The latest season of the hit show Ozark was recently uploaded to Netflix and it was filled with just as much drama and tension as the two that had come before it. Yet again there was inner family turmoil, there were some new characters introduced and the scale of the situation was increased. Things became far more intense in the latest season due to the drug wars that were added into the show’s plot, and while not every episode was a smashing success, the vast majority of the season really continued the high standards that the show has set for itself.
Within this list, we shall take a look at the 10 episodes from the third season of Ozark and rank them from worst to best based on their IMDb scores.
Episode 1: “War Time” (8.3)
The weakest episode of the season according to IMDb was actually the opening episode. This is often the case for shows as they are settling back in, bringing audiences back into the story which this episode certainly did, while also ramping up the pressure.
It was made clear that a major drug war was taking place which leads to Marty being pressured to move more money and faster than planned. Because of that, Wendy begins to pitch her own personal plan, without speaking to her husband. It’s a solid episode, and if the weakest episode is an 8.3, it showcases the strength of the entire season.
Episode 5: “It Came from Michoacán” (8.4)
In this episode, Wendy once again steps up and appears to be the stronger and more dominant member of the Byrde family by getting business done for the Navarro. She and Helen continue to work as a team as they purchase a horse farm, which leads to one of the animals then being murdered.
However, Marty continues to struggle with what decision he is going to make as Maya keeps pushing for him to turn and help the FBI by making a deal. It provides an interesting situation halfway through the series that adds a nice potential twist.
Episode 7: “In Case Of Emergency” (8.5)
By this point in the series, the tension really is at a boiling point, especially between Cosgrove and Marty. This is only made worse as the FBI grill Ruth, who is forced to push herself to lie about a range of topics in front of Helen.
As well as that, issues begin to appear with the Byrde family therapist as she makes her presence known in front of Helen, who then pays her a visit. The web of lies that the Byrdes create for each other and others all start to untangle in this episode, as it becomes clear they might not be as in control as they first thought.
Episode 3: “Kevin Cronin Was Here” (8.6)
This episode actually starts off in quite a strange way as Wendy dreams of killing her husband, Marty. While it doesn’t turn out to be a reality in this season, it could have potentially been some foreshadowing for later storylines the show will dive into.
However, in the reality of the episode, there are real worries for the Byrdes and their criminal activities as the FBI arrive at the casino and make it clear that they will be investigating the finances and where all the money is suddenly coming from.
Episode 2: “Civil Union” (8.6)
Episode two of the series also has an 8.6 rating but does feel like a much stronger episode in comparison to the previous. This episode is what really sets up the tension between Wendy and Marty for the season as she asks Helen for help instead of him, proving she is starting to trust her more.
However, there is also a big surprise for Wendy as her brother ends up arriving as a mysterious new character on the show. Ben ends up playing a huge part in the season and therefore his introduction here is incredibly important.
Episode 4: “Boss Fight” (8.7)
This episode works as a stark reminder to the Byrde family about just who they are messing with. Despite Marty seemingly being untouchable, the Navarros kidnap and imprison him, torturing him until he proves his worth to them.
This leaves Wendy and Helen to work together to make any decisions possible that could save his life, all while trying to keep the casino afloat as they then look to purchase another, in order to add to the assets.
Episode 6: “Su Casa Es Mi Casa” (8.8)
This is a fantastic episode of the show with lots going on with every character. Ruth and Wyatt finally confront each other and talk about their issues while Ben’s dark history is finally revealed, which throws a spanner in the works to his relationship with Ruth.
However, while the adults all bring plenty of great drama here, it’s the children of the show that steal this one. The tensions boil over for them as well as Jonah attempts to prove himself, which leads to the entire group being arrested.
Episode 8: “BFF” (9.0)
The first episode of the third season to crack a rating in the 9’s was “BFF,” and this is the episode where cracks really begin to form in the Byrdes normally very confident and secure exterior. This is mainly because even their closest allies begin to turn on them here.
Ruth is furious that the family isn’t set to retaliate against Frank Jr. which sends Ben into incredible anger. Confronting the Byrde’s during their charity event, embarrassing them which leads to him being sent into a mental institute.
Episode 9: “Fire Pink” (9.4)
This is the tensest episode of the entire season as the repercussions of Ben leaving the mental institute and immediately confronting Helen, revealing all her secrets in front of her daughter are felt. Of course, this sends Helen into a major panic as she hunts down Ben to provide a fatal blow, while the Byrdes do everything in their power to protect him.
Wendy and her brother go on the run while Marty is trapped with an awkward encounter with Helen herself. It’s an incredibly emotional episode with a lot of fantastic dialogue as the show really reaches a boiling point.
Episode 10: “All In” (9.6)
This is perfect proof that the third season of Ozark just got stronger as it went on as the final episode of the season, “All In,” was the highlight of the entire season. This brought everything together in an incredibly tense manner as Marty is forced to step up due to Wendy struggling emotionally and mentally.
They’re taken to Mexico for a personal, face to face meeting with their boss and it leads to an incredible surprising ending which sets up the next season of the show in an incredible manner. This episode also sees Ruth join Wyatt with Darlene, which will no doubt be an interesting plot moving forwards.
