Content Warning: The following article contains spoilers for the Netflix series Ozark.
Marty Byrde has come a long way from being a ive and quiet ant in Netflix's Ozark. His transformation over the seasons shows his increasingly bold decisions and strategic moves in order to stay alive and keep his family safe from Navarro's wrath. Fans likely almost always find themselves rooting for his success, as Marty has tirelessly worked for his family's freedom.
Marty's changes over the seasons have been directly linked to his wife's story arc, as he finds himself opposed to Wendy's more daring choices. His priority has always been the welfare and safety of his family, which is one of the most irable things about the protagonist. As fans eagerly wait for part 2 of the final season of the show, it's the perfect time to look back at how Marty has changed (and which aspects have stayed the same) in Ozark.
Season 1
Marty's daunting situation in the first episode of season 1 sets the tone for the entire show, as his terrifying encounter with Del prompts his forced relocation with his family to the Ozarks. With the threat of the cartel coming for his family and increasing tensions with his wife, Wendy, Marty is understandably under a lot of pressure. His terrible situation doesn't get any better when he gets to his new home, as he is introduced to cunning and bold characters like Ruth and the Snells.
Despite the chaos going on around him, fans see the kind of person Marty is and get a glimpse at the amazing things he's capable of. He doesn't let his fear take over and instead gets to work securing all kinds of businesses in the Ozarks. The turning point for him is his acquisition of the Blue Cat Lodge, which gives him enough hope and optimism to push through.
Season 2
Audiences quickly realize that the high-pressure environment in season 1 would be nothing compared to what Marty faces in season 2. With the FBI knocking on his door and a hitman from the cartel constantly watching them, he begins to formulate an escape plan that will eventually be shot down by his own wife. The differences between Marty and Wendy's goals become starker, which puts an enormous strain on their relationship. Marty's efforts to keep his family safe take the backseat as he deals with characters like Roy, Mason, and Rachel.
An important moment that underscores the way Marty changes happens in Mason's basement. Fans may recall how he's forced to kill the pastor after he threatens Zeke and Wendy. His realization that there is little to nothing that sets them apart from murderous criminals hits him hard, but he seems to accept it soon enough. The way he blackmails Roy with his mother's life is both impressive and surprising, as it seems like Mason's murder allows him to embrace his more cutthroat side. He barely flinches whenever he needs to do anything shockingly horrific after this season, which speaks volumes about the way his actions have transformed him so far.
Season 3
It's one problem after another for Marty in season 3, as he deals with the FBI breathing down his neck in the casino. His alliance with the KC mob is also on shaky ground after Ruth's stunt with Frank Jr. The growing rift in his marriage certainly isn't helping things, as Marty believes Wendy's plan to expand Navarro's empire hurts instead of helps them. The moment that underscores how powerless he really is compared to Navarro happens when he's unexpectedly kidnapped and tortured by the cartel.
Marty's grueling experience in Navarro's hands changes something in him, as he proves his irreplaceable value and gains confidence in the process. By the end of the season, Marty is bold enough to think he can turn an FBI agent, Maya, and is officially chosen over Helen in the most brutal way. While Marty seems to be getting better at staying on top of things at this point, he doesn't expect how much worse everything is about to get when Navarro decides to step down in the finale.
Season 4 (Part 1)
While it has always been clear to Marty that there's no easy way to run away from the cartel, his conversations with Agent Maya in season 4 highlight how deep the protagonist has burrowed himself in Navarro's empire. This is why the sudden change in leadership is jarring for Marty who suddenly has to deal with a less experienced and more volatile boss, Javi. He's caught in between Navarro and Javi, and also has to manage the FBI, not to mention the pharmaceutical deal and Ruth's annoyance with him.
Marty continues to show how good he is at solving problems when Javi fails to deliver the drugs for an impatient Clare. His quick thinking and connection with Ruth save the important deal. The situation with the FBI also seems to be improving, at least until Agent Maya's disastrous decision to arrest Navarro. While Marty has mostly taken the backseat in the final season so far, he'll likely play a bigger role in part 2 if he wants to stop Ruth from killing Javi, formulate a plan with Wendy to finally be free of the cartel, and keep the FBI satisfied with everything they've gotten from him and Navarro.