WARNING: The following contains spoilers for the first two episodes of Ozark Season 4.
There have been plenty of relationships explored in the four seasons of the hit Netflix crime drama Ozark. From Ruth and Ben to Marty and Wendy Byrde, the series is no stranger to complex romantic dynamics. But one relationship sparked in season three that no fan of the series saw coming, and that is Wyatt shacking up with the queen of poppies herself, Darlene Snell. The couple’s relationship got more and more serious after their paths crossed in season three, but it wasn’t until season four episode two that things were made official.
Ozark‘s choice to pair these two together caught many fans off guard at first. However, once the layers of the two’s mental states are peeled back, it starts to make sense why they are so drawn to each other. While they are not the series strongest dynamic duo, their relationship has still added much to the series’ tension. Let’s take a look at where Darlene and Wyatt were before their romance started, how it has evolved and where it could go from here.
While it has been five years since the events of Ozark’s first season, fans will not forget the tire-fire of a relationship Darlene had with her late husband, Jacob. The Snells, before the Byrdes made their grand entrance, were the largest provider of heroin on the Missouri lakeshore. However, the lovebird’s relationship came to an end in the season one finale when Darlene poisoned Jacob’s tea and took over the business. Surprisingly, this was one of the least brutal deaths in the series.
Leading up to their relationship, Wyatt had gone through the emotional ringer. At the end of season two, Ruth came clean about accidentally killing Wyatt’s father, when her intention was to kill Marty Byrde. While it was an accident, Wyatt was still devastated by the news and momentarily cut ties with Ruth. At the start of season three, Wyatt skipped out on going to college and squatted in a mansion whose owners were on vacation.
In “It Came From Michoaćan,” the episode where the duo’s relationship took off, Wyatt was caught by the mansion owner, tasered and arrested. At the same time, Darlene wasn’t doing too hot either. Being a new mother, Darlene attended Mommy and Me Meetups in an attempt to gain some semblance of support. When she was met with condescension in regards to her choice of baby formula, Darlene, unhinged as ever, slashed the tire of the fellow mother. Obviously, Darlene and Wyatt were both far from thriving and in search of something the other could offer.
Darlene bailed Wyatt out of jail on the condition that he worked on the farm to pay her back. And thus, their love affair began. After bonding over their grief and realizing Wyatt was out of a home, Darlene offered him a place to stay. As their relationship grew over the following episodes, Wyatt helped raise Zeke and eventually testified in Darlene’s favor at a custody hearing. In that same episode, Darlene seduced Wyatt and effectively ushered him into the drug game. Some may ask why Wyatt would start a relationship with Darlene, but at that point in his life, Wyatt had nowhere to turn and she offered him a home, purpose and love.
In season four, episode two, Wyatt announced to Ruth, though he didn’t sound very excited “And… She’s my girlfriend.” While this single line was shocking to Ruth, it was only a confirmation for something fans knew was coming all along. With five episodes left in part one, and things looking rather dire for the Snell farm, it looks like Wyatt may have hitched his cart to the wrong horse. Even though Wyatt does love Darlene, he is not blind to who she is and what she is capable of. Whether he will realize he needs to get out before things go south is unlikely. And Darlene handling a break-up well is even less so.
The first part of Ozark Season 4 is available to stream at Netflix.
About The Author
