The news of Channel 5’s psychological drama The Catch being based on TM Logan’s book of the same title created excitement among viewers. The renowned author has expressed his thrill on social media, seeing actors like Jason Watkins, Aneurin Barnard, and Brenda Fricker bring his intense thriller to life.
When novels are adapted for television, readers often anticipate how faithfully the show will align with the original work. Following the premiere of The Catch on January 25, fans of the book were eager to revisit its ending to compare it with the series conclusion.
Others, unfamiliar with the novel, sought spoilers to get a sense of the storyline. Below is a detailed look at the book’s conclusion and intriguing details about the series. Filming for The Catch utilized stunning coastal locations, though the series is set in southwestern England, its production took place elsewhere.
As the story progresses, the tension mounts between Abbie and the manipulative Ryan (Photo: The Catch Book/Four wall studio)Fans of this series might also enjoy Channel 4’s psychological thriller The Light in the Hall, which centers on a grieving mother confronting her daughter’s killer, who refuses to disclose the body’s location. This show was filmed in scenic Welsh countryside, towns, and villages, and its locations are worth exploring.
The Catch Book Ending Analysis
The novel concludes with Abbie fatally stabbing Ryan at Dark Peak in the Peak District, validating Ed’s suspicions about Ryan. Prior to this climax, readers learn Ryan killed Ed to stop him from arousing Abbie’s doubts. Frustrated by Ed’s interference and eager to exert full control over Abbie, Ryan buried Ed on the moor.
George, Abbie’s ex-boyfriend, also became one of Ryan’s victims, as Ryan viewed him as a threat to his dominance. It becomes clear that Ryan is a serial killer who relishes the thrill of murder.
As the story uncovers, Abbie discovers Ed had hired a private investigator to uncover Ryan’s dark history. The investigation reveals shocking details: Ryan, born Ryan Steven Getzler in Canada, set his family home ablaze at 11 years old, killing his parents and sister.
Flashbacks from Ryan’s perspective detail his pleasure in watching the fire consume his home. Unbeknownst to others, Ryan was sent to the UK to live with a distant great-aunt in Manchester and later fostered by Eileen Jackson, who also disappeared under suspicious circumstances.
At 20, Ryan married Lori, but their marriage ended after he was imprisoned for assault and weapon possession. Lori filed for divorce while he was incarcerated, but she mysteriously disappeared after his release. Abbie’s discovery of these events through the detective’s findings leads her to confront Ryan.
During their confrontation, Ryan’s narrative reveals he used Blackden Moor to dispose of his victims and manipulated Ed’s family into believing Ed was mentally unstable, planting evidence to discredit him. Abbie’s growing suspicions are confirmed when she finds her father’s Grand Canyon souvenir knife in Ryan’s possession.
After Abbie reveals her pregnancy, Ryan’s reaction exposes his lack of genuine emotions and his intent to kill her to maintain his secret life. In a dramatic turn, Claire arrives to aid Abbie, and despite being gravely injured, Claire helps Abbie fight off Ryan.
Abbie ultimately kills him. A year later, Abbie visits the recovered graves of Ed and Ryan’s victims, including Lori and Eileen. She reflects on her newborn son, noting that he shares his father’s eyes.
Episode Details and Cast Insights
The series consists of four episodes, airing weekly on Channel 5 at 9 PM every Wednesday and available on the catch-up service My5. Jason Watkins, who portrays Ed, discussed his character in an interview, describing him as a struggling parent under immense financial pressure.
He expressed that Ed’s challenges stem from his failing business and the turbulent dynamics with Ryan, whom he perceives as a threat to his daughter. The cast includes Poppy Gilbert as Abbie, Aneurin Barnard as Ryan, Cathy Belton as Claire, and Brenda Fricker as Phyllis Doyle. Gilbert, known for her roles in Chloe and Stay Close, portrays Abbie with vulnerability and determination.
Barnard, recognized for his performances in Cilla and The White Queen, embodies the sinister and manipulative Ryan. Cathy Belton and Brenda Fricker bring depth to their respective roles, with Fricker’s career spanning decades, including her Academy Award-winning performance in My Left Foot.
Aneurin Barnard’s Background
Barnard, a Welsh actor, began his career during his school years, appearing in the series Jacob’s Ladder. He pursued acting at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Married to businesswoman Lucy Faulks-Barnard, the couple shares a son and frequently documents their family adventures on social media.
