Panic Ending Explained: Who won the game, what happened to the characters, and more
* Spoilers Ahead*
Panic season 1 ended with an explosive finale. It comprised a hell lot of twists and turns – and fans loved it. Though Panic has been cancelled, a few aspects of the show were left open for interpretation. The series is created by Lauren Oliver. It is based on a novel of the same name. Panic has received a 6.6 out of 10 on IMDb.
Panic’s debut season centered on the small town of Carp, Texas. There, the graduating seniors carried on a tradition. They played a dangerous game called “Panic.” The winner would win a reward of $50,000. Thus, it attracted a few dozen players, including Heather Nill (Olivia Welch).
The game tests the players’ biggest fears. Heather jumped in due to her financial fluctuations. She went head-on-head with tough competitors like Ray Hall (Ray Nicholson), and Dodge Mason (Mike Faist). She also competed with her best friend, Natalie Williams (Jessica Sula), until the group realized someone with a greater power was pulling the strings.
Panic Season 1 Ending Explained
An abandoned train bridge provides the backdrop for footage of the players. It includes the unintentional outcomes of their secrets and lies. The panic challenge determines who gets into the Final Four. The truth will set the players free. However, it will come back to haunt them. The judges, on the other hand, get personal. When they announce the first challenge of the four, it determines the finalist of the game.
The unexpected revelation of the motivations, enmities and desires of the players is made possible by the collision of Past and Present. Heather is heartbroken when the sheriff comes closer to making an arrest. One of the Final Four players is disqualified later. Thus, opening the doors for a dramatic upset and a thrilling showdown. The game becomes more chaotic as the pressure from outside increases.
One of the players discovers the hard way. When there is a lot at stake, you gamble your entire life savings on a game. Some people believe that Joust is the last challenge. And, it ends with the right winner. Heather discovers that Panic is no longer a game for at least one person.
A thrilling conclusion is what brings the game to an abrupt halt. This year’s players might be done with the game. They may not be finished at the end. Let’s wait and see what happens next. The storyline for the second season may start exactly where it was in the first season.
Sheriff Cortez got what he deserved
The truth surrounding Sheriff James Cortez’s (Enrique Murciano) connection to the game started to emerge in Panic season 1’s penultimate episode.
Heather found out he was gambling on the participants. He subsequently manipulated the challenges in his favor. Meanwhile, the Mason family figured out Cortez. He had a hand in the game for his own selfish reasons. And, it was driven to find justice for Dayna’s (Madison Ferris) accident.
To keep Luke quiet about the gambling ring and blackmailing, Cortez beat him to a pulp. Thus, putting a target on himself in the eyes of Ray. In the season finale, almost every core character wanted Cortez to pay for his actions. However, his own wife, Melanie (Moira Kelly), might have had the strongest motivator in taking him down.
The Mason Family found peace
One of the biggest questions featured in the debut season was who caused Dayna’s accident that partially paralyzed her. The event motivated Dodge into joining the game. After that Cortez agreed to help him win if it meant finding evidence Luke was behind the betting ring.
The Mason family was led to believe Luke was behind Dayna’s hit-and-run. But in reality, Cortez was using them. He used Dodge especially to manipulate the game. Dodge and his family later learned about Luke. They learnt that he had nothing to do with Dayna’s situation. Since he was in the county jail on the night of the accident.
With Luke and the Hall family no longer the enemies, the spotlight turned to Cortez. Dodge’s mother, Jessica (Nancy McKeon), helped Melanie give Cortez what he deserved, but it also gave her some closure.
You may watch the series Panic on Amazon Prime Video! All the episodes are available to watch on the same platform. Stay connected with us for more updates. Cheers!
