ending

The ending of Archive 81 is WILD. The eight-episode series finally pulls back the curtain on what’s been happening at The Visser. Samuel is actually a con-man, the cult is real, and they are ready to perform the ritual to bring forth Kaelego and connect the worlds.

In 1994, Melody connects all the dots. She knows Samuel has been grooming Jess to be sacrificed in the ritual. Unfortunately, they only need Meloday, who is a Baldung witch. They use her blood to bring Kaelego forth, but it all goes up in flames. Melody and Samuel are trapped in Otherworld.

In the present, Dan and Mark also realize what is happening. They figure out that Melody is not dead but trapped in Otherworld. They return to the compound to try and complete the ritual and save Melody.

Luckily, the woman who was watching Dan at the compound happens to be Julia Bennett, Melody’s mom, who is also a witch. She summons Kaelago and opens the door to the Otherworld. Dan ventures in to save Melody.

Does Melody die in Archive 81?

Dan finds Melody, and they try to leave Otherworld. The door is closing, but it looks like they will make it.

At the last second, Samuel swoops in and pulls Melody back through the gate, which somehow traps Dan on the otherside.

Melody reunites with her mother in the compound, but Dan is nowhere to be found.

Does Dan die in Archive 81?

No, Dan does not die. But, is he really alive? That’s the big question.

So, Melody makes it out of Otherworld, but Dan does not. He’s stuck in the hospital in 1994. He is being treated as a member of The Visser apartment building who survived the fire. We don’t know why he’s stuck there or how he will get out, but that has to be the focus of season 2.

What’s next in Archive 81 season 2?

Assuming Netflix renews Archive 81 for season 2, there’s a lot of room for this story to grow. First of all, we have to see what’s going to happen with Dan. We expect Mark and others to continue to try to save him, but we don’t know how that will happen.

We also expect Melody and Julia to form a relationship. We have to see how Melody adapts to being back in the real world.

We also have Virgil to worry about. As Dan noticed in Otherworld, Virgil is gone in the videotape. Is he coming to the basement to kill them? To stop the ritual?

We’ll find out!

Will Samuel be in Archive 81 season 2?

It looks like Samuel was stuck in Otherworld, too, and he makes a break for it in the season finale. He doesn’t appear in the basement with Melody, but it’s possible he figured out how to not emerge at the same place. Maybe there was another window out of Otherworld?

We’ll find out what’s next in season 2! Hopefully, Netflix renews the series!