HOME / ENTERTAINMENT / TV

‘The Undoing’ Ending Explained: What would happen to Grace, Jonathan and Henry if there was a Season 2?

Are David E Kelley and Susanne Bier listening? Would they consider another season with a brand new storyline?

“You're right, he's a killer...” That's the first thought that crosses your mind after the anxiety-ridden and nail-biting finale of ‘The Undoing’. Sometimes the answer is right in front of us and we choose to ignore it. Something similar happens with David E Kelley's whodunnit murder mystery. So who killed Elena Alves? Jonathan Fraser(Hugh Grant). Like Sylvia Steinetz (Lily Rabe) says in the first episode: “It's always the f---ing husband.”

Based on the 2014 novel ‘You Should Have Known’ by Jean Hanff Korelitz, the series depicts the story of Grace (played by Nicole Kidman), a highly successful therapist and soon-to-be author, who finds herself wrapped up in a murder mystery. But how did we find out he really killed her? Here's a breakdown of all that happened in the final showdown.

How did the hammer end up in Henry's violin case?

‘The Bloody Truth’ picks up right after the cliffhanger where the penultimate episode ended as Grace, Jonathan and Henry (Noah Jupe) grasp at straws after finding the hammer in his violin case. To everyone's surprise, Jonathan — for a momentary thought — wonders if Henry actually wandered to Elena's place that night. Grace angrily snaps back, “Are you actually accusing our son?”

What kind of father would actually pin down a murder on his son? Jonathan's clear psychopathic and narcissistic signs could be seen in that scene. Later, Henry confesses he found the hammer at the beach house and kept it to protect his family. 

Did Grace plan the trial scene and did Haley know about Jonathan's murder?

Towards the end, Grace takes the stand. “I'm just gonna tell the truth.” Their lawyer, Haley Fitzgerald (Noma Dumezweni) retorts, “But what is your truth?” And that is Grace's real game. With a little help from her friend Sylvia, she brings up Jonathan's haunting past where the blame for his sister's death was put on his shoulders. Lo and behold, Jonathan's guilt is proved!

Moments after leaving the courtroom, Haley whispers to Jonathan how it's his own fault — for not getting rid of the murder weapon. Woah! So, she knew it from the beginning? What the actual muck?!!?

Was the murder planned or was it in the heat-of-the-moment?

 In the chilling flashbacks, Jonathan and Elena are seen in her studio — kissing passionately and then having aggressive sex against the back of a wall. After making love, Elena's obsession with Grace comes forth in the scenes where she admits: “I think we had a real connection. We've having tea tomorrow with the kids.” Caressing his hair, she tells him, “I think Henry could be good for Miguel... Like an older brother.”

In a fit of rage, Jonathan warns her: “You stay away from my family.” He adds, “If you go anywhere near to my family again, my wife or my kids, I will hurt you. I will f---ing hurt you.” But Elena threatens him, “You will never hurt me. You will never leave me, Jonathan.” After a scuffle, Jonathan ends up bludgeoning her to death with that hammer. Can you believe how he has been lying all this time after committing the brutal crime? 

Why did Jonathan kidnap his own son?

As the episode comes to a close, Jonathan practically kidnaps his own son luring him for a “magical mystery tour”. An Amber Alert is issued for Henry Fraser, five-feet one-inch tall and 110 pounds. Through rash driving, he escapes not one, but two accidents, by trying to almost crash into a truck. He then stands atop Wurts Street Bridge and tries to jump. A frantic Grace comes running crying out both Jonathan and Henry's names. Jonathan gets down and is arrested. 

Funnily enough, Jonathan is shameless to try to get Grace into believing him even after that. “Grace, I'm sorry,” he looks at her and says. “Come here, give me a hug.” Jonathan was really out of his mind, wasn't he? 

What would happen if Season 2 was to be made?

The makers haven't hinted at a possibility yet. “This is a tight story, which is why I think six hours is perfect,” director Susanne Bier told Entertainment Weekly. “There's something about six that has a natural arc.” But, never say never. If David E Kelley penned down a second season, where would the characters be? What would happen in Grace, Jonathan and Henry's life? Will Grace meet someone new and start afresh?

Fans have chalked out a few ideas. “It’s a rare thing when a series is better than the book but it definitely was in this case. Also, I’d 100% watch a The Undoing Season 2 on wherever this trio goes next,” one fan said and another posted, “I want to say that while I was disappointed with how The Undoing finished, I'd sign up in a second for Season 2 if it centered on Haley starting her own firm.”

A third wrote, “Here's my pitch for Season 2 of The Undoing: Hugh Grant breaks out of prison and Nicole Kidman is murdered. Five mysterious episodes later, we find out who it was. It was Hugh.” A fourth thought, “What if the whole time Grace did it. And she’s mentally unstable and Season 2 starts with Jonathan & Henry getting into the helicopter and Grace getting cuffed on the bridge!?!?”

A fifth joked, “Season 2 of The Undoing has to start with the gay couple arriving back at marriage counseling with Nicole demanding a full refund.” Another fan said, “In season 2 of The Undoing, Nicole and Hugh repair their marriage while he is serving his sentence. Seems about right.” One begged the makers, “Hear me out - Big Little Lies wasn’t supposed to have a Season 2 because there was no second book, but it got one because of the fan base. Please do this for The Undoing. We need more. It was amazing!!!!!”

Are David E Kelley and Susanne Bier listening? Is HBO there? Would they consider another season with a brand new storyline? Well, only time will tell.

‘The Undoing’ premiered on HBO on October 25, 2020, and more episodes in the six-episodic series aired every Sunday from 9 pm ET to 10 pm ET. The final episode ‘The Bloody Truth’ dropped on Sunday, November 29, 2020, and now, the series is available for streaming on HBO and HBO Max.