#Every Ozark Main Character Ranked Worst To Best

The 3rd season of “Ozark” was its best to date. Season 1 was effective in quickly establishing stakes, creating memorable characters, and developing a chaotic, darkly humorous tone. Despite its high kill count and savage nature, “Ozark” generated empathy for the Byrdes as they faced the challenges of adjusting to their new reality. However, the 2nd season lost the emotional thread among a confusing set of subplots. The 3rd season didn’t just pit the Byrdes against their toughest ventures yet, but returned the heart to the series.

Much of that heart came from the introduction of Wendy’s brother Ben Davis, whose history was only hinted at in earlier seasons. Ben gets a memorable introductory sequence in which his part time job as a substitute teacher goes awry after he throws his students’ phones in a woodchipper and gets into a violent brawl. It’s later revealed that Ben suffers from a bipolar disorder, and that he can also be affable, charming, and even sweet.

Ben’s visit to his sister, who he cares deeply for, disrupts the Byrdes’ fragile situation. His condition leads to many violent outbursts, and Wendy struggles to protect Ben without putting her children in any danger. Ben also develops an affinity for Ruth, and the two become romantically involved. Ben’s complex characterization is brought to life thanks to brilliant work by Tom Pelphrey. No character’s storyline has been as devastatingly emotional as Ben’s.