The Patient Ending Explained, How Does Story End?
by Mathelene
Updated May 26, 2023
The Patient
The Patient an enthralling limited series characterized by psychological thrills, originating from the United States. It is the brainchild of creators and showrunners Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg, who masterfully crafted the series' compelling narrative. Working alongside Fields and Weisberg as executive producers are a talented ensemble including Chris Long, Caroline Moore, Victor Hsu, and the renowned Steve Carell.
The highly anticipated series made its debut on August 30, 2022, captivating audiences with its gripping storyline and nuanced characters. Exclusive to the FX on the Hulu platform, The Patient offered viewers a unique and immersive viewing experience. The series reached its climactic conclusion on October 25 of the same year, leaving fans yearning for more.
With a total of ten meticulously crafted episodes, The Patient delves deep into the realm of psychological suspense, captivating viewers from start to finish. Anchoring the series are the exceptional performances of Steve Carell, Domhnall Gleeson, and Linda Emond, who bring their undeniable talent and on-screen presence to the forefront, immersing audiences in the complex and intriguing world of the show.
The Patient stands as a testament to the creative vision of its creators, the exceptional storytelling of its showrunners, and the collective efforts of its esteemed executive producers. It has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the landscape of psychological thrillers, solidifying its place as a standout series in the annals of television history.
The Patient Ending Explained
In the final and climactic showdown of The Patient, the series takes an intense turn as serial killer Sam (Domhnall Gleeson) confronts psychotherapist Dr. Alan Strauss (Steve Carell). Neither of them escapes the encounter unscathed, but the outcome differs drastically for each character.
Initially, Dr. Strauss commends Sam for resisting the urge to kill his abusive father and demands his release. However, Sam unexpectedly lashes out and chokes Dr. Strauss in front of his mother, Candace (Linda Emond). Despite being urged to seek redemption through penance and turning himself in, Sam chooses to imprison himself with the very chains that once held Dr. Strauss captive.
Meanwhile, the aftermath reveals the impact on Dr. Strauss's family. His estranged son, Ezra (Andrew Leeds), who follows Orthodox Judaism, seeks solace by consulting a grief psychologist. This indicates that the traumatic events have deeply affected Ezra, and he is actively seeking support to cope with his grief.
The show's co-creator, co-showrunner, writer, and executive producer, Joe Weisberg, reflects on the series, expressing the intention to evoke intense emotions within the audience. Weisberg explains that the purpose of the series is not to persuade viewers to believe or uncover new truths but rather to immerse them in a visceral and authentic human experience, even if it means eliciting discomfort.
Addressing Dr. Strauss's fate, co-creators Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg reveal that they had planned for his character to become one of Sam's victims from the beginning. They experimented with various scenarios, writing multiple endings in search of one that resonated emotionally. Despite considering alternative outcomes, the creators ultimately determined that Dr. Strauss's death was the most authentic and impactful conclusion for the story.
Regarding Sam's transformation, the series intentionally leaves the answer ambiguous. While actor Domhnall Gleeson stated that true remorse and change would require Sam to turn himself in, the show's executive producers want to keep the answer open-ended. Sam gives the key to unlock his chains to his mother, indicating a response to the moral dilemma presented in the series.
However, it remains uncertain whether he will continue to seek redemption or manipulate his mother into assisting his escape. Weisberg suggests that the sincerity of Sam's intentions throughout the show becomes evident but leaves the ultimate judgment and speculation to the viewers.
As for Sam's mother, Candace, the creators aimed to portray her as more than a stock character. They explored the legal implications of her actions, discovering that she could potentially be held liable for aiding and abetting her son's crimes in certain states. However, their primary focus was on depicting a mother caught in an impossible situation, provoking a complex emotional response from the audience.
While viewers may find it easy to judge Candace, the creators hope that by the end of the series, they will also empathize with the emotions she experiences, allowing for a nuanced understanding that coexists with judgment. The character of Ezra, Dr. Strauss's son, plays a significant role in the series.
Amidst the thrilling cat-and-mouse game between his father and Sam, Ezra's strained relationship with his father becomes apparent through flashbacks and imagined conversations. The death of Strauss's wife further exacerbates the disconnection between them. However, in a pivotal moment, Strauss realizes that he has been more empathetic towards a serial killer than his own son, leading to an epiphany.
Through his therapy sessions, he metaphorically reconnects with Ezra, bridging the gap between them and providing a chance for healing within the family. The decision to portray Ezra seeking therapy underscores the importance of this connection, as it allows Strauss to convey his discoveries, apologize to his son, and establish a final connection with his children before his demise.
The Patient Plot
Therapist Alan Strauss finds himself held captive by his patient, Sam Fortner, who unveils his true identity as a serial killer. Sam presents Alan with an unconventional demand: to help him suppress his homicidal urges. In a battle for survival, Alan must delve into the depths of Sam's disturbed mind and prevent him from committing further acts of violence.
However, Sam refuses to address crucial issues, such as his complex relationship with his mother, Candace. As Alan remains imprisoned, he begins to confront his own troubled past, exploring memories of his former therapist, Charlie, and grappling with repressed traumas surrounding his wife's recent death and his strained connection with his religious son, Ezra.
Throughout his captivity, Alan unravels the extent of Sam's compulsion while simultaneously recognizing the need to mend the fractures within his own family. With time running out, Alan fights desperately to halt Sam's murderous path, fearing that he may become an accomplice to the killings or even a target himself.
Episode Summaries of The Patient
Episode 1: "Intake"
Therapist Dr. Alan Strauss, grieving the loss of his wife, takes on a mysterious new client. Their professional relationship takes an unexpected turn when they face distinct challenges that intertwine their fates.
Episode 2: "Alan Learns to Meditate"
Sam delves deeper into the reasons for seeking therapy but encounters resistance from Dr. Strauss. As a sense of unease grows, a revelation about the house they inhabit adds to the tension.
Episode 3: "Issues"
Sam's inner struggle intensifies, fueling his determination to find a therapeutic solution. Dr. Strauss introduces a new element into their sessions, further complicating their dynamic.
Episode 4: "Company"
With a crisis looming, Sam upholds a promise he made to Dr. Strauss, forging a bond that tests the trust between patient and doctor, and places a life in jeopardy.
Episode 5: "Pastisto"
Sam reconnects with a woman from his past, while trials await Dr. Strauss, Sam, and Elias. Their actions and decisions shape their intertwined destinies.
Episode 6: "Charlie"
Dr. Strauss grapples with the unsettling reality of his situation. As Sam attends to practical matters, he heeds his therapist's advice to make different choices.
Episode 7: "Kaddish"
Both Dr. Strauss and Sam seek new connections in their quest for an elusive peace. Their respective journeys converge, revealing unexpected revelations.
Episode 8: "Ezra"
Dr. Strauss confronts his past and present failures, leading to a reevaluation of his relationship with Ezra. Urgency mounts as he contemplates an escape, while Sam's faith in his doctor wavers.
Episode 9: "Auschwitz"
Dr. Strauss unburdens himself, leaving nothing unsaid. Sam reevaluates his connection with Mary and experiences a breakthrough moment of clarity.
Episode 10: "The Cantor's Husband"
As Sam makes an unexpected decision, progress toward his goals becomes evident. However, Dr. Strauss demands more from him, adding to the intensity of their final confrontation.
In "The Patient," viewers are immersed in a psychological thriller that explores the complexities of the human mind, the intricacies of family dynamics, and the race against time to prevent further tragedy.
The Patient Where to Watch
The Patient is an FX-produced series that is exclusively available for streaming on Hulu in the United States. To watch the show, viewers need a Hulu subscription. Fortunately, there are various options to access Hulu's content. One option is to sign up for a standalone Hulu subscription, which grants users access to a wide range of shows, movies, and original content, including "The Patient." By subscribing directly to Hulu, viewers can enjoy the series and explore the platform's extensive library.
Alternatively, viewers can choose to bundle Hulu with other streaming services through the Disney Bundle. The Disney Bundle combines Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN+ at a discounted price, providing a comprehensive entertainment package. By opting for the bundle, subscribers gain access to not only The Patient but also a vast selection of content from Disney's extensive library and live sports coverage from ESPN+.
For those seeking both on-demand streaming and live TV, Hulu offers Hulu with Live TV. This package includes all the exclusive content available on Hulu and also provides access to live television channels. Subscribers can enjoy The Patient along with their favorite live TV programs, ensuring a well-rounded streaming experience.
In summary, The Patient is exclusively streaming on Hulu in the United States. To watch the series, viewers can choose between a standalone Hulu subscription, bundling it with other Disney-owned streaming services through the Disney Bundle, or opting for Hulu with Live TV for a combination of on-demand content and live television.
The Patient Cast
Steve Carell
Alan Strauss
Jackson Dollinger
Young Alan Strauss
Domhnall Gleeson
Sam Fortner
Linda Emond
Candace Fortner
Andrew Leeds
Ezra Strauss
Laura Niemi
Beth Strauss
Alan Blumenfeld
Chaim Benjamin
Alex Rich
Elias
David Alan Grier
Charlie Addison
Cast
Character
The Patient Trailer
The Patient Ending Explained - FAQs
The Patient made its debut on August 30, 2022, and concluded on October 25, 2022.
The main cast of The Patient includes Steve Carell as Alan Strauss, Domhnall Gleeson as Sam Fortner, Linda Emond as Candace Fortner, Andrew Leeds as Ezra Strauss, Laura Niemi as Beth Strauss, and David Alan Grier as Charlie Addison.
The Patient is a psychological thriller centered around therapist Alan Strauss, who becomes a prisoner of his patient, Sam Fortner, a serial killer.