The Institute Season 1 ending compared to Stephen King’s original novel, explored in depth

The ending of the first season of The Institute has brought forth a significant difference between the series version and the novel version. Stephen King’s novel, which is of the same name, presents Luke’s story at the end in quite a different light. However, in The Institute series, the ending definitely creates an opportunity for the next season to explore more about the secrets and mysteries involving the institute.

The show’s ending was definitely a thrilling one. There were some key differences between how the show handled the ending compared to that of the book. If you haven't watched the series yet, please be prepared for the spoilers ahead.

The Institute Season 1 ending compared to Stephen King’s original novel

In The Institute series, at the end, we see Luke being the only one who comes out of the Maine Institute. He seeks out the help of Tim Jamieson to save the other kids. Luke’s powers lead the whole place to crumble down. Sigsby, on the other hand, collects some of the crucial information regarding the crimes of the place and makes a run for it.

Luke and the others join Tim in Tim tells them that he has a plan, which Luke counters, saying that he does not. The ending of the first season leaves us with a cliffhanger which will be further dived into in the second season.

In the book, however, the ending is quite different. In the book, after coming out of the institute, Luke and some other kids come out, and then Luke divulges the truth about the heinous torture that he and the other children went through at the place. Though he reveals the truth, at the end it is revealed that their institute was not the only branch, but there were several more that he wasn't aware of.

These institutes used the children’s powers in twisted manners for their own good. Luke’s victory becomes questionable, as even though he brings down one institute, there are so many more out there.

While the book closes with an intellectually layered and thought-provoking ending, the series opts for a more direct, high-stakes approach that immerses viewers in the intense challenges the kids face.

The second season of the series is already renewed, and it makes us wonder whatLuke, Tim, and Sigsby’s future will have. For now, Sigsby is safe, while in the book, Sigsby is killed. In an interview, Joe Freeman, who plays the role of Luke Ellis in the series, speaks about Luke’s future in the second season.

“I like to think he would go off and try and live a normal life, as normal as you can, and still keep frequently in touch with Kalisha, Nicky and George and try to forget what happened. Because Luke, in the show, doesn't know that Sigsby's alive. He just sees the whole place come down and assumes that's the end of it, and everybody in it. So, I like to think that it was that thing of, "Well, this is a very bad thing that's happened to you, let's try and move on." I think that's the realest thing you can think.”

It cannot be denied that the show truly does justice to the novel.

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