The Outsider Ending, Explained: Who Is the Real Killer?

The Outsider Ending, Explained: Who Is the Real Killer?

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  • How Does The Outsider End?
  • What Happens When Ralph and Holly Go Into the Cave?
  • What Happens in the Mid-Credits Scene of The Outsider?

As a long-time fan of crime dramas and supernatural mysteries, I was absolutely captivated by the first season of “The Outsider.” Having grown up in small Southern towns where tales of the unexplained were as common as sweet tea and biscuits, I found myself drawn to the eerie and unsettling storyline.


I’ve been absolutely hooked by HBO’s “The Outsider,” now available on Max. This gripping 2020 TV series starts off as a standard investigation into the murder of a young boy, but given it’s adapted from a Stephen King novel, you can imagine things soon take an unsettling turn. For me, as a viewer, I found myself completely drawn in by Ralph Anderson’s (Ben Mendelsohn) story. He’s the determined detective leading the investigation and, based on the evidence, I was convinced Terry Maitland (Jason Bateman) was the culprit. However, once Terry was in custody, I, along with Ralph, started to question his guilt. The more we dug into the case, the less it seemed to make sense. It’s a truly captivating experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat!

In this tale, reminiscent of Stephen King’s unique imagination, we find doppelgängers, entire families meeting untimely ends, and a bizarre truth so unconventional that initially few could accept it. This article will disclose the true culprit behind the murders in “The Outsider,” as well as explain why “The Outsider” wasn’t renewed for another season.

What Is The Outsider About?

As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this: I embark on an intriguing journey with The Outsider, where the focus is initially on investigating the heinous sexual assault and murder of young Frankie Peterson (Duncan E. Clark). In charge of the case is seasoned cop Ralph Anderson. With ease, he gathers enough evidence to accuse Terry Maitland, our town’s beloved Little League coach, for the crime. Terry vehemently denies any involvement and even claims he wasn’t in town during that fateful day. Skeptical but confident, I help Ralph secure the hotel tapes as evidence. To my surprise, they reveal undeniable proof that Terry was indeed there on the day of the crime.

Despite the tragic turn of events, I found myself questioning Terry’s involvement in Frankie’s death as I watched the older brother, Ollie (Joshua Whichard), pull out a gun and fire at Terry near the courthouse. Unfortunately, both Terry and every family member of the Peterson’s lost their lives that day. In the aftermath, my curiosity piqued, I joined forces with Howard Salomon, the Maitlands’ defense lawyer (Bill Camp), his private investigator, Alec Pelley (Jeremy Bobb), and state police detective Yunis Sablo (Yul Vazquez). Together, we enlisted the assistance of Holly Gibney (Cynthia Erivo), a remarkable investigator with an exceptional memory for obscure facts and a keen observational ability.

As a fan, I’d describe it this way: I began to peel back the layers of the mystery surrounding Holly’s investigation. A sinister being, referred to as El Cuco by some, had disguised itself as Terry Maitland and committed the heinous act against the boy. But the terror didn’t end there; the entity haunted Frankie’s family members, causing their untimely demises due to their despair. Simultaneously, Officer Jack Hoskins found himself marked with distressing sores on his neck. This ominous sign indicated that El Cuco had claimed him as its servant, compelling Jack to obey its commands under threat of further harm.

How Does The Outsider End?

The Outsider Ending, Explained: Who Is the Real Killer?The Outsider Ending, Explained: Who Is the Real Killer?The Outsider Ending, Explained: Who Is the Real Killer?

In the concluding portion of the tale, El Cuco commences its metamorphosis into local resident Claude Bolton. El Cuco then conceals itself with Jack in the nearby caves. However, Ralph and his team are hot on their trail, intending to eliminate El Cuco. Sadly, prior to their arrival, Seale (Max Beesley), Claude’s brother, informs him of this fact. With this revelation, El Cuco becomes privy to the group’s plans.

In the ninth episode, “Tigers and Bears,” I watched in horror as Jack, under the influence, ignited a tragic chain of events. The carnage commenced at the episode’s end and persisted into the following one, titled “Must” or “Can’t.” Although Jack was intoxicated when he began taking lives, his marksmanship remained unyielding. Alec was the first casualty, followed by Seale. Sablo took a bullet in his right arm. Andy Katcavage, Holly’s boyfriend and a seasoned investigator, sought refuge in the belief that he could find better reception by leaving. However, Jack intercepted him before he could escape with his truck.

As Howard headed towards me with menacing intent, I quickly emptied my gas tank and ignited it, taking us both out in a fiery explosion. Leaving me alone and grief-stricken, Holly confronted me, her voice filled with rage as she shouted, “You monster!” I was momentarily stunned, dropping my gun. Just as El Cuco urged me on to continue the attack, I refused, turning my back instead and allowing a venomous snake to bite me. My final moments were spent limping towards my remaining allies, urging them to end it before I could take my own life with a fatal bullet to the head.

What Happens When Ralph and Holly Go Into the Cave?

The Outsider Ending, Explained: Who Is the Real Killer?The Outsider Ending, Explained: Who Is the Real Killer?The Outsider Ending, Explained: Who Is the Real Killer?

Ralph and Holly venture into the precarious cave to face El Cuco. However, this cave is infamous for collapsing; a tragic incident years ago claimed the lives of an entire party of men when the cave caved in. Consequently, Ralph cannot rely on his gun as it may cause the cave to crumble further. Inquiring about its background, Holly questions El Cuco, but it seems oblivious to its past. As El Cuco advances menacingly towards them, suddenly, the genuine Claude Bolton emerges with a shotgun. Despite Ralph and Holly’s pleas for restraint, he disregards their requests and shoots El Cuco nonetheless.

After making it out alive from the cave-in, the three of them verify El Cuco’s lifeless body. Having confirmed his demise, they begin to leave. However, as they step away, Ralph catches a glimpse of his deceased son appearing before him in spectral form. Interpreting this vision as a message, Ralph turns back and confronts El Cuco, angrily accusing him of feigning death.

What Happens in the Mid-Credits Scene of The Outsider?

The Outsider Ending, Explained: Who Is the Real Killer?The Outsider Ending, Explained: Who Is the Real Killer?

The remainder of the episode focuses on resolving the storyline. All characters clarify their situations to dispel any remnants of the unexplained, successfully clearing Terry Maitland’s name. As Holly prepares to depart from Ralph’s house, she shares with him that had she answered El Cuco’s query regarding her openness to belief, she would have replied “An outsider recognizes an outsider.” The story seems neatly concluded, but the series still holds a surprise in store.

In a brief interlude between credits, Holly stands at the sink, washing her hands. She glances over, sensing a presence behind her. But upon turning around, she finds nothing. She inspects her neck for telltale signs of El Cuco’s attacks, but none are present. Later, with Terry’s exoneration articles open on her computer screen, Holly listens to music – an unusual behavior for her. However, a scratch appears mysteriously on her arm, even though there are no signs of El Cuco’s marks on her neck. Sadly, the enigmatic first season of “The Outsider” concludes here, leaving us without answers and with little hope that it will return for another installment.

Despite bringing great success to HBO with its first season, “The Outsider” was unfortunately not renewed for a second season. As stated by HBO’s Chief Content Officer Casey Bloys in Entertainment Weekly, the team at HBO had hoped to continue, but they couldn’t find a compelling storyline that could match the excellence of the initial season. It’s unfortunate that the series ended, but it still leaves us with an exciting and captivating standalone season of television.

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2024-07-18 01:01