Netflix's Daybreak season 1 finale recap: FWASH-BOOM!

In the season 1 finale of Netflix series Daybreak, Baron Triumph tries to cleanse the world, The Witch saves the day and Sam takes charge.

[NOTE: We shortened the title so it would fit more easily into internet searches. For those purists who are disappointed, here’s the actual Daybreak episode title, complete with the 25 O’s: “FWASH-BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!”]

Previously on Daybreak, Josh (Colin Ford) made a deal with Eli (Gregory Kasyan) to save Sam (Sophie Simnett). Also, Baron Triumph (Matthew Broderick) reverted back to Principal Burr…or did he? This episode begins with the giant explosion from episode 9, which Josh and Sam survive (though it ruins their hearing for a while). We then flashback to before the explosion, when Baron Triumph attempted to activate the bomb. He first gave the jock #54 (Luke Valen) the task, though his golf balls fail. However, his flying golf club does the trick just fine, so KABOOM!

Angelica (Alyvia Alyn Lind) wakes up in a cage at a cereal factory. She is tasked with Baron to activate a nuclear bomb, but she refuses. Also, back at the Glendale mall, residents debate whether to escape the explosion or stop Baron Triumph. As this is going on, Wesley Fists (Austin Crute) and Turbo (Cody Kearsley) seem to be nearing a duel to the death. However, their guns only shoot out confetti, like a weird prank.

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The drama unfolds further as Josh decides between either KJ (Chelsea Zhang) and Sam. Though he chooses Sam, it’s based on his expectations rather than reality. Soon, Josh becomes a reluctant leader at the mall, but even he and Turbo are at peace (frankly, their conflict was never very rational).

The Witch, the Baron, and the post-apocalyptic marching band

The finale of Daybreak offers some surprising moments, such as when the Baron’s hands somehow physically meld with those of The Witch (Krysta Rodriguez). Baron also gives her a human to eat: Demi (Jade Payton), leader of the Cheermazons. In order to halt Baron Triumph’s apocalyptic plan, Josh and other mall residents start a large marching band, knowing it will rile up Ghoulies. It works, as the jocks must now fight Ghoulies. Though Angelica is urged to leave, she won’t because the nuke is armed. The bomb gives Angelica ammo for railing against adults, who won’t even give kids a chance to “**** up the world” themselves.

Angelica doesn’t know much about the nuke, she does know it’s equipped with a biological weapon. Interestingly, Ms. Crumble/The Witch is knowledgable about it. Meanwhile, after putting kids on a bus, Baron attacks Josh and Sam. Josh seems to have him conquered after plunging a sword straight through him. However, the Baron seems to quickly recover….at first. Fortunately, though, Josh had the foresight to smear the sword with peanut butter residue, knowing that Baron has a strong allergy to it. Before Triumph dies, a large third arm shoots out from his stomach, prompting Josh to cut off its middle finger before Barom Triumph dies (or at least appears to die).

Explosive results

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Daybreak clarifies that this nuke is similar to what made The Witch. She explains it is “a plasmid that transmits DNA and resequences genes.” She determines that they need to launch it manually into the mesosphere. When they do, The Witch is miraculously not annihilated in the blast. As the episode (and possibly the series) ends, Sam actually rejects Josh and anoints herself the new leader. While we may never see this story get picked up again, it was undeniably a wild ride throughout. One may criticize Daybreak about this or that, but few people would dare suggest it had no original elements whatsoever. Plus, The Witch is great, isn’t she!

What are your thoughts on Daybreak? Does it deserve a second season? Let us know in the comments!

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