The Last Thing He Told Me season 1 ending explained: Why did Owen Leave?

Apple TV's The Last Thing He Told Me, based on Laura Dave's novel, stars Jennifer Garner as Hannah, who is thrust into a whirlwind of danger and discovery after her husband Owen (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) vanishes, leaving her and her stepdaughter Bailey (Angourie Rice) to unravel the truth behind his disappearance.

At the end of season 1, Owen leaves Texas and goes into hiding as part of the witness protection program to protect his stepdaughter Bailey. His real identity had been compromised, and staying would have endangered both himself and those he loved.

The official synopsis of the show reads,

"A woman forms an unexpected relationship with her 16-year-old stepdaughter while searching for the truth about why her husband has mysteriously disappeared."

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Why did Owen leave at the end of The Last Thing He Told Me season 1?

In order to shield her stepdaughter, Bailey, Owen left Texas and went underground under witness protection. As soon as he knew that his real identity had been discovered, Owen understood that staying would put himself and his loved ones at risk. Even if it meant not being there for Bailey any longer, this was a calculated act made by him just to secure her life from harm; thus ensuring she was safe.

In consequence, Owen’s past catches up with him when it is revealed that he greatly contributed towards turning Bailey’s grandfather Nicholas (David Morse) alongside other criminal gangs into their imprisonment. This betrayal puts a target on Owen’s back, making his disappearance a necessary step to safeguard his family.

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Exploring Hannah's story in The Last Thing He Told Me season 1

In The Last Thing He Told Me Hannah takes on the responsibility of protecting Bailey, going to great lengths to negotiate with dangerous individuals from Owen's past. Her journey has been characterized by confrontations full of tension as she makes tough decisions ultimately resulting in striking a deal with Nicholas, who is Bailey's grandfather, all aimed at ensuring Bailey is safe.

Hannah can never see Owen again but this means of agreement allows Bailey to live a normal life and grow up without shadows of Owen’s past.

The series' final moments show a five-year jump as Hannah adjusts to her new life. The bearded man she meets in an art gallery turns out to be Owen. Their fleeting reunion reminds fans that love prevails despite everything, and they are always thinking about each other. It is also what sets them apart. This encounter also cements the bond between Hannah and Bailey, as Bailey affectionately calls Hannah Mom, signifying the growth of their relationship.

Hannah’s sacrifice carries heavy emotional weight. Through this act, she understands that her actions have guaranteed Bailey’s safety and future even if it meant she would never see Owen again.

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What is The Last Thing He Told Me about?

The thriller television series The Last Thing He Told Me touches on themes such as trust, family, and boundaries drawn by love for close people. The story follows Hannah Hall, who must contend with the intricacies surrounding her spouse’s abrupt disappearance.

This leads her into an unlikely alliance with stepdaughter Bailey where they uncover hidden aspects of Owen’s past leading to danger.

The series’ renewal for the second season in March 2024 shows that there are more elements to this thrilling tale yet to be discovered.

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The Last Thing He Told Me is available to stream on Apple TV+.