Ruth Wilson Reflects on ‘Down Cemetery Road’ Finale and Future

The season finale of the AppleTV series Down Cemetery Road has left viewers eager for more, as Ruth Wilson, who plays Sarah Trafford, reflects on the intense conclusion and her hopes for a potential second season alongside Emma Thompson. The series, adapted from Mick Herron‘s bestselling novel and written by Morwenna Banks, culminates in a gripping showdown that highlights the complex relationship between Sarah and Zoë, portrayed by Thompson.

Throughout the eight-part series, Sarah and Zoë embark on a dangerous mission to save a young girl named Dinah, following the suspicious deaths of her parents in a bomb blast. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a covert military operation involving the British government testing chemical weapons on its own troops. The finale, titled “What Will Survive,” features a dramatic confrontation where Sarah and Zoë must confront their hunters, leading to a tense standoff at a church.

In a pivotal moment, Sarah triumphs over the government official Hamza, played by Adeel Akhtar, while Zoë indirectly takes out the assassin Amos, portrayed by Fehinti Balogun. The episode concludes with the pair successfully delivering Dinah to her guardian, Ella, as they part ways at Paddington train station in London. Zoë grapples with the loss of her husband, while Sarah sheds her toxic marriage to Mark, played by Tom Riley, marking a new chapter in her life.

In an interview, Wilson expressed her initial uncertainty about her character, noting how she gradually came to understand Sarah through her relationships with others. “I found it was through the relationship that she had with each individual, whether it was Downey, the little girl, or Zoë, that’s how you really formed the character,” Wilson said.

Wilson acknowledged that portraying Sarah required navigating a complex personality filled with contradictions. “She has a real feeling of justice and a moral compass at the core of her,” she explained. “At the same time, she can be very childish and impulsive, but I think she lives entirely in the present.”

The dynamic between Sarah and Zoë was particularly rewarding for Wilson, who described their interactions as a source of growth for both characters. “I think there’s more we can juice from that relationship. We haven’t quite filled its potential,” she noted, hinting at the possibility of further exploration in a second season.

The actress also highlighted the significance of the relationships her character develops throughout the series, particularly with characters like Downey, played by Nathan Stewart-Jarrett. Wilson remarked on Sarah’s search for connection, emphasizing her struggles within her marriage and her desire to find her true self. This journey of self-discovery is central to Sarah’s arc, as she seeks to redefine her identity amid chaos.

Reflecting on her collaboration with Thompson, Wilson shared that working alongside the seasoned actress was a major draw for her. “It felt like a very refreshing role for me, actually, a different role,” she stated. Their on-screen chemistry contributed significantly to the series’ impact, with both actors bringing a unique energy to their performances.

As the season concluded, Wilson hinted at the unresolved questions surrounding her character’s future. “Maybe she goes home and packs her bags when he’s at work and just leaves,” she speculated about Sarah’s potential actions regarding her estranged husband. “I think it’s best to stay away and just find herself.”

With the finale leaving the door open for further development, fans can only hope that a second season will materialize, allowing Wilson and Thompson to delve deeper into their intriguing characters. Wilson’s enthusiasm for a possible return is palpable, stating, “We’d love to return to it and find out: What would Zoë and Sarah be up to?”

As viewers await news about the show’s future, the finale of Down Cemetery Road has certainly set a high bar, blending suspense, emotional depth, and rich character development into a compelling narrative.