‘Wayward’ Finale: Bosses Break Down Who Died, Who Escaped, What That Drug Trip Meant and Why Everyone Got Topless at the End

SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers from “Leap,” the final episode of “Wayward,” which is now streaming on Netflix.

Netflix’s latest mystery drama, “Wayward,” delves into a sinister school for troubled teenagers situated in Tall Pines—a community rife with covert agendas and concealed truths. With the conclusion of its eighth and final episode, viewers are left with numerous questions and a desire for clarity. To unpack the intricate narratives and character arcs, Variety engaged in a conversation with the show’s co-creators, Mae Martin and Ryan Scott, to discuss significant character developments including new police officer Alex Dempsey (portrayed by Mae Martin), the school’s antagonist Evelyn (Toni Collette), and Alex’s pregnant partner Laura (Sarah Gadon), among others.

Mae, you’ve been candid about your past and the personal connection that inspired the show. Did creating the series serve as a form of therapy for you?

Mae Martin: While I find that creating art can be profoundly rewarding, I’ve learned that it’s no substitute for true therapy. Nonetheless, it offered me an opportunity to address some personal grievances by providing a platform for my experiences. The narrative of adults reconciling with their formative years permeates my work, so the chance to dive straight into that phase was quite special.

By the end of the series, Laura ascends to Evelyn’s position within the community. Was this power shift always part of your vision, even in early drafts?

Martin: From the start, we had a clear vision of the character arcs. When sending Sarah Gadon the scripts, I made a point to inform her that while Laura initially appears somewhat one-dimensional, her journey would lead her to reclaim power by the finale.

Laura quickly became my favorite character; her evolution is compelling and her mid-season transformation is pivotal. Instead of crumbling under the weight of her trauma, she rises and actively seeks justice against Evelyn, which I find incredibly satisfying.

Ryan Scott: Additionally, we explored how harmful belief systems often don’t end with one individual but rather get inherited and perpetuated across generations. This cycle is crucial; even in a setting designed to dismantle familial trauma, such cycles tend to repeat, which is embodied in Laura’s character.

The climactic visuals were striking, particularly the cross-cutting between Laura’s birth and Evelyn’s drug-induced visions. Is there a mystical connection, or were you aiming for thematic parallels?

Scott: It was a blend of both; in the editing process, we noticed how interwoven these narratives were. We intentionally correlated Evelyn’s demise with Laura’s birth, exploring the profound themes of life and death while underscoring their intertwined stories.

Martin: This scene represents a significant transition for both characters, highlighting the theme of intergenerational trauma. The imagery we captured during filming—with life alongside unsettling elements—truly resonated.

Pink Floyd’s “Time” is woven throughout the entire series. What makes this song central to the narrative?

Martin: It was integral from the get-go; as a lifelong Pink Floyd enthusiast, I found that their music encapsulates the multifaceted journey of life—from birth to death. The emotional backdrop of their work reflects the sentiment of feeling out of place in a fast-evolving world. Having their music frame the series, particularly in key moments, enriches the overall experience.

The conclusion features a strikingly intimate and unsettling skin-to-skin moment. What inspired this scene?

Scott: It draws from my own experience as a parent—the visceral connection you feel during those first moments. Capturing such intimacy amidst the chaotic world of the story adds a layer of eerie significance.

Martin: For Alex, who’s longing for a conventional paternal role, this scene starkly alters his perception of fatherhood, highlighting the loss of the experience he envisioned. It’s a powerful and tragic revelation for him.

Expectations for a potential second season—do you see the story continuing beyond this conclusion?

Martin: I find it fascinating to hear audience reactions about the ending. Many express a desire for more, but the ambiguity surrounding Alex’s choices seems to resonate. It’s part of the human experience to make complex decisions, and I believe the series stands well as a mini-series, but I’m certainly intrigued by where the narrative could go now that we have so many unresolved elements.

Scott: Those unresolved aspects genuinely reflect the tragedy of life. Ultimately, Dempsey’s choices illustrate the complex decisions we face as we transition into adulthood.

Is it clear whether Evelyn’s child is introduced during the series, remaining an enigma throughout?

Martin: We intentionally leave that open to interpretation, which adds another layer of mystery.

Regarding Dwayne (portrayed by Brandon Jay McLaren), did he harbor any genuine affection for Alex, or was it purely an act?

Martin: It was all an act. While there may have been fleeting moments of potential camaraderie, Dwayne’s feelings were predominantly protective and possessive.

Do you believe Alex truly killed Dwayne, or is there a chance he survived?

Scott: Given the circumstances, Alex’s actions were fatal—he smashed Dwayne’s head with a rock. There’s no coming back from that.

Why did Rabbit (Tattiawna Jones) drug Evelyn at the end, allowing Alex to escape?

Scott: Perhaps Rabbit’s actions stem from her own sense of justice. Witnessing Evelyn’s abuse may have catalyzed her decision to intervene.

Martin: Rabbit’s complex attachment to her abuser, combined with her recent failures, adds layers to her actions. Despite her darker connections, she recognizes the diminishing morality of Evelyn’s actions, igniting her flickering sense of justice.

Is Evelyn’s fate sealed, or could there be a chance of redemption?

Martin: I don’t see her as definitively dead. Instead, she exists in a vegetative state, leaving open the possibility of recovery.

What did you aim to convey with Evelyn’s vision of doors within her mouth?

Martin: This imagery is intended to captivate viewers, conveying themes of cyclical existence and the internal struggles of seeking freedom. What she craves represents relief, but in reality, she finds herself in an isolating purgatory.

Scott: It reflects the complex journey of self-discovery—your true self often hides within you. We also touched upon the maternal dynamic of being both protector and danger—a powerful visual metaphor.

Is Abbie destined for success?

Martin: Absolutely! I envision her on a path to greatness, potentially becoming Canada’s Prime Minister.

Scott: Evelyn’s insight into Abbie’s potential may indeed resonate; while the timing of her words is questionable, there’s merit in her prediction.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Don’t miss out—watch the official trailer for “Wayward” below.