Ozark Season 4: City On The Make

Introduction

"Ozark" Season 4, Episode 3, titled "City On The Make," is part of the final season of the critically acclaimed Netflix series created by Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams. The fourth season, consisting of 14 episodes split into two parts, was released with the first part debuting on January 21, 2022, and the second part on April 29, 2022.

The series stars Jason Bateman and Laura Linney as Marty and Wendy Byrde, a married couple who relocate their family to the Lake of the Ozarks to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel. Bateman also serves as a director and executive producer for the series, which has garnered significant praise for its tone, directing, production values, and performances.

"City On The Make" is directed by Ben Semanoff and written by Laura Deeley and Nancy Pickett, continuing the intricate and tense narrative that defines "Ozark." This episode stands out within the genre of crime dramas due to its complex characters, layered storytelling, and the moral ambiguities that drive the plot.

Plot Summary

In "City On The Make," several key plot threads converge, intensifying the tension and conflict within the Byrde family and their associates.

Marty Byrde is under pressure from Navarro, the head of the Mexican drug cartel, to manage various aspects of their money laundering operations. Navarro demands that Marty provide a sample of their product to Clare Shaw, a potential buyer, and also insists that Marty arrange for Agent Maya Miller to be brought back into the fold, as her absence hampers their operations^[1][4].

Meanwhile, Ruth Radewald, played by Julia Garner, begins to work with Jonah Byrde, Marty and Wendy’s son, to launder money using his technical skills. This partnership is set up at the Lazy-O Motel, which becomes a competing money laundering front, symbolizing Ruth’s and Jonah’s betrayals of the Byrdes^[2].

Wendy Byrde attempts to have a heart-to-heart with her children, showing them a shrine she has made in the yard to remember her brother Ben, who died in the previous season. However, this moment is fraught with tension, particularly between Wendy and Jonah, who is increasingly involved in the family’s illicit activities. Wendy’s frustration leads her to cut off the power to the basement where Jonah is working, further straining their relationship^[1].

Darlene Snell, played by Lisa Emery, is at odds with Ruth over the control of her drug product. Darlene warns Ruth not to interfere with her operations, while Ruth continues to make moves that undermine Darlene’s authority. This conflict escalates when Darlene discovers Ruth’s plan to sell her product without her consent^[1].

The episode also delves into the personal and professional struggles of other characters, such as Helen’s daughter Erin, who demands to know what happened to her mother, and Marty’s attempt to get Navarro in Agent Miller’s good graces by offering to give up a gun shipment set up by Javi^[1].

Themes and Symbolism

"City On The Make" explores several central themes that are characteristic of the "Ozark" series. One of the primary themes is the corrosive influence of capitalism and the pursuit of wealth and power. The Byrdes’ involvement in money laundering and their entanglements with various criminal elements highlight the moral compromises and dangers inherent in their lifestyle^[5].

The episode also delves into the theme of family and the consequences of their actions. The Byrdes’ relationships are strained due to their involvement in illegal activities, and the shrine Wendy creates for Ben serves as a poignant reminder of the costs of their choices. This theme is further underscored by the conflicts between Ruth and Darlene, which are rooted in their own family dynamics and power struggles^[1][2].

Symbolism plays a significant role in "Ozark," and "City On The Make" is no exception. The flamingo pool float, for instance, symbolizes Ruth’s and Jonah’s betrayals of the Byrdes through their use of the Lazy-O Motel as a competing money laundering front. This symbol contrasts the light, carefree image of the flamingo with the dark realities of their actions^[2].

Cultural Impact

The release of "Ozark" Season 4, including "City On The Make," was highly anticipated and received significant attention from both audiences and critics. The series has had a profound impact on popular culture, particularly in the realm of crime dramas. Its intricate storytelling, complex characters, and moral ambiguities have set a high standard for the genre.

The show’s influence can be seen in various other TV series and films that have followed in its footsteps, exploring similar themes of crime, family, and the consequences of one’s actions. The series has also been referenced in numerous articles, reviews, and discussions, solidifying its place in contemporary popular culture^[3].

Critical Reception

"Ozark" Season 4, including "City On The Make," received widespread critical acclaim. Critics praised the episode for its tense and engaging storyline, as well as the performances of the cast, particularly Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, and Julia Garner.

The series has been nominated for numerous awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards, with Bateman winning for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series in 2020 and Garner winning three times for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2019, 2020, and 2022^[3].

However, some critics noted that the final season, while strong, had some pacing issues and that the conclusion did not fully satisfy all viewers. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall reception of "City On The Make" and the fourth season of "Ozark" was overwhelmingly positive.

Legacy

The legacy of "Ozark" Season 4, including "City On The Make," is significant. The series has left a lasting impact on the television landscape, influencing the way crime dramas are written and produced. Its complex characters, layered storytelling, and exploration of moral ambiguities have set a new standard for the genre.

The show continues to inspire filmmakers and writers, and its influence can be seen in many subsequent TV series and films. The performances and direction have been widely praised, and the series remains a benchmark for quality television.

In conclusion, "City On The Make" is a pivotal episode in the final season of "Ozark," encapsulating the series’ themes of family, power, and the consequences of one’s actions. Its impact on popular culture and its enduring relevance make it a significant contribution to the world of television.

Season 4 – City On The Make