Dare Me on Netflix: Explaining *that* finale twist and what it means for season 2
Dare Me spoilers below.
USA Network's Dare Me wrapped up back on March 8 in the US, but the drama only hit screens internationally on March 20 via Netflix, which means UK audiences are just coming to terms with the big revelation delivered in the series finale.
The initial consensus was that Sarge Will (Zach Roerig) had taken his own life, but the police report later indicated that he had been murdered.
When Hanlon (Herizen Guardiola) arrived at the deceased's apartment following a panicked phone call from Colette (Willa Fitzgerald), there were a number of clues that suggested the cheer coach wasn't telling the truth.
She told Hanlon that Will had sent her a barrage of concerning texts – he couldn't live without her and had no reason to keep going.
It had become increasingly clear throughout the series that Will was struggling to accept that their affair was over, but we didn't see those messages referenced by Colette.
She told Hanlon that eventually, she decided to go and see him but when she arrived, Will was already dead.
Colette's story might have been plausible if her belongings weren't scattered everywhere.
There was a comb, which she removed several long, blonde hairs from (her hair was also wet, something which Hanlon later picked up on), a half-smoked cigarette (her other vice) and a pair of knickers – all stuffed into a plastic bag and given to Hanlon to dispose of.
Dare Me has a habit of wrong-footing viewers, but all fingers were pointing firmly to Colette.
But what we also discovered in 'Shock & Awe', the final, aptly-titled episode, was that Matt (Rob Heaps), Colette's husband, was also involved.
Hanlon turned up at the coach's house demanding a conversation. She had questions and she wanted answers, most pressingly: where was her hamsa bracelet?
Ironically, the symbol represents protection.
It was given to Hanlon by Beth, but Hanlon then gave it to Colette.
According to Beth, who is determined to bring Colette down, one way or another, the police found the accessory at the crime scene, and we later see Colette tearing through her jewellery box, trying to find it.
Matt and Colette then search every inch of their bedroom, but it's nowhere to be seen, leaving Hanlon in an exceptionally precarious situation.
Plus, her mum Faith, a police officer, also knows that her daughter lied about losing her cheerleading shoes, the same shoes that stepped in a pool of Will's blood and would have left an imprint on the carpet.
There's also the CCTV at his apartment which, if it was working, would not only have captured Colette and Hanlon leaving in the dead of night, but anyone else in the vicinity.
While we still don't know exactly what happened that fateful night, what does seem likely is that Matt killed Will, either in a rage after finding out about the affair, or for Colette, who asked him to murder her former lover after Will refused to leave her alone.
Season two hasn't been confirmed yet, but with multiple threads left hanging, this story is far from over.
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Digital Spy now has a newsletter – sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox.
Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and features? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @digitalspy Instagram and Twitter accounts.
You Might Also Like
