If you’ve just finished binge-watching Robert De Niro’s latest Netflix political thriller, Zero Day, you’re probably still reeling from that jaw-dropping finale. The show, packed with twists, turns, and a hefty dose of political intrigue, leaves viewers with plenty to unpack. Let’s dive into the curveball ending and explore what it all means.
Warning: This post contains spoilers for Zero Day.
What Is Zero Day All About?
Zero Day is a six-episode political thriller that follows George Mullen (played by the legendary Robert De Niro), a former U.S. president who’s called back into action to investigate a devastating nationwide cyberattack. The attack crashes the U.S. power grid, causing chaos, panic, and thousands of deaths. As Mullen digs deeper, he uncovers a web of conspiracy that hits closer to home than he ever imagined.
The series, created by Eric Newman (Narcos) and Noah Oppenheim, and directed by Lesli Linka Glatter (Homeland), is a gripping exploration of power, truth, and the consequences of our actions in a hyper-connected world.
The Big Reveal: Who Was Behind the Attack?
By the final episodes, the pieces of the puzzle start falling into place. The mastermind behind the Zero Day attack isn’t some foreign enemy or rogue hacker group—it’s a group of U.S. Congress members, including Mullen’s own daughter, Alex Mullen (Lizzy Caplan).
Alex, along with Speaker of the House Richard Dreyer (Matthew Modine), believed the attack would be a “one-minute system shock” to restore faith in the government and reset the country. But things spiraled out of control, leading to catastrophic consequences.
Mullen’s Dilemma: Truth vs. Family
The heart of the finale revolves around Mullen’s moral dilemma. After confronting Alex and learning the full extent of her involvement, he’s torn between exposing the truth and protecting his daughter. When Dreyer offers him a way out—blame the attack on a tech billionaire and let the guilty parties resign quietly—Mullen is faced with an impossible choice.
But in a powerful climactic speech before Congress, Mullen chooses truth over convenience. He reveals the identities of everyone involved, including Alex, and delivers a heartfelt message about the importance of honesty in rebuilding a fractured nation.
The Final Twist: What Happens to Mullen?
The ending is bittersweet. While Mullen’s decision to expose the truth is heroic, it comes at a great personal cost. The final scenes suggest that he’s lost the rest of his family in his pursuit of justice. As he walks away from the Capitol, the weight of his choices is palpable.
The show leaves us with a haunting question: Was it worth it?
What Does the Ending Mean?
Zero Day isn’t just a thriller—it’s a commentary on the state of modern politics and the importance of truth in an era of misinformation. Mullen’s final speech, where he says, “Those are the facts, but not the truth,” underscores the show’s central theme: facts alone aren’t enough; it’s the truth that sets us free.
However, as TIME TV critic Judy Berman pointed out, the show’s avoidance of controversial insights and reliance on broad statements about truth and liberty might feel like a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the complexities of contemporary issues.
Why You Should Watch Zero Day
If you’re a fan of political thrillers, Robert De Niro, or shows that keep you on the edge of your seat, Zero Day is a must-watch. Its gripping storyline, stellar performances, and thought-provoking themes make it one of the most compelling shows on Netflix right now.
So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare for a wild ride. Just remember: the truth is rarely simple.
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