By the time episode 8 begins, it’s already clear that Jo’s experience on Earth has been just as harrowing as what she went through in space. She now finds herself in a different universe – one that closely resembles her original life, but certain elements don’t quite line up.
In this reality, her daughter Alice (played by Davina and Rosie Coleman) manages to reach across dimensions and connect with the other version of herself. From the information we’ve gathered, it’s revealed that one version of Jo died while the other is still alive.
One version of Jo is gone but the other still holds on (Photo: Constellation Season 2/Apple TV+ and Harness Productions)Interestingly, Alice seems to understand the unusual situation more than anyone else. She appears to have grasped the reality long before the adults around her.
We also learn that something similar has happened to Henry, or Bud Caldera (portrayed by Banks). One version of him is causing problems for the other, turning his life upside down. But the story becomes even more tangled in episode 8 of Constellation. Here’s a full breakdown of what takes place.
Explanation of the Ending: How Is Jo Still Alive?
Throughout the show, and especially in this episode, Jo keeps wrestling with the truth that two versions of her exist – with one presumed dead in space. Up until now, she’s been trying to return to her original family, especially to Alice, because she’s convinced this current Alice isn’t hers.
In this episode though, Jo finally comes to terms with her new life. She accepts that she must remain with this family and promises Alice that they can be mother and daughter to each other from now on. Her decision likely stems from her feelings for Magnus and the fact that she’s carrying his child.
Even after this emotional resolution, the series saves one more surprise. The final scene returns to the spacecraft Jo traveled in. A message meant for Alice is playing while the camera moves through the ship.
Then, a disturbing image appears – Jo’s corpse is shown with half her face gone from her death in space. Suddenly, in a shocking turn, this supposedly dead version of Jo stirs, picks up the iPad, and stares directly into the camera.
So, is this version of Jo alive? While there’s no clear answer yet, earlier episodes hint that characters like Irena, also known as Valya, can exist in a state between life and death. That means this Jo might only appear alive for a short time.
However, if she’s truly alive, it brings up several new problems, especially since the other Jo has chosen to settle into her new life with her alternate family. Peace, it seems, might be short-lived.
Who Exactly Is Valya?
Valya turns out to be an alternate version of Irena (played by Barbara Sukowa) – and she’s the same cosmonaut that Alice drew in one of her sketches. As episode 8 kicks off, Jo is restrained and taken away under Irena’s supervision. Those around her believe she’s lost touch with reality.
Meanwhile, Alice begins to put the pieces together and informs her father Magnus (D’Arcy) that her mother died and her body remains in space. Magnus is puzzled by this because he assumes Alice spent the weekend with Jo.
He’s unaware that the Jo they’re dealing with belongs to a different dimension – and is the mother of the other Alice. Magnus tries to persuade Alice that her mother is alive, but Alice refuses to accept that. Later, Jo regains consciousness and finds she’s been locked inside her room.
Magnus insists that Jo is feeding Alice false stories and tells her she won’t be allowed to see the child unless she stops. Irena comes in to examine Jo and instructs her to play the piano to reconnect with herself. Jo tries to explain that she’s met her real daughter, but Irena insists she’s delusional, attributing her experiences to a mental condition.
Irena tells Jo that the usual medication can’t be used since she’s pregnant. They’ve prepared a different drug therapy instead, which greatly distresses Jo – she says if she keeps the pregnancy, it might stop her from getting back to her original Alice.
Jo starts hearing sounds from another patient, whom Irena describes as “untreatable.” But her attention changes when she realizes Irena is the cosmonaut she saw in space – the same one everyone else claimed didn’t exist.
Jo recognizes her voice from the recordings and repeats the words she heard: “Capsule on fire…the world is the wrong way round.” Irena quickly walks away while Jo continues calling after her. Ilya meets Jo and tells her she’s dealing with “astronaut burnout.”
He adds that Irena wants him to take over her duties. Jo responds by insisting she knows Irena died in space, telling him they both came from somewhere else. But Ilya refuses to believe her.
Alice, the Truth-Seeker
Jo eventually sneaks out of her room to find the person she heard earlier – and sees two individuals staring back at her, which confirms her worst fears. Alice finally manages to convince Magnus to let her visit Jo, and he agrees.
Alice also finds a speaker inside a box recovered after the fire outside the cabin. She tries to use it to reach the other Alice but doesn’t get any response. She then tells Magnus that it’s okay if the other Alice got her mum back, and she won’t be upset about it. Magnus seems to believe she’s just trying to deal with her grief in her way.
Jo confronts Irena with questions about whether two versions of everyone exist – one alive and one dead. Irena avoids answering and tells her that she has a child now and another one coming, urging her to move forward.
Later, Alice and Jo talk openly and admit they are not each other’s original mother and daughter. They agree to try their best with what they have. Jo then hands Magnus the picture Alice drew of the cosmonaut from space. She tells him she’s doing her best to be logical and will begin taking the medication.
They talk briefly about whether they want to keep the baby. Meanwhile, Irena sends an email to every astronaut she can find, stating that space travel has driven many of them to madness. She asks them to share their own stories.
As Jo and Magnus head back home, she asks him if she feels like the Jo he knew. He replies no, but Jo tells him she loves him regardless.
Rapace Speaks on Jo’s Decision
During an interview with GQ, Rapace, who plays Jo, talked about the difficult choice her character makes to stay. She said, “Being alone is just too painful. And there’s nothing you can do about it. Just talking about it gives me goosebumps.”
She explained that Jo battles between her logical side and her inner emotions. As a scientist, Jo is meant to rely on facts and evidence. But everything she’s experiencing tells her otherwise. Rapace added that Jo doesn’t see any alternative.
She gives in to her new life, rather than fight everyone and risk being seen as unstable. The other Alice also needs a mother figure. She’s just as hurt and confused as Jo is, which influences Jo’s final decision.
Alice and Valya Share a Moment
Before the episode ends, Alice thanks Irena for taking care of her. Then comes a surprising moment when Alice asks for Irena’s name. Irena responds, “My friends call me Valya,” referring back to the name Alice used in her drawing of the cosmonaut.
A child bridges two realities with quiet clarity (Photo: Constellation Season 2/Apple TV+ and Harness Productions)What Became of Bud and Henry?
Eventually, Bud becomes too overwhelmed and angry at Henry for ruining his life. He lashes out by smashing the CAL with a hammer. After that, Henry is arrested and charged with Bud’s crimes – including the attempted murder of Paul Lancaster and pushing Ian Rogers off a ship.
His lawyer claims he’s not the same person who committed these acts and asks for a polygraph test. The defense also requests DNA testing at Bud Caldera’s apartment to prove they are different individuals. But prosecutors find the idea confusing and difficult to believe.
When Bud is questioned about Paul, he denies shooting him but admits he believes he played a part in his death by creating a machine that led to a deadly incident in space. Later, Henry meets Irena at an upscale restaurant.
She tries to tell him Bud doesn’t exist – but she’s speaking to Bud himself, who insists that Henry has already vanished. Once the DNA results come back, it’s revealed that the DNA found at Bud’s residence matches Henry’s exactly. This leads to formal charges against Henry for Ian’s murder and Paul’s attempted murder.
