Content Warning: The following article contains spoilers for the Netflix series Ozark.
Netflix's Ozark gave fans a polarizing finale, with some believing that the shocking events made perfect sense for the characters, and others feeling disappointed by how things turned out. Of course, the crime-drama series also left viewers with more memorable lines, with some quotes standing out for being particularly deep.
The profound lines in the popular show will likely stay with fans long after they've watched the final episode, as they're incredibly well-written and often capture the characters' personalities, transformations, and motivations. It's the best time to look back at some of the deepest quotes from the series, most of which come from fan favorites like Ruth and Wendy.
Ruth Langmore:
“God's A M**********r Isn't He? Built Me Smart Enough To Know How F****d Up My Life Is, But Not Quite Smart Enough To Haul My A*s Out Of It.”
It's easy to see why Ruth is a fan favorite in the series, as the character isn't afraid to speak her mind, which often includes an insult or two. It's her rare moments of vulnerability that highlight a more intelligent side, though, and Marty even points this out when he says it's "because" she was "clever" that she has been able to achieve so much.
Ruth only reacts to this with disdain, complaining that a higher being has "built" her "smart enough to know" how messed up her life is, "but not quite smart enough" to get out of it.
Wendy Byrde:
“I Like Draining One Swamp At A Time.”
Wendy's well-written story arc depicts her amazing transformation from being a passive mom to a cutthroat criminal, and it's not too far-fetched to say she has enjoyed most of it. Wendy thrives under pressure, especially when there are big stakes involved.
A conversation with Agent Miller underscores this aspect of her personality, as when Maya tries to offend her by saying she likes "being a big fish in a small pond," Wendy's witty comeback about "draining one swamp at a time" ends the exchange pretty quickly. It's a line that reminds viewers that for Wendy, big players like Navarro and even the FBI are just chess pieces she can manipulate.
Javi Elizondro:
“Blood Over Everything.”
From the moment he's first introduced, it's obvious that Javi is a terrifying villain who doesn't care much about tradition or respect. Things become much worse when Navarro officially passes the torch to him, though, with a simple line – "sangre sobre todo" – cementing his new role as the head of the cartel.
The short phrase speaks volumes about where Navarro's true loyalty lies, as the Byrdes' proposals and grand plans mean nothing to him if they require betraying his family. The dynamic quickly changes after that moment, with Javi becoming more visible in the Ozarks.
Ruth Langmore:
“You Know, Wyatt, In Our World, It's Good To Be One Of The Smart Ones. Remember That, Okay?”
Despite all the losses she endures in the series, Ruth keeps going for the sake of her beloved cousins, Wyatt and Three. She has always had a particularly special bond with Wyatt, who unfortunately doesn't have the same strength and perseverance that she has.
Instead of thinking of his intelligence as a positive trait, Wyatt remarks at one point that it makes him too painfully aware of their status in life. Ruth's reminder that "it's good to be one of the smart ones" falls on deaf ears, as Wyatt likely doesn't even bother to think about the profound line.
Wyatt Langmore:
“You See, I’m A Cursed Langmore, Long Inured To Violence And Death.”
In what is still one of the saddest scenes in Ozark, Wyatt reads his college essay out loud, which understandably hurts Ruth's feelings. He talks about how his "childhood traumas" are not like other people's and even foreshadows his own "untimely death."
Unlike Ruth, Wyatt has accepted his fate as "a cursed Langmore" and genuinely believes that there's no chance for a bright future for him. He is resigned to living his life as a petty thief, just like his father was, and like Russ' father likely was before him.
Helen Pierce:
“It's The First Law Of Power. Those Who Can, S**t On Others. Those Who Can't, Clean It Up.”
Audiences probably still remember Helen’s brutal and shocking death, as there's no forgetting the sudden way Nelson shot her in front of Marty and Wendy. It's ironic that one of her most unforgettable and profound lines is about "the first law of power," which, up to that point, she probably believed she had.
She was playing a dangerous game with the Byrdes for a while in an attempt to win Navarro's favor, but she finds out she has lost in a dramatic fashion, with the cartel leader never hesitating to "s**t on" her one last time.
Buddy Dieker:
“You Gotta Act And Let Everybody Else React.”
It's not an overstatement to say that the Byrdes probably wouldn't be around anymore without Buddy's help. The old man has gotten them out of some deadly situations more than once, and even provides insightful advice about how they should "let everybody else react."
Buddy has way more experience in the world of crime, and it's easy for him to see that Marty and Wendy are being backed up into a corner. His daring last stunt with the poppy field emphasizes how crucial he was for the Byrdes, as they could have lost everything if it wasn't for his connections and out-of-the-box ideas.
Wendy Byrde:
“It’s An Assurance That We’re Gonna Make It Out Alive.”
While there are several moments that highlight Wendy's transformation over the seasons, there's a scene that stands out from the last season that emphasizes her shift in perspective about her family. After Navarro's personal priest confronts her about how "it's not healthy to be around so much death" and that their car accident was their "last warning," she confidently states how it's "an assurance" that they'll be okay.
It's an underrated yet spine-chilling scene that captures Wendy's unique ability to twist events to fit into her version of things, which always favors her ambitious goals.
Marty Byrde:
“Money Is Not Peace Of Mind, Money Is Not Happiness, Money Is, At Its Essence, That Measure Of A Man’s Choices.”
Marty has always been the smartest character in the series, but if there's one constant aspect about him, it's that his personality, goals, and daily life are inextricably linked to money. His first ever monologue in the show is an unforgettable one, as it immediately draws viewers into the story.
He talks about what people are willing to sacrifice – time with their kids, weekends abroad – to work hard for money. Money, therefore, becomes a "measure of a man's choices" – he has no idea how true that deep statement will become for him and his family.
Wendy Byrde:
“What If This Is Too Much To Bear?”
The Byrdes arguably have to make their hardest choice yet in the final episode of the series, as just before they cross the finish line, Navarro's sister discovers that Ruth is responsible for Javi's death. Wendy starts to cry when she realizes the implications of this impending murder, asking Marty if it "is too much to bear."
That question carries the weight of every other horrific decision they've had to make over the past four seasons, which is why there's a certainty in Marty's voice when he assures her that "it won't be." They've sacrificed too much and have come too far to let anything get in the way of their freedom now.