While Ozark season 4 seems to set up a showdown between Wendy and Ruth, the show ultimately fails to deliver on this promise. Although Wendy, played brilliantly by Laura Linney, began the series oblivious to her husband Marty’s dangerous dealings, the last two seasons have shown Wendy embrace her dark side and become a power player in her own right, one that could ultimately end up dooming Ozark‘s Byrde family. Season 4 tracks Wendy’s efforts to become a political power player in the midwest and it’s clear that she is willing to bend the truth and do whatever it takes to accrue influence in the region.

SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY

Ruth (Julia Garner) is the diametrical opposite of Wendy in many ways. Whereas Wendy is almost detached in her ruthless power plays, Ruth is fueled primarily by emotion. This is highlighted early on in Ozark season 4 when Ruth’s cousin Wyatt tells her she always ends up fighting with the people she works with, making her work more about the fight than the work itself. That’s truer than ever in regards to Ruth’s relationship with the Byrde family. After the murder of Ben in Ozark season 3, Ruth is devastated when she finds out that Wendy had something to do with it. This prompts her to quit her job with Marty and Wendy in an explosive confrontation that highlights just how amazing Garner is in the role.

This seems to set up a battle of the titans – Wendy and Ruth – in Ozark season 4. Unfortunately, nothing much comes of it. Early developments in the season tease this, as Wendy has a visceral reaction to discovering that Ruth is working for Darlene Snell’s heroin operation. Linney’s character almost seems pleased that she has the potential to bring about the downfall of her rival Darlene and her newfound enemy Ruth at the same time. Jonah’s betrayal of the Byrdes in Ozark season 4 also leads to a show-stopping scene between Ruth and Wendy as they argue over who gets to keep Ben’s ashes. Ultimately, though, this clash is left by the wayside in favor of the bigger narrative.

Linney and Garner have been consistently praised as two of the strongest performers in Ozark and the chance to see them go head-to-head is an exciting prospect. With only 14 episodes in Ozark season 4, though, certain plots may not get the focus they need to truly flourish. That’s the case for a potential battle between Wendy and Ruth. While both Garner and Linney get the chance to prove they deserve an Emmy for their performances this season, the pair are largely dealing with things in their own orbit until Ozark season 4 part 1’s ending.

See also  How Iron Man Acquired The Infinity Stones In The Comics

The murder of Wyatt and his wife Darlene sends Ruth on the warpath, looking to get revenge against Navarro Cartel leader Javi for killing her closest family member. This may change the fabric of Ruth and Wendy’s relationship – will the Byrde matriarch protect the young woman she now despises or will she let Ruth ruin her own life in seeking vengeance? Marty may have some thoughts about that, as Bateman’s character has always had a soft spot for Garner’s headstrong character. While season 4 part 1 may have failed to bring about a Wendy and Ruth confrontation for the ages, Ozark season 4 part 2 may flip that dynamic on its head and create even greater possibilities for its final episodes.

X-Men 97 Can Finally Resolve One Of Marvel’s Biggest Cliffhangers

About The Author


Graeme Guttmann
(1228 Articles Published)

Graeme Guttmann is an editor, writer, and interviewer for Screen Rant. With a love for all things pop culture, he watches just about everything from the biggest blockbusters to reality shows like Real Housewives. He currently resides in Boston, MA where he is an MFA candidate at Emerson College for creative writing. You can follow him on Twitter @cryptograeme for pop culture commentary and random musings about pop music and just about anything else.

More From Graeme Guttmann