What Happens at the End of When the Bough Breaks?

A Los Angeles psychiatrist testifies for the prosecution in the trial of an accused child molester. Later the defendant, who is out on bail, is found dead in the psychiatrist's office, in what appears to be a suicide. Shaken, the psychiatrist moves to the mountains outside of L.A. Not long afterwards a detective he knows comes to him for help. A seven-year-old girl saw someone kill both of her parents, but is so traumatized by the event that she can't remember anything, and the detective wants the doctor to help jar her memory. Soon, however, the doctor and the detective discover that the parents' murder and the pedophiles "suicide" may be linked to a shadowy group of wealthy and influential pedophiles, and that the child isn't the only one whose life is in danger.

Waris Hussein's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Ted Danson (Alex)'s journey. Later the defendant, who is out on bail, is found dead in the psychiatrist's office, in what appears to be a suicide.

How Does Ted Danson (Alex)'s Story End?

• Ted Danson: Ted Danson's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Richard Masur (Milo): Richard Masur's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Rachel Ticotin (Raquel Santos): Rachel Ticotin's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of When the Bough Breaks Mean?

When the Bough Breaks's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Ted Danson may feel rushed. Waris Hussein's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.