If you’ve found yourself here reading these words, you’ve probably just had your heart ripped out and stomped on…repeatedly. It’s the only plausible way to feel after watching the gut-wrenching We Were Liars ending.
Even for those who read the book on which the show is based, and knew exactly what was coming, the twist finale ending was no less traumatic and tear-inducing.
There are, however, some big questions that still remain. So, let’s unpack and cathart together. Honestly, we need it.
** Spoilers ahead **
What Happens At The Ending Of We Were Liars
If you’ve heard about the show or seen the TikTok discourse, you’d know before going in that We Were Liars has one hell of a finale twist.
Throughout the season we see Cadence slowly try to piece together what led to her traumatic injury in Summer 16. In the final episode we learn that the liars, fed up with their families horrible bickering and all-round bad behaviour, decide to burn their house and legacy to the ground.
Fans also learn that heartbreakingly, Cadence was the only survivor; Gat, Mirren, Johnny and the family dogs all perished in the fire.
This shock twist explains why the liars never came to visit her in the hospital. We also see that the past interactions Cadence was having with each of them was either alone, or when in front of others, their presence was not acknowledged by anyone else.
We Were Liars Ending Explained
The end of We Were Liars leaves fans with a lot of unanswered questions.
Does it mean we will get a season two? Given three out of four of the liars are sadly deceased, it’s more likely we’ll see E. Lockhart’s prequel novel, Family Of Liars, adapted for TV. Here’s why…
The Mystery Of Rosemary’s Death
Throughout the show, we’re drip fed morsels of information and clues about how the fourth Sinclair daughter, Rosemary, died by drowning. It remains one of the big mysteries of the show and is likely something we’d see play out in Family Of Liars.
This was hinted at in the finale when Bess and Carrie talk about the anniversary of their children’s deaths.
“I think losing them was our punishment, like that one tiny ember was sent from God or the universe or Beechwood island,” Bess admits, “for what we did in Summer 16, the summer I was 16.”
Consider us intrigued…
We Were Liars‘ Johnny’s Ending Explained
While it feels as though Gat and Mirren get some form of closure by the end, Johnny seems to struggle most with letting go and moving on.
In the final moments we see it’s not just Cadence who can see him, but also his mum, Carrie. It appears she’s relapsed when she secretly downs pills, only to turn around and have Johnny appear.
She says, “I thought you left,” to which he replies, “I don’t think I can.”
Ugh, our hearts!!
Johnny remaining behind could also play into the Family Of Liar’s prequel which centres on Carrie as the protagonist. In the novel, Carrie relives her Summer 17 by telling her dead son everything that happened.
Wait, Did The Dogs Die?
Honestly, people dying we can tolerate (just). But, sweet innocent animals? We’re done for.
Sadly, the Sinclair family dogs did perish in the house fire. In the finale, we see Cadence flee from the burning manor only to hear the yelps of the trapped Golden Retrievers before rushing back inside to try and save them.
With the home already ablaze she discovers the door to the laundry where they were sleeping is blocked and she can’t rescue the pups.
As the final episode plays out, in Summer 17 we see Harris Sinclair throwing a ball to his two beloved pets. So, we understand your confusion. However, this fleeting moment is merely a memory he’s reliving. Sob.
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