Led by Oscar-nominee Sacha Baron Cohen, The Spy was always going to garner attention for the comedic actor’s switch of genres as well as the unbelievable true story of Eli Cohen. Throughout the Netflix series, Cohen brilliantly portrays former Mossad agent Eli and it’s arguably the final episode in which he gives his most hard-hitting performance of the series. For those still reeling from the brutal final episode, here’s the ending explained and, of course, spoilers are ahead.
The Spy on Netflix ending explained
WARNING: This article contains spoilers from The Spy.
Eli’s family life begins to crumble
After four years in Syria, Eli’s home life was beginning to be affected.
His second life as Kamal was taking its toll on his mental health and when his brother Marcelle (Soumaya Akaaboune) discovered who he really is, Eli lashed out.
Marcelle furiously confronted his sibling, begging him to stay, while elsewhere his wife Nadia (Hadar Ratzon Rotem) began to find holes in Eli’s story.
Eli angrily confronted Dan (Noah Emmerich) for the slip that led to his brother discovering his true identity.
However, despite everything, Eli decided to continue with his mission and return to Syria – a decision which was ultimately the beginning of his downfall.
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The Spy ending explained: Marcelle and Eli (Image: Netflix)
Suidani suspicions are raised
It’s hard to watch an episode of The Spy and not fall victim to the piercing stare of Suidani (Alexander Siddig).
The untrusting Suidani spent the entire series questioning and examining anyone who crossed his path and in the finale, his suspicions hit boiling point.
Suidani, using modern technology, managed to discover the illegal satellite signal emitting from Eli’s apartment.
He had trawled the streets of Damascus waiting for interference and struck lucky when he drove past Eli’s home.
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The Spy ending explained: Suidani (Image: Netflix)
Kamaal’s found out
While transmitting back to Israel, Suidani’s discovery led to a raid at Eli’s apartment.
Accompanied by dozens of Syrian soldier, Suidani burst into Eli’s home and managed to grab him before he could take his own life.
Eli was halfway through sending a message back home at the time he was caught.
Locked up in a cell, Eli was subject to torture and beatings – in one particular scene, viewers can see his fingernails have been removed.
Eli’s deception also led to the arrest and torture of allies Ma’azi (Nassim Si Ahmed) and Sheikh Majid al Ard (Uri Gavriel).
However, they were just as oblivious to who Kamal really was.
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The Spy ending explained: Dan and Nadia (Image: Netflix)
Dan fails to bring Eli home
After being captured, President Al-Hafez decides to publicly execute Eli.
News of the execution gained international attention, but Dan remained positive.
Dan tracked down Nadia and promised her Israel would “everything it could” to bring Eli home.
Nadia saw through the thinly-veiled comfort and knew her husband would die.
She was right and Dan’s promise to save Eli failed.
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The Spy ending explained: Eli is executed (Image: Netflix)
The execution of Eli
Eli was led to Marjeh Square in Damascus to be publicly hanged.
Residents from all over gathered to watch the man who had infiltrated their country’s top hierarchy receive his punishment.
The Spy showed Eli refuse to wear a bag over his head and his body was left on display for six hours after he was executed.
The Netflix series also revealed how Eli’s body remains in Syria, despite an ongoing effort by his wife to have his remains returned home.
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The Spy ending explained: Dan at the end (Image: Netflix)
Dan’s new man?
In the final moments of The Spy, Dan is back in the building he first met Eli.
The building was all part of Dan’s plot to trick potential agents and work out the intuition skills.
The unnamed man enters the building, similar to Eli, and Dan proceeds to interview him.
Before we discover who he is or what he’s doing, the series ends.
Could this set up another potential series and story on The Spy?
The Spy is available to stream on Netflix now.