What happens to Tommy in Coldwater? Character’s fate explored 

Perhaps the most disturbing and vivid tale in Coldwater is that of Tommy, played by Ewen Bremner. Initially, he seems to be a welcoming and devout neighbor to newcomers John and Fiona, who are new to the Scottish village. His wife, Rebecca, serves as the local pastor, making the couple appear deeply integrated into the religious and social fabric of the community.

As the season progresses, however, the pretence wears off. Tommy's charisma is a disguise for a more sinister personality, and by the end of Season 1, he's the Coldwater Killer. His actions and the consequences of those actions fuel the entire dramatic arc, building to a tense, violent conclusion that leaves his destiny in question.

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Who is Tommy in Coldwater ?

Tommy is first introduced as the social, chatty type with an unorthodox sense of humor. To visitors like John and Fiona, he seems friendly and dependable, the type who upholds the values of the close-knit society. His religious devotion and good manners with Rebecca help consolidate his status within the community.

But Coldwater gradually reveals a different side of him. Tommy possesses an ominous past full of savagery and sadism, including animal cruelty. His behavior suggests something horribly evil behind his glamorous image, making him one of the show's most complicated and manipulative villains.

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Tommy's obsessions and crimes

Tommy's character is shaped by his fascination with serial killers and true crime. This is not mere curiosity—it informs everything he does and drives his dual existence as the Coldwater Killer.

Over the course of the season, it is shown that Tommy has been stealing “trophies” from his victims, including jewelry, trinkets, and the collar from John's cat, Harlequin. His foster daughter, Moira-Jane, plays a key role in uncovering this evidence, ultimately providing what is needed to convict Tommy of his crimes.

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Manipulation and control

Throughout Coldwater, Tommy manipulates others to maintain his secrecy. He accuses John of violent crimes, gossip, and rumors to ostracize him from the rest of the town. His plan succeeds for most of the season, leaving John in danger and distrusted by the community.

His wife, Rebecca, is not passive in this scheme. She actively creates suspicion against John, typically through religious practices and sermons that shape the community’s perceptions. Tommy and Rebecca present a facade of moral righteousness while being evil at heart.

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The climax: Kidnapping and confrontation

Tension builds to a climactic point when Tommy kidnaps John and locks him in the trunk of his car. This thoroughly destroys any remnant of his neighborly persona, revealing his full violent nature.

The subsequent struggle is intense. Tommy attempts to manipulate John into killing him, reversing the roles of offender and victim. During the fight, William intervenes, and John is shot but survives. This confrontation publicly exposes Tommy as the Coldwater Killer, ending his concealment behind deception.

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Tommy's fate in Coldwater

By the episode’s close, Tommy is revealed as guilty. William takes responsibility for his own actions and reports to the police. However, Tommy escapes before the authorities arrive. Unlike most crime shows where the criminal is apprehended or killed, Coldwater lets him go, at least temporarily.

This not-straightforward conclusion creates more suspense for the story. Tommy's confession destroys the town, but his absence ensures that his shadow continues to haunt the village.

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Aftermath and open questions

The final scenes are set weeks later. John survives his injuries and is seen in public with Fiona, suggesting a partial return to normalcy. Rebecca remains in the village, her complicity in Tommy's actions morally unresolved.

Tommy's former prayer group still meets, indicating that his influence has not fully dissipated. Questions remain: Will Tommy be caught? How will Rebecca cope with the truth? Can Coldwater village ever fully recover from Tommy's betrayal?

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Tommy's story is one of hypocrisy, a religious neighbor on the surface, a manipulator and killer underneath. His obsession with serial killers, collection of memorabilia, and conning of John unravels a gripping mystery.

By the end of Season 1, Tommy is exposed but not apprehended. His flight, along with Rebecca's actions and the town’s unresolved moral dilemmas, leaves his future uncertain and haunting, a lingering thread in Coldwater.

Also read: 9 murder mystery shows to watch in 2024, explored