Cape Fear’s first-season finale escalates Max Cady’s violence as he murders members of his own family, then targets the Bowdens during an approaching hurricane. The review judges the episode a largely effective, deliberately excessive climax, praising its shocking set pieces while criticising its apparent attempt to leave room for a second season.

Anna survives the Cadys, publicly exposes Max using recorded evidence, and sees him arrested after he attacks her at his restaurant opening. However, police quickly allow him to escape, prompting Tom to remain behind as Anna prepares to flee Savannah with the children; Max then reappears menacingly on the Bowdens’ roof and attacks Zack.