American Rust Season 2 Ending Explained

Warning: This article contains spoilers for American Rust season 2.

Summary American Rust season 2 ends with shocking twists and cliffhangers, leaving the fates of beloved characters up in the air.

Lee is killed by Russell, while Grace kills Steve.

In the end, a mysterious gunshot leaves a question of whether Grace, Del, and others will return for season 3, provided the show is renewed.

American Rust season 2's ending comes with surprises and cliffhangers, leaving the fates of several beloved characters up in the air. Season 2 begins with a seemingly new case that brings back familiar American Rust characters Del, Grace, and everyone in their orbit as they pick up the pieces from season 1. Del is still holding on to the triple homicide he committed, while Steve's suspicions about his former colleague continue to grow.

As the case intensifies, it becomes clear that there could be ties to the past and that Grace and Del could be part of a bigger mystery than first thought. Grace feels like she has to protect Del because he saved her, so a dynamic shift sends their storyline in a fresh new direction. However, nothing can prepare Del and Grace for the bloodshed in the bombshell-filled American Rust season 2 finale.

Related Where Is American Rust Set? Buell, PA And Filming Locations Explained The crime drama TV series American Rust takes place in a small town in Pennsylvania, but the cast and crew did not film the episodes there.

Did Del Die at the End of American Rust Season 2?

Jeff Daniels has played Del since the series premiere

Del has cheated death on countless occasions, but everything comes to a head at the end of American Rust season 2 when he, Grace, Billy, and Isaac are in Fisher's crosshairs. The corrupt cop has returned to tie up loose ends, and Del is one of them. Thanks to American Rust's love of cliffhangers, the season ends with little resolution on that front.

Billy notices the red light from the gun and heads outside to neutralize the threat, but a shot rings out, leaving questions about whether Del, Billy, Grace, or Fisher were shot. It's a compelling hook and one that could change the show forever if it plans to follow through on killing another big character.

Who Did Grace Kill in American Rust Season 2’s Ending?

Grace makes a shocking decision to save Del

Grace almost dies at the end of American Rust season 1 and feels like she owes her life to Del because he is the reason she was saved. Steve's determination to get a confession out of Del about the triple homicide forces him to go along with Del and Grace to Lee's home when questions about her safety arise. In one of the series' biggest shockers, Del reveals all about the triple homicide to Steve, who is recording everything.

Character's Name Actor's Name Del Harris Jeff Daniels Grace Poe Maura Tierney Lee English Julia Mayorga Billy Poe Alex Neustaedter Virgil Poe Mark Pellegrino Steve Park Rob Yang Ramon Fisher Kyle Beltran Angela Burgos Luna Lauren Velez Russell Wolfe Christopher Denham

Just when it seems like the jig is up and Steve is about to get resolution and serve justice, Grace pulls the trigger and kills Steve in cold blood. The decision forever changes Grace because even though she's been critical of Del's actions in the past, she's now done the thing she despises Del for the most. It puts the pair on the same playing field ahead of a potential American Rust season 3.

Did Steve’s Partner Survive American Rust Season 2?

Del and Grace's nightmare is far from over

Just when Del and Grace start to think that chapter is closed, American Rust reveals Steve's partner survived the shootout and has the confession and the truth that Grace turned the gun on Steve. Del and Grace are blissfully unaware of this development at the end of American Rust season 2, but it means the pair could have much bigger problems, depending on what the surviving officer will do with the information.

Grace's decision to pull the trigger is a turning point for her character. It's hard to imagine both her and Del escaping from this one unscathed, but Maura Tierney and Jeff Daniels bring this fraught dynamic to life so flawlessly that the show wouldn't feel the same without it. Despite some big differences about how they should approach things, they're now more tethered together than ever. The dynamic duo will have much explaining to do if Steve's partner wakes up at the hospital. Knowing American Rust, the storyline will go in a vastly different direction.

Who Killed Lee in American Rust Season 2’s Ending?

Lee's journey comes to a dramatic close

Another character is killed off in the American Rust season 2 finale. Sadly, it's Lee. After spending the season meddling and asking questions about Landwill Energy's operations, Russell forces his way into her home to kill her and destroy all the evidence she has about the company's sketchy dealings. It's a harrowing development.

Del and Grace turn to Steve to ask him to come to the house out of concern for her safety. Had Russell not set out to kill Lee, there's a good chance Steve would still be alive, and Del wouldn't have been forced to reveal his part in the triple homicide.

How American Rust Season 2’s Ending Sets Up a Possible Season 3

There is plenty of potential for American Rust season 3

American Rust season 2 ends with countless cliffhangers that set up a potential American Rust season 3. Given that American Rust was initially canceled after one season and subsequently saved by Prime Video, it's a risky strategy to leave so much up in the air. It's possible the creatives believe a twisty finale is the best way to get people to make some noise to keep the show alive.

Undoubtedly, the biggest set up for American Rust season 3 is Grace killing Steve. Now that Grace has killed someone, there's a question of whether the guilt will eat away at her or if she'll feel compelled to kill again if pushed. There's also that chance that Del won't pull through Fisher's attempt on his life. Grace would have a lot to contend with if she's forced to face murder charges, as well as losing Del or Billy.

If Del survives, there's also the chance that he will be forced to pay for his crimes. Steve's partner's survival is sure to throw a spanner in the works if everyone escapes from the cliffhanger unscathed. American Rust likes to subvert expectations, so there's truly no telling where things will go next.

The Real Meaning of American Rust Season 2’s Ending Explained

American Rust season 2's ending leaves a lot up in the air

Close

For a show that consistently puts its characters in harm's way, American Rust showcases how good it can be with its season 2 finale. With so many storylines reaching natural endpoints, the slate has essentially been wiped clean to bring in some big changes. Del and Grace have gotten away with so much throughout American Rust's first two seasons, and the only way forward is to finally face the consequences of their actions.

Without consequences, there are no stakes. Luckily, the ending of American Rust season 2 sets the stage for everything Del and Grace have been hiding to come to the surface in ways that will challenge their expectations. That's one of the ways American Rust season 3 could be worthwhile, provided the show is renewed.

All 10 episodes of American Rust season 2 are available to stream on Prime Video.