The Fifth Missile Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Fifth Missile.
The Fifth Missile Ending Explained: The crew of a Polaris submarine, on a training mission simulating an attack on Russia, is stricken by toxic poisoning. Directed by Larry Peerce, this 1986 drama film stars Robert Conrad (Cmdr. Mark Van Meer), alongside David Soul as Capt. Kevin Harris, Sam Waterston as Capt. Allard Renslow, Richard Roundtree as Cmdr. Frederick Bryce. Rated 5.5/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Fifth Missile?
The crew of a Polaris submarine, on a training mission simulating an attack on Russia, is stricken by toxic poisoning. One of the poison's effects is to make its victims hallucinate, and the sub's captain imagines that he has been given an order to actually attack Russia. He prepares to do exactly that.
Larry Peerce's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Robert Conrad (Cmdr. Mark Van Meer)'s journey. One of the poison's effects is to make its victims hallucinate, and the sub's captain imagines that he has been given an order to actually attack Russia.
How Does Robert Conrad (Cmdr. Mark Van Meer)'s Story End?
- Robert Conrad: Robert Conrad's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- David Soul (Capt. Kevin Harris): David Soul's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Sam Waterston (Capt. Allard Renslow): Sam Waterston's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Fifth Missile Mean?
The ending of The Fifth Missile brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Robert Conrad's story may not satisfy all audiences.