To Cook A Bear, the Swedish historical Nordic noir series, concludes its first season with a shocking revelation and several unresolved character arcs. The series follows Pastor Lasse and his adopted son, Jussi, as they investigate a series of gruesome murders in the Northern Swedish village of Kengis. As the season reaches its finale, the true identity of the killer is unveiled, but many narrative threads are left open, leaving room for a potential second season. Here’s everything you need to know about the To Cook A Bear ending, the killer’s identity, and the future of the characters.
The Killer’s Identity Revealed: Who Is The Killer?
The shocking murder of Hilda and Jolina, both sexually assaulted by an unknown perpetrator, sparks the investigation that drives the plot of To Cook A Bear. Pastor Lasse is initially suspicious of various characters, including Lindmark, the general store owner, and Beronius, the artist, who himself becomes a victim of the killer. At one point, Lasse even suspects his own adopted son, Jussi, leading to a temporary estrangement between them.
However, the truth comes to light when Jussi is framed as the serial killer and tortured by Sheriff Brahe and Constable Michelsson. During this time, Jussi reveals a crucial clue that helps Lasse uncover the identity of the killer. Jussi recalls an earlier visit to Michelsson’s home, where he noticed Michelsson wrote with his right hand instead of his natural left. When Jussi is later beaten by Michelsson in custody, the injuries match those of the victims, and Lasse deduces that Michelsson is the killer.
Michelsson’s Motive and Methods
Michelsson, the mild-mannered constable, is revealed to be a sadistic psychopath. Behind his unassuming facade, he derives pleasure from abusing his wife, Aili, and sexually assaulting women. Michelsson murdered Hilda and Jolina after assaulting them and kept a disturbing collection of souvenirs from his victims. His methodical killings and confidence in his power stem from his position within the corrupt village authority, where Sheriff Brahe and others were complicit in covering up his crimes.
The final twist reveals that Michelsson killed Beronius, stole his money, and framed Jussi for all the murders. As the series concludes, Jussi takes matters into his own hands and executes Michelsson with an axe, avenging the victims and delivering some measure of justice.
Pastor Lasse and His Family’s Fate
After discovering Michelsson’s diary, Pastor Lasse keeps it in the church as concrete evidence of Michelsson’s crimes. He hopes to use the diary to expose the truth and clear Jussi’s name. However, his trust in Ironmaster Madam Sjodahl proves to be a fatal mistake. Sjodahl, like Sheriff Brahe, is part of the corrupt administration that wants to maintain their hold over the village and fears Lasse’s influence. She ultimately betrays him, leading Sheriff Brahe and Michelsson to Lasse’s church.
In a tragic turn, Lasse is shot by Brahe, and the diary is taken from him. With the family in peril, Lasse urges his daughter Lisa to flee the village, while he and his wife, Brita Kajsa, prepare to meet their grim fate. The corrupt authorities close in on Lasse’s family, and the darkness that Lasse feared has now taken hold.
Will Jussi Return to Save His Family?
Jussi has been through a great deal throughout the series. After leaving his abusive biological mother and being adopted by Lasse, Jussi struggled with his identity as a Sami individual and his place within a settler-dominated society. He faced rejection from both his biological roots and the settlers, leading him to a deep sense of isolation. Throughout the series, Jussi’s journey is one of self-discovery and coping with the trauma inflicted by both the settlers and the authorities.
In the end, Jussi decides to leave Kengis with Maria, who also has no place to call home. The duo heads for the northern mountains, seeking a new life away from the oppression they faced. While Lasse and his family face imminent danger, there is hope that Jussi might return to seek justice for them. His Sami community could potentially aid him in leading a rebellion against the oppressive forces in Kengis, particularly Sheriff Brahe and Sjodahl, whose corruption runs deep.
What Will Happen in a Potential Season 2?
With so many unresolved issues, particularly regarding Pastor Lasse’s fate and Jussi’s potential return, a second season of To Cook A Bear seems likely. The ending leaves the door open for Jussi to return and possibly rally his Sami community against the corrupt authorities. Moreover, the unresolved tension between Lasse’s family and the power structures in Kengis could provide the foundation for further conflict and exploration in future seasons.
FAQs About To Cook A Bear
- Who is the killer in To Cook A Bear?
Michelsson, the constable, is revealed as the killer who murdered Hilda and Jolina, as well as several other victims. - What happens to Pastor Lasse at the end?
Pastor Lasse is shot by Sheriff Brahe, and the diary containing evidence of Michelsson’s crimes is taken from him. Lasse’s family faces a bleak future as they are targeted by the corrupt authorities. - Will Jussi return to save his family?
Jussi leaves with Maria for the northern mountains, but there is a possibility he may return with help to seek justice for his family in the future. - What are the themes explored in To Cook A Bear?
The series explores moral degeneration, corruption, family dynamics, and the struggle for justice in a deeply divided society. - Will there be a Season 2 of To Cook A Bear?
Although not officially confirmed, a second season is likely due to the unresolved narrative threads and character arcs, particularly concerning Jussi and Pastor Lasse’s fate.
Conclusion
To Cook A Bear leaves audiences with a dark and complex ending that ties together the mysteries of the killer’s identity and the moral corruption of the authorities in Kengis. With Jussi‘s fate uncertain and Pastor Lasse’s tragic end, the series hints at a future filled with rebellion, justice, and potential sequel exploration. If a second season is made, fans can expect more intense drama and deep dives into the characters’ journeys.
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