Ozark season 4 part 1 confirms Ben’s fate (spoilers)

Ozark season 4 finally made its premiere on Jan. 21, ending the nearly two-year drought after the season 3 finale. Along with dropping back into the eye of the Byrde storm, Ozark season 4 part 1 answered many of our lingering questions.

When we last left Ozark, Marty and Wendy’s money laundering operation got more complicated than ever as they were forced to cross lines they never thought they would cross and, not to mention, cross people they never thought they would cross.

Obviously, things don’t get easier for the Byrdes in the final season, as former allies become enemies. In Ozark season 3, lines are blurred when Ruth becomes involved with Wendy’s brother Ben, and his fate ultimately comes into question by the season’s end.

What happens to Ben in Ozark season 4? Below we share the spoiler-filled reveal of his fate as well as the fallout from the entire situation.

Warning: Spoilers from Ozark season 4 part 1 ahead!

Does Ben die in Ozark season 4 part 1?

Unfortunately, Wendy and Ben’s road trip to Knoxville doesn’t have a happy ending. The siblings make a pit stop miles away from their destination to have dinner, and it’s then that Wendy realizes he’ll be too dangerous to their operation — a decision that seals his fate.

We learn that Wendy made the call to Helen for Ben to be killed. Helen was tracking the burner phone Wendy had purchased to know their precise location, since they had sent Wendy’s phone elsewhere to evade being tracked in the first place.

Ben’s killed and in the aftermath, fingers are pointed in every direction. The revelation of Ben’s death and who’s to blame for making that call severs ties between Ruth and the Byrdes, and Jonah’s relationship with his family, specifically his mother, sours.

Because of Ben being killed, Jonah aligns with Ruth and gives her Ben’s ashes (because the Byrdes had him cremated). The emotional impact of Ben’s death hits every character in a different way, but it’s an event that truly shakes up their motivations in season 4.

What did you think about Ben’s death in Ozark season 4 part 1? What do you think of the final season so far? Share your thoughts in the comments!