Content Warning: The following article contains spoilers for the Netflix series Ozark.
Ruth Langmore is a fan favorite in Netflix's Ozark. The brilliant, ambitious, and fierce character has changed drastically throughout the series, arguably even more than Marty and Wendy have. Her transformation has in large part been motivated by a drive to change her financial and social situation in the Ozarks, as she has shown an interest in making life better not just for herself, but for Wyatt and Three as well.
A lot of Ruth's most memorable moments have been heartbreaking ones, as she gets tangled in Marty's chaotic business with the cartel. She has done some horrific things for the Byrdes, sometimes even to her own loved ones. The latest and final season of the series shows Ruth at her most vulnerable and devastated, with part 1's shocking cliffhanger ending with a storyline centered on her. It's the perfect time to look back at the events that led up to that scene and reexamine how much she has changed over the course of the show.
Season 1
To say that Marty changed Ruth's life is an understatement. Her very first meeting with the Byrdes indicates the kind of relationship she will have with Marty, as things instantly become tense between the two after she steals cartel money only to be forced to give it back. Fans soon see that Ruth thinks differently, as instead of avoiding Marty, she asks him to hire her. She climbs the ranks quickly, going from working as a dishwasher in the Blue Cat to managing Lickety Splitz.
Ruth is obviously intruiged by Marty. Despite being an outsider and a complete stranger, he seems to put his trust and confidence in her, both of which she could never get from her then incarcerated father. However, Ruth is torn between the new life she's building and Cade's daunting warnings about sticking to what Langmores know and do. This back and forth between working for Marty and following Cade's orders will be a recurring problem for Ruth, whose troubles have only just begun. She ends the season by proving her loyalty to the Byrdes in the most brutal way – she kills her own uncles to save his life.
Season 2
Ruth's father is released from prison in season 2, which is both a good and a bad thing for her. At first, it seems like Cade is accepting of her arrangement with Marty and he even agrees to work with him to a degree at one point. As Marty gives Ruth bigger responsibilities so he can focus on the casino project, it becomes clear that the Byrdes don't appreciate her enough, even after she sabotages a boat shop to help them out. They push her further away when Marty uses Sam as the face of Lickety Splitz, reminding Ruth that she's a felon.
Despite a brief illegal stint with Cade that goes terribly wrong, Ruth stays loyal to the Byrdes. When she's tortured by Helen, she doesn't break, which impresses the lawyer and Marty. It becomes apparent that Ruth has chosen Marty's side after Cade blackmails her, as she no longer allows her father to manipulate and control her. Although her honesty with Wyatt about Russ and Boyd's deaths creates a rift between them, it's satisfying to know she finally got the truth out. Her alliances become clear at this point, and she barely flinches after Cade's death, highlighting just how used she has become to the violence and brutality around her.
Season 3
Ruth has more responsibilities than ever in season 3, as Marty trusts her to manage the Missouri Belle. She does an excellent job for the most part, even though she's dealing with extreme loneliness without Wyatt in her life. Ruth's more aggressive side comes out when she throws Frank Jr. off the boat, though, which gets Marty in a lot of trouble with the KC mob. She more than makes up for her mistakes by helping him secretly launder through Big Muddy.
The most significant part of her storyline in that season is undoubtedly her romantic relationship with Ben. She falls head over heels for Wendy's brother, even helping him escape the mental health facility and attempting to save his life when the cartel goes after him. Ben's heartbreaking death hits Ruth hard, and it unsurprisingly becomes the final straw for her. The once fiercely loyal ally finally quits her job and makes sure the Byrdes know why. She's shaken enough that she even forms an alliance with Darlene, despite knowing how unpredictable and violent she can be. The Byrdes have pushed Ruth to the breaking point, but it's only the start of the most devastating storyline for the lovable Langmore.
Season 4 (Part 1)
Taking everything she has learned from laundering for and with Marty for several months, Ruth starts her own operation with Wyatt and Darlene in season 4. Unfortunately, her knowledge isn't enough to safely move Darlene's drug money, so she forms an unexpected partnership with an enthusiastic Jonah. Tensions build between her and Darlene as they disagree about the best way to distribute their products. Ruth, being the headstrong character that she is, goes behind Darlene's back to make a lucrative deal with Marty. When Darlene predictably becomes violent and murders someone in front of Wyatt, Ruth is glad that it convinces him to leave with her. He makes the worst decision of his life and changes his mind in a dramatic fashion by marrying Darlene. Ruth is devastated to eventually find his dead body next to hers after a shocking encounter with Javi.
It's the most devastating event in Ruth's life so far, as fans know how much she adores and loves Wyatt. She always wanted the best for him and often encouraged him to escape and make a better life for himself. The way she establishes herself as a capable businessperson only to have everything she's working for ripped away with Wyatt's death is heartbreaking to say the least. Fans won't soon forget her untethered rage and heartache as she confronts the Byrdes about who is responsible for her cousin's demise. It's not too farfetched to say that the ending of Ruth's tale is what most audiences are looking forward to in part 2 of the riveting series.