The Better Sister Mystery: Who Killed Jake Rodriguez?

Nivedita Dubey
June 4, 2025

Key Points:

The Better Sister ended with Jake Rodriguez’s mysterious death, sparking fan theories.
The identity of Jake’s killer remains unresolved, teased as a setup for Season 2.
Possible culprits include Gentry Group, Agent Olivero, or Jake’s own actions.

Amazon Prime Video’s The Better Sister delivered a shocking finale that left viewers questioning the fate of Jake Rodriguez. While the mystery surrounding Adam Macintosh’s murder was resolved, Jake’s sudden death on the beach added a new layer of suspense.

**What Happened to Jake Rodriguez in The Better Sister?**

Jake Rodriguez, played by Gabriel Stoyer, was introduced as Adam Macintosh’s business partner and neighbor. Over the course of the eight-episode series, it was revealed that Jake was also involved in an affair with Chloe (Jessica Biel), adding emotional stakes to the central mystery.

Jake and Adam were affiliated with the Gentry Group, a controversial firm facing allegations tied to illegal labor practices and human trafficking. Pressured by the FBI, Jake was coerced into collecting evidence against the Gentry Group and its elusive leader Bill Braddock (Matthew Modine).

After Chloe testified that Adam had harassed her and that she had confided in Jake, suspicion fell on Jake as a potential suspect in Adam’s murder. Although the confession was intended to paint Adam in a bad light, it inadvertently gave Jake a motive. Ultimately, Ethan (Maxwell Acee Donovan), Chloe’s son, was cleared of charges, and the real killer was revealed to be Nicky (Elizabeth Banks), who acted to protect her sister.

However, just as the story seemed resolved, the final scene upended everything—Jake’s lifeless body was discovered on a beach.

**Did the Gentry Group Kill Jake in The Better Sister?**

Following Bill Braddock’s arrest, suspicions turned to the Gentry Group. Given Jake’s cooperation with the FBI, there is strong reason to believe someone within the organization may have ordered his assassination. Bill had previously fired Jake, and his downfall could have motivated others in the group to take revenge, especially if they feared exposure through Jake’s actions.

The show subtly implies that Jake’s death might be retribution—either preemptive or retaliatory—for betraying the firm. The timing, shortly after Chloe planted evidence and triggered the arrest, lends credibility to the theory that Jake was silenced by those he once worked alongside.

Could FBI Agent Olivero Be Responsible for Jake’s Death?

Agent Olivero (Frank Pando), the FBI agent overseeing the investigation into the Gentry Group, had a tense relationship with Jake. Throughout the series, Olivero is shown using intimidation tactics to pressure Jake into cooperation. This dynamic opens the door to another theory—that Olivero may have been involved in or at least complicit in Jake’s demise.

However, this theory is less supported by the finale’s events. Chloe’s actions effectively completed what Jake was tasked to do, and there’s no concrete indication that Olivero had a motive to eliminate him. Still, his aggressive behavior leaves room for speculation in potential future episodes.

**Is It Possible Jake Committed Suicide in The Better Sister?**

Amid pressure from both the FBI and the Gentry Group, Jake Rodriguez was portrayed as a man cornered. With his professional ties severed, his affair exposed, and his safety in question, the possibility of suicide emerges as a third theory.

Though The Better Sister does not offer direct evidence for this interpretation, the psychological toll on Jake is palpable throughout the series. The beach scene that reveals his body is ambiguous enough to suggest this tragic outcome without confirming it. As it stands, this remains one of several plausible explanations.

What Did the Showrunners Say About Jake’s Killer?

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, showrunners Olivia Milch and Regina Corrado refrained from confirming the identity of Jake’s killer. When asked if Bill Braddock or the Gentry Group were responsible, the creators responded:

“There certainly is no definitive answer to that. For now.”

This open-ended remark strongly implies that Jake’s murder is intended as a narrative thread to be explored in a potential second season. The showrunners emphasized that they aimed for a satisfying conclusion while still leaving some truths untold—particularly those surrounding the sisters’ complicated history and Jake’s final fate.

**Will The Better Sister Return for Season 2?**

As of now, Amazon has not officially confirmed a second season of The Better Sister. However, the cliffhanger ending, unresolved character arcs, and ongoing interest in Jake’s mysterious death point toward potential continuation. If renewed, Season 2 would likely dive deeper into the fallout from Jake’s murder and further expose the hidden dealings of the Gentry Group.