In the thrilling climax of "The Day of the Jackal" Season 1, Episode 10, titled "How It Ends," the intricate web of assassination, betrayal, and pursuit reaches its breaking point. Set against the backdrop of London's MI6 headquarters and the sun-soaked streets of Spain, the episode weaves a tale of high-stakes espionage, where the line between ally and enemy blurs, and the cost of survival is steep.
The episode wastes no time in plunging viewers into the heart of the action as Inspector Ana alerts Nuria about the impending assassination plot. This call sets off a chain reaction, with the Jackal, the enigmatic assassin at the center of the series, finding himself in a desperate race against time. Pursued relentlessly by the authorities, he narrowly escapes, a testament to his cunning and resourcefulness. This scene is a masterclass in tension, as the Jackal's every move is fraught with danger, and his survival hangs by a thread.
With UDC's demise, the Daghaus board is thrown into disarray, leading to the indefinite postponement of the River launch. The board's directive to "clean up loose ends" adds a layer of urgency to the narrative. Meanwhile, Bianca, the tenacious MI6 agent, is more determined than ever to bring the Jackal to justice. Her discovery of a link between the Jackal's hit and Tejero's killing is a pivotal moment, as it suggests a larger conspiracy at play.
Bianca's refusal to back down from her pursuit of the Jackal leads to a dramatic falling out with Isabel, her superior at MI6. In a bold move, Bianca resigns, highlighting her commitment to the case and her willingness to go to any lengths to see it through. This decision not only costs her her job but also sets her on a collision course with the Jackal, as she embarks on an unsanctioned operation to track him down.
The revelation that the Foreign Secretary is in league with Isabel adds a shocking twist to the story. Their plan to eliminate Bianca and the Jackal to cover their tracks is a chilling reminder of the depths to which these characters will sink. The Jackal's journey takes a dark turn when he ends up in a car crash and is forced to kill an elderly couple who offer him a ride, a moment that challenges his moral compass and adds a layer of complexity to his character.
In Spain, Bianca and Vince's pursuit of the Tejero connection leads them to Inspector Ana, who has decided to release Nuria's brother. Their investigation uncovers a link to Nuria and Charles, setting the stage for the final confrontation. Bianca's realization that Nuria is fleeing rather than facing danger is a testament to her intuition and understanding of the case. The Jackal's return home prompts Bianca and Vince to close in, leading to a tense standoff.
The episode concludes with a series of dramatic developments. Bianca's death at the hands of the Jackal is a tragic turning point, yet her final act of sending a message exposing Isabel as the corrupt agent is a powerful statement of her determination to the end. The Jackal, despite his success, is left with a profound sense of loss, as he is now without his family. His determination to find them is matched only by his resolve to settle another "unpaid debt" in New York.
As the dust settles, Isabel's promotion to Chief and OC's decision to delete Bianca's message to cover up the corruption within MI6 signal a new chapter in the story. The Jackal's survival after a shocking accident and his meeting with Leonore to discuss another job hint at a continuation of his dangerous career. However, his primary focus remains on finding his family, setting the stage for a potential second season.
"How It Ends" is a fitting finale to a season filled with twists and turns. It leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, eager for more, and pondering the complex motivations and fates of the characters involved.