A lot can happen in just 43 minutes—at least that’s the conclusion drawn from the jaw-dropping finale of Waterfront. After seven episodes peeling back the layers of the Buckley family amidst earth-shattering secrets and a perilous underground drug operation, the eighth episode, titled “Lost At Sea,” delivers a gritty conclusion that keeps viewers on their toes. With so many twists and turns, it’s a rollercoaster that begs for some dissection.
Before diving in, here’s a quick refresher (though I’d really recommend watching first): Harlan Buckley (Holt McCallany), the head of the Buckley Fishing Empire, has left the business to his wife Bell (Maria Bello) and their son, Wand (Jake tired). However, circumstances pull them back into the dangerous drug trade. The family’s recovering alcoholic daughter, Brie (Melissa Benoist), is desperate to reconnect with her estranged son Diller (Brady Hepner). Meanwhile, Wand’s marriage to Payton (Daniel Campbell) faces turmoil with the return of his high school ex-girlfriend Jenna (Humberly Gonzalez).
Now, let’s jump into the finale, but a quick note—this contains spoilers for Waterfront. Tread carefully.
What happened to Brie and the Dealer?
In the dramatic closing moments of Episode 7, Wand, Harlan, and Sean (Raphael L. Silva), who transitioned from bartender to secretary, narrowly escape danger from Grady (Tocker Grace), who obliterates a heroin farm. Brie, on a desperate quest to locate Diller, finds herself unwittingly drawn into Grady’s circle. The finale kicks off with Grady waking up on a terrorist yacht, realizing he’s trapped and guarded on all sides.
Meanwhile, back on shore, Buckley is suspicious of Grady’s intentions toward Brie. Harlan contacts Grady, who chillingly insists that Harlan come alone, creating a tense dilemma. Harlan risks everything, but Sean hatches a potential plan involving a makeshift weapon. As Brie’s situation escalates, she learns that the Dealer has sneakily boarded the yacht, and she must keep him quiet while facing Grady’s group.
As they wait for Grady to arrive, Brie cleverly turns the tables on a waiter, taking him down and seizing his weapon. In a moment of desperation, she confronts Grady, threatening violence if he doesn’t comply. The tension rises as Grady’s men corner her, leading to a shocking sequence of betrayal and revenge.
Will Buckley defeat Grady?
Harlan, now on Grady’s yacht, attempts to play it cool, suggesting a sense of respect for Grady. But just then, Sean and Wand bounce onto the scene, catching Grady off guard. A fierce confrontation breaks out, and while Grady makes chilling statements, it’s Wand, filled with resolve, who takes decisive action by shooting Grady as Harlan delivers a final blow, sending Grady to his demise.
Will Brie survive?
As chaos ensues on the yacht, Brie manages to escape to a lifeboat, using her belt as a tourniquet to address her severe injuries. A surreal dream sequence delves deep into her past, providing crucial character development as she confronts her childhood trauma and finds a renewed sense of strength. It culminates in a rescue from Harlan, bringing a satisfying twist to her storyline.
Where is all this leading?
While the turmoil unfolds on the yacht, Bell remains on land, ensuring the deal with Emmett Parker (Terry Serpico), part of a powerful crime organization, will go as planned. Their brief, guarded conversation hints at Bell’s yearning for power and control.
What’s going on with Payton and Jenna?
Payton grapples with the fallout of her husband’s actions while confronting Jenna, who is reeling from her father’s death. Payton’s unexpected support for Jenna becomes a poignant moment amid the chaos, emphasizing both characters’ vulnerabilities.
Waterfront Explained
As the episode concludes, Brie finds herself in the hospital after her traumatic ordeal. A heartfelt reunion between her and Diller marks a significant step forward in their relationship. Meanwhile, Harlan and Cane share meaningful exchanges, exploring their complicated family dynamics. Cane struggles with his ties to Jenna and ultimately faces the reality of his choices.
Back at the hospital, Bell and Harlan confront their relationship, acknowledging that while they can’t love each other constantly, they’re not filled with hatred. However, Bell is still hiding secrets and making moves behind Harlan’s back, particularly concerning her association with Parker.
In a tense final scene, Bell meets Emmett to discuss their future plans, while the ominous presence of violence looms large. As the episode wraps up, viewers are left with a thrilling cliffhanger. How will Bell’s secrets and newfound authority influence her relationship with Harlan? And will the Buckley clan withstand the looming threats? Fans are definitely eager for Season 2 to explore these burning questions.
Waterfront is now available for streaming on Netflix.
