To Cook A Bear Ending Explained: Killer’s Shocking Identity and Season 2 Setup

The Swedish Nordic noir series “To Cook A Bear” has concluded its first season. The finale delivered a dramatic reveal of the killer’s identity. It also left several character fates hanging in the balance.

Set in 19th-century Northern Sweden, the show follows a pastor and his adopted son hunting a serial killer. The ending resolves the central mystery while setting the stage for future conflict.

Unmasking The Killer and The Final Confrontation

The season’s investigation centered on brutal murders in the village of Kengis. Victims included young women like Hilda and Jolina. The community was gripped by fear.

According to Reuters, the narrative carefully built suspicion around several characters. This included the artist Beronius and the store owner Lindmark. The true culprit, however, was hiding in plain sight.

The killer was revealed to be Constable Michelsson. He used his position of authority to evade detection. His mild-mannered facade concealed a sadistic psychopath.

Michelsson’s method involved assaulting and murdering his victims. He kept trophies from his crimes. He also framed the pastor’s adopted son, Jussi, for the murders.

Jussi was brutally tortured by Sheriff Brahe. He eventually recalled a crucial detail about Michelsson. This memory helped Pastor Lasse piece together the truth.

The finale concluded with Jussi taking violent revenge. He executed Michelsson with an axe. This act delivered a grim form of justice for the victims.

Broader Impact and Unresolved Character Arcs

The corruption within Kengis’s authority figures was a major theme. Sheriff Brahe was complicit in covering up Michelsson’s crimes. This allowed the killings to continue unchecked.

Pastor Lasse’s pursuit of truth made him a target. He discovered Michelsson’s diary, which contained proof of his guilt. Lasse planned to use it to clear Jussi’s name.

His trust in Ironmaster Madam Sjodahl proved fatal. She betrayed him to protect the corrupt power structure. Sheriff Brahe then shot Lasse and seized the diary.

With Lasse presumably dead, his family is in grave danger. His daughter, Lisa, is urged to flee. His wife, Brita Kajsa, faces an uncertain future.

Jussi, traumatized and rejected by society, leaves Kengis with another outcast, Maria. They head for the northern mountains. His departure leaves his adoptive family without their protector.

The series highlights the marginalization of the Sami people. Jussi’s struggle with his identity is a central thread. His journey could lead him back to his community for strength.

The shocking “To Cook A Bear” ending provides a satisfying resolution to the murder mystery while masterfully establishing compelling narrative threads for a potential second season. Audiences are left questioning the fate of Pastor Lasse and anticipating Jussi’s return.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is the killer in To Cook A Bear?

The killer is Constable Michelsson. He is revealed to be the sadistic psychopath responsible for the murders of Hilda, Jolina, and others throughout the season.

What happens to Pastor Lasse at the end?

Pastor Lasse is shot by Sheriff Brahe after being betrayed. The diary proving Michelsson’s guilt is taken from him, and his fate is left uncertain.

Does Jussi die in To Cook A Bear?

No, Jussi does not die. After killing Michelsson, he decides to leave Kengis with Maria to start a new life away from the village’s oppression and corruption.

Will there be a Season 2 of To Cook A Bear?

A second season has not been officially confirmed. The finale’s many unresolved plot lines, however, strongly suggest the story is designed to continue.

What was Michelsson’s motive for killing?

The series portrays Michelsson as a psychopath who derived pleasure from his crimes. His position of power enabled him to act on his violent impulses without fear.

Is the show based on a true story?

No, “To Cook A Bear” is a fictional narrative. It is, however, based on the Swedish novel of the same name by Mikael Niemi.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Associated Press, BBC News.