The Incident Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Incident.
The Incident Ending Explained: Small town lawyer, Harmon Cobb, defends a Nazi prisoner of war against murder charges. Directed by Joseph Sargent, this 1990 drama film stars Walter Matthau (Harmon Cobb), alongside Susan Blakely as Billie, Robert Carradine as Domsczek, Harry Morgan as Judge Bell. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Incident?
Small town lawyer, Harmon Cobb, defends a Nazi prisoner of war against murder charges. Set during World War II, Cobb has to contend with the difficulties of defending the devil when the town's only doctor (Barnard Hughes) dies while at "Camp Bremen" in the fictitious town of Bremen, Colorado.
Joseph Sargent's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Walter Matthau (Harmon Cobb)'s journey. Set during World War II, Cobb has to contend with the difficulties of defending the devil when the town's only doctor (Barnard Hughes) dies while at "Camp Bremen" in the fictitious town of Bremen, Colorado.
As part of the Harmon Cobb Collection, the ending carries additional weight for fans following the franchise.
How Does Walter Matthau (Harmon Cobb)'s Story End?
- Walter Matthau: Walter Matthau's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Susan Blakely (Billie): Susan Blakely's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Robert Carradine (Domsczek): Robert Carradine's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Incident Mean?
The Incident's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Walter Matthau may feel rushed. Joseph Sargent's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.