The 2022 Peacock sci-fi mystery series The Resort wraps up many of its major plotlines while introducing new questions. Centered around Emma (Cristin Milioti) and Noah (William Jackson Harper), a couple marking their tenth wedding anniversary at a luxurious Yucatán resort, the show subtly reveals cracks in their marriage. Their relationship is reignited by the haunting mystery of Sam (Skyler Gisondo) and Violet (Nina Bloomgarden), two teenagers who vanished without a trace 15 years prior.
What begins as an investigation into a suspicious disappearance linked to the influential Frías family quickly evolves into a complex time manipulation narrative. The lives of Violet, Sam, Emma, and Noah become intricately interwoven, culminating in the series finale at the legendary Pasaje. This location serves as a significant emotional touchpoint for both Violet in 2007 and Emma in the present day. After confronting numerous obstacles, Emma discovers Sam and Violet suspended in a state of youth, having neither aged nor changed since their disappearance. This shocking revelation brings clarity to the enigmatic ending of The Resort.
Sam & Violet’s Fate Unveiled
The Missing Teenagers’ Time Loop
The finale clarifies that Sam and Violet are not victims of murder, a theory that had lessened in likelihood as credible suspects were absent. Characters like Baltasar (Luis Gerardo Méndez) and Alex (Ben Sinclair) transition from potential villains to essential partners in the quest to locate the missing duo. Initially, a tragic drowning due to a hurricane is suggested, but the truth is far more strange and compelling: the teenagers have remained in a form of stasis for the past 15 years.
In the climactic moments before their near-drowning, Violet experiences a vision of her deceased mother, which both saves them and preserves their lives in an ageless state. Meanwhile, Emma is similarly captivated by the echoes of her lost child. Just before she reaches the pool, she resists the urge to join Sam and Violet, choosing instead to revive them. When they awaken in 2022, it is as if no time has passed for them at all.
The reactions from their parents are telling. Sam’s parents react with disbelief and rejection, while Violet’s father, Murray (Nick Offerman), is engulfed in joy upon reuniting with his long-lost daughter. The years without Violet have severely impacted Murray, forcing him to scramble to make ends meet while never settling down. This reunion marks a pivotal moment for both characters and signifies a shift in their family dynamics.
Future Prospects for Emma and Noah
Emma’s Commitment to Her Marriage
In the penultimate episode, Emma confronts their marriage issues, articulating her fear of losing themselves in co-dependence. Her search for Pasaje, intended to reignite their spark, instead represents Noah’s concerns about Emma’s well-being. Emma’s poignant admission about wanting to reconnect with her daughter’s memory becomes a crux of their relational challenges.
Upon reaching Pasaje, Emma ultimately decides against entering the pool, symbolizing her acceptance of the present and her desire to preserve her remaining years with Noah. While she is reminded of the profound losses endured by Sam and Violet, her dialogue with them affirms her choice to prioritize her marriage and healing.
The Enigma of Alex’s Knowledge
One of the most compelling characters, Alex (Ben Sinclair), is revealed to have orchestrated key moments in the investigation by placing Sam and Violet’s phones in the jungle. This act serves as a catalyst for Emma and Noah’s quest. Clues depicted in his extravagant mural foreshadow the events that unfold, suggesting that Alex perceives time in a uniquely layered manner.
The Cost of Lost Time
Rethinking the Value of Youth
The series highlights a vital commentary on nostalgia through Luna’s insightful observation that “they lost time,”suggesting a deeper, darker undertone beneath the allure of cherished memories. Emma’s fascination with Sam and Violet’s youthful love story mirrors her longing to recapture lost moments, marking the inherent conflict between nostalgia and present joy.
Set in the historical backdrop of the Yucatán and resonating with tales of the Fountain of Youth, the narrative warns against the destructive forces of fixation on youth. Ultimately, Sam and Violet’s decision to remain ageless resulted in irrevocable harm to their families. Violet herself comes to realize that the pain of lost years remains, regardless of the fleeting moments spent with her mother.
Hints at Season 2?
Baltasar’s Next Adventure
Although the narratives of Emma, Noah, Sam, and Violet reach their conclusion, the show leaves several intriguing threads open for potential exploration. In the finale, Detective Baltasar Frias teases an impending journey, hinting at discoveries yet to be uncovered beyond the current storyline. His cryptic remarks signal the possibility of new adventures related to Alex, whose fate may not be as sealed as assumed.
Insights from Showrunner Andy Siara
An Intentional Ambiguity
While the conclusion of The Resort provides some resolution, showrunner Andy Siara acknowledges its deliberate ambiguity. He expressed that although the primary arcs are complete, the storyline is designed to allow for potential future narratives. Siara hints at multiple avenues for exploration, particularly involving Baltasar, if there is demand for Season 2.
The Thematic Depth of The Resort’s Conclusion
A Cautionary Tale About Nostalgia
The conclusion of The Resort is layered with thematic richness, a point emphasized by Andy Siara. He articulates that the overarching message serves as a caution against getting lost in nostalgia, allowing viewers to reflect on the consequences of such fixation:
“This whole thing’s about the allure of nostalgia… There’s a danger to that, ‘cause you will just lose time.”
Siara underscores that the quest for the past, symbolized by the magical pool, ultimately leads to a costly detachment from present reality. The takeaway encourages audiences to embrace the present, moving forward rather than dwelling on memories:
“If you obsess too much about the past… you’re just gonna lose time in the present day.”
Audience Reception of the Conclusion
Mixed Reactions to the Series Finale
The ending of The Resort elicited a spectrum of responses, with some critics voicing discontent over the ambiguity and unresolved questions. Others, however, found this very aspect to be a strength:
“It all makes for an ending that fully embraces how some things might just forever defy our understanding.”
Conversely, critiques such as Marah Eakin of Vulture highlight dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity, noting, “I kept waiting for some big payoff that never came.” Such sentiments reflect a divided audience, where the complex interplay between nostalgia and present realities resonated differently with viewers, leaving the ultimate message of the show open for personal interpretation.
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