Throughout Code 8, Sutcliffe was constantly under pressure from a mysterious group called The Trust. Owing them money, most of the crimes carried out by Garrett’s gang were to clear that debt. After several failed attempts, Connor discovered valuable information that could lead to a big payout.
Sadly, when the job was completed, Sutcliffe’s men turned against the gang. Though they couldn’t kill Connor and Garrett, they were successful in taking out Maddy and Freddie. Connor would later accuse Garrett of greed and overstepping his bounds, claiming this provoked Sutcliffe’s betrayal.
The cost of clearing a debt is more than anyone expected (Photo: Code 8/Collective Pictures)While there’s truth to this, Sutcliffe might have betrayed them regardless. The heist promised a reward worth more than double the money owed to The Trust. By reducing the number of people involved, Sutcliffe could clear his debt, save his deteriorating business, and salvage his reputation.
Connor’s Revenge Plan Explained: Why He Lied To The Police
After Sutcliffe’s betrayal, it seemed Connor had realized the harsh truth about the world he had become a part of. Accepting that he was out of his depth, he secretly met with Agent Park and provided the location of Marcus Sutcliffe’s hideout.
Though the information was reliable, the police never reached Sutcliffe. As Sutcliffe attempted to escape, Connor and Garrett were already waiting for him, seemingly knowing his route of escape. Park and his agents were likely unaware of this part of Connor’s plan, as it could have gone wrong, with Sutcliffe escaping.
At that stage in the film, Connor still clung to his original goal. True to his nature as a criminal, he used the police to corner Sutcliffe into an ambush. Rather than handing him over to the police, Connor wanted to deliver a more brutal revenge, with Garrett at his side.
Given that the upcoming spinoff will focus on Connor and Garrett teaming up, this scene hinted at the duo’s potential when facing common enemies. The deception also highlighted that while Connor was the main character, he wasn’t exactly a hero.
Even in a world of superpowers, Code 8 didn’t lean into a traditional superhero story.
Why Park Is Unhappy About His Commendation
A lot about Agent Alex Park’s character remains hidden, especially towards the Code 8 finale. In the end, when receiving his medal, Park appears to be weighed down by something, as shown in his thoughtful expression. One reason for this might be that he doesn’t feel deserving of the recognition.
While he helped bring down Sutcliffe’s drug empire, it wouldn’t have been possible without Connor’s help. It was Connor who directly brought justice to Sutcliffe and his henchman, Rhino.
As a result, Park, who is the more morally upright of the two central detectives, might feel conflicted about being honored while Connor is vilified and facing prison time.
It’s also revealed in the film that Park’s daughter has powers, and since such abilities are often hereditary, there’s a possibility that Park himself is “power enabled” but keeps it a secret. This creates an interesting conflict, one that could be explored further in the spinoff.
The government is now considering targeting superpowered individuals, and the spinoff’s plot hints that corrupt cops will be involved. This could force Park to team up with Connor to face his kind, including his morally ambiguous partner, Davis.
What Code 8’s Final Scene Represents
Instead of ending the film with Connor, Code 8 finishes with a poignant scene featuring Nia. She visits her father in prison, and though their exchange is mostly wordless, it ends with a rare smile from Nia. This scene is meant to offer a sense of hope and resolution.
Secrets, lies, and a final confrontation that seals their fates (Photo: Code 8/Collective Pictures)Throughout the film, Nia’s backstory and her struggles with indentured servitude are slowly revealed. With Sutcliffe now dead, the debt her father and she owe is wiped out, and in that sense, they are free.
This provides a much-needed positive ending compared to the bleak fate of the other characters, especially Connor, who loses his mother and is headed to prison. This ending also serves to push Connor closer to being seen as a hero, especially if Code 8 is viewed as his origin story.
While he briefly considered sacrificing Nia to save his mother, he made the noble choice. Though he couldn’t save his mother, he helped ensure a reunion between another parent and child.
It remains to be seen if Nia will return in the spinoff, but if not, her story provides a sense of closure within the larger story, even though the other characters’ futures are left uncertain.
Garrett’s Meeting & How Code 8 Sets Up The Quibi Spinoff
The biggest setup for the Code 8 spinoff comes with Garrett’s meeting with Wesley Cumbo, a leading member of The Trust. Cumbo remained largely on the sidelines of the film, but as things wrapped up, Garrett brought him into the spotlight by paying off Sutcliffe’s debt.
Although Garrett killed Sutcliffe out of revenge, his actions also showed his desire for more power. By doing so, he not only avenged Sutcliffe’s betrayal but also positioned himself to ingratiate himself with The Trust, which is likely to play a bigger role in the spinoff.
The spinoff synopsis suggests that Connor and Garrett will team up to battle an elite criminal organization, and The Trust is certainly a strong contender for that role. Whether Garrett can be trusted or if he is simply using Connor to take over another empire remains to be seen.
Given all this, it’s easy to see why Chan and Paré have been praised for their world-building, and fans are eager to see what happens next for the surviving characters in Code 8.
