Netflix has made quite the splash with their original series, and "Devil in Ohio" was an amazing new miniseries for 2022, based on a book that really delved into a cult, the danger they can cause, and how far they will go for a victim!
A Disquieting Ending
The series had an amazing run with its eight-episode span but what stands out for those that have already tuned in? This new story comes with a truly incredible, and even disquieting ending, filled with suspense, danger, and so many unanswered questions! What's more, even the most observant "Devil in Ohio" fans may find it even harder to guess just how everything ties together.
What you are going to see as this series begins, the story starts with Suzanne Mathis, a psychologist! The talented actress Emily Deschanel plays a mother! There is this strong drive in Suzanne's character to make things better! Then, we meet this troubled teen named Mae (played by Madeleine Arthur). The big draw of this character? Well, there's a dark, mysterious element, something sinister in her story that makes this a super thrilling movie!
There is a shocking element in this story about this particular family. The father, Malachi (played by Tahmoh Penikett), takes on a truly horrifying turn! The most terrifying element that Mae's life revolves around is the evil cult! There's plenty of trouble when this organization, known as a cult tries to take a new victim! Suzanne becomes a big, unexpected factor.
Understanding the End of "Devil in Ohio"
It might look like this cult had its days numbered!
Amontown, which is home to this crazy cult, gets to face Suzanne! There's a lot of danger for these victims but the most compelling character comes from Mae as she is trying to fight for her life while getting out of the grasps of this cult.
It appears a large portion of this cult's actions come from a "ritual."! The final episode takes place! This really is a major part of the series. They reveal it through the powerful events surrounding "The Dawning."
This powerful episode gives "Devil in Ohio" its shocking finale and it seems like no one has any clue that it would be as twisted and compelling as it is. In an unbelievable twist Mae is placed in danger but she is also saved. Even more so, the cult gets to experience their downfall when Amontown is completely destroyed. The crazy moment has an incredibly devastating outcome for one person in this movie, as Mae's mom "Abigail" (played by Caroline Cave) is tragically lost in the burning destruction.
Sheriff Wilkins (played by Bradley Stryker) who is secretly connected to the cult had been a terrible source of danger for Suzanne who found herself at a crossroads! It seems the evil behind the organization just never really goes away.
The end doesn't come without a shocking moment as Detective Lopez, the main figure investigating this heinous event, gets to come in as a saviour for those who've been so heavily terrorized, as "The Dawning" episode draws to a close, killing Sheriff Wilkins. It seemed to finally remove this element of corruption.
Fans are left with so many questions, but ultimately with a sigh of relief! Suzanne's life may not be easy! It is a world that continues to evolve and gets turned upside down again in such a remarkable way!
Mae and Suzanne find a place of security after this intense journey!
An Eerie Turn in "Devil in Ohio"
Even the moment that Detective Lopez has some really important clues about Mae that might not have been noticed by some audiences. That he actually was the catalyst that brought Suzanne to Amontown to start the fight against the evil cult in the first place.
- The truth starts coming out! We see how "The Dawning" has shaped the reality of the world and how both these characters end up working together.
You can't miss the details! There are so many instances throughout the series that reveal that "Mae" may have been making use of others around her and just as she seems so innocent, she has something sinister hidden beneath.
The Book's Version Vs. the Show
If you have not read Daria Polatin's novel that "Devil in Ohio" was inspired from. The show did take some liberty with some parts that had the audience making their own assumptions but even more, gave a different type of impact.
- The novel tells an epic story that brings the whole ordeal about the cult to an end with a touch of hope for those who needed to see Mae be taken into a different environment, giving this a happy moment! But there was still the idea that she might face another type of danger and cult.
- The story that unfolds for Suzanne's other daughter Jules in the book, gave us the ability to see that the main characters could come to terms with everything that had happened!
- This ending in the book didn't give those who read it the type of suspense the show did. It was incredibly chilling to see the impact, to know there was something even more horrific hidden within the entire storyline of "Devil in Ohio!"
An Eerie Realization
As things start coming to light, those watching "Devil in Ohio" get to see that Mae really is the villain! Her motive comes to light at the very end! Fans of "Devil in Ohio" could see this from the beginning! Mae gets to insert this image in the newspaper about her family.
There's a super compelling scene in the penultimate episode when the flowers show up! The details of that moment in the series will make this series even more compelling. This reveals why she wanted her mother Abigail to sacrifice her life!
Devil in Ohio and the Survival of Mae
Fans of the series will learn a bit more about Mae's past and why this cult exists!
As you can see, the entire community lives for an idea, this concept! The notion that there's a power in having made a pact with the devil! And those that make a deal, can receive blessings but have a very unique way to give back to the devil, making the idea of this community all the more horrifying! They believe that there is a chance for prosperity! It all comes with a horrible price as each generation needs to give something special to the devil - in this instance, someone has to die.
The truth that we got at the end! A big win! The cult did renew its covenant, so there is a chance they may show up and continue with their reign of terror, which makes the finale even more compelling.
Even with a terrible outcome "Mae" manages to live through this horrific experience.
If Detective Lopez gets the right intel they could very well be coming to another city or town as this saga may be able to come back! But even with those harrowing events, the big story comes with some wins as well!
A Look At The Meaning of the Ending
What comes through when we look at this show, we get a sense of why Suzanne was driven to the edges as a parent, as she looked for the safety of her daughter. There are even big events that give viewers a look at just what these characters are all about, with those powerful roles for their "mothers". In this case, Suzanne and Mae.
- "Mae" tries to show her true strength and in doing so shows how difficult and harrowing life has been, in her journey and through this powerful community that is more about evil, and her own self preservation.
It seems like "Devil in Ohio" will stick with those watching and it also helps audiences understand those who've had difficult experiences. And though "Devil in Ohio" is not an incredibly popular series. Fans of Netflix and the dark turns in storytelling, get a really thrilling experience from a powerful thriller. Fans who were left heartbroken with "The Walking Dead," and have not had a show that will bring on those feelings, it looks like "Devil in Ohio" may be something special. Fans have given the ending special attention!
For the people who watch series that like to see those amazing twists in shows and have an ending with no closure, it has given them what they want!
It's not too late! For anyone who hasn't watched it yet! Give this show a try, it's not a movie! It's on Netflix. The series might have you constantly wondering, "who's the bad guy, really?">
