The Waterfront ending explained in depth: Cane killed Grady after he insulted him

Have you just finished watching The Waterfront and found yourself confused about the ending? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. With all the kidnappings, betrayals, shootouts, and emotional twists, it’s easy to feel lost in the chaos.

From Harlan’s dangerous deal with Grady to Bree’s brave escape and Cane’s personal mess, there was a lot going on in those final episodes.

Whether you're trying to understand who lived, who died, or who might betray the family next in Waterfront, we've got you covered. Let’s dive right in!

In Waterfront, the Buckleys are a powerful family running both legal and illegal businesses in Havenport. Harlan is the head of the family, Cane is his son, Bree is his daughter, and Shawn is his illegitimate son.

Grady is a dangerous criminal who deals in heroin. He wants to use Harlan’s fishing business to transport drugs and make a lot of money while controlling the Buckleys.

After suffering two heart attacks, Harlan decides to step down and focus on his family. But stepping back leaves room for chaos in Waterfront.

Cane, trying to help, ends up partnering with Grady and Sheriff Clyde, two corrupt and dangerous men. Things go downhill quickly.

Clyde, feeling betrayed by Hoy (another middleman), kills him to send a message.

In return, Harlan kills Clyde when he refuses to cooperate. This clears the path for Harlan and Grady to deal directly.

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A dangerous deal between Harlan and Grady

In Waterfront, Harlan agrees to use his fishery to smuggle Grady’s heroin. Grady promises him money and protection.

When Harlan tries to slow things down, Grady punishes him by hurting Diller, Harlan’s grandson.

Grady kidnaps Harlan and Shawn to gain more control. But Cane steps in to rescue them and burns down Grady’s drug farm.

In revenge, Grady kidnaps Bree, Harlan’s daughter. Things spiral out of control from here.

Diller sneaks onto Grady’s ship to help his mom. He hides in a closet while Bree tries to escape.

Bree finds a gun and tries to fight back. Grady shoots her in the leg and throws her overboard.

Diller throws a life raft toward Bree, helping her float until help arrives.

The Buckleys arrive and fight Grady’s men. Grady tries to manipulate Cane by mocking him and his family.

Cane, finally fed up, shoots Grady dead, ending the chaos once and for all.

Even though Bree is badly injured, she uses a flare gun to signal her location. The Buckleys reach her just in time.

Despite everything, the family comes together to save Bree and begin healing.

Peyton returns with their daughter, Savannah. She wants answers from Cane and won’t leave until she gets them.

Cane tells her everything: the drugs, the affair, the danger. Peyton is furious, but instead of leaving, she uses the situation to take control.

Peyton surprises everyone by helping Jenna after her father dies, even though Jenna had slept with Cane.

Feeling guilty, Jenna pushes Cane away, knowing that Peyton is now in charge.

Bree has been through a lot: childhood trauma, drug use, jail, and betrayal. Now she wants to be better, for herself and for Diller.

Bree and Diller finally connect emotionally. But will others let them stay together?

Rodney (Bree’s ex) and his new wife, Georgina, act like they care about Diller, but it’s all fake. They plan to leave Havenport and dump Diller in a boarding school.

Bree may have to fight once more to keep her son from being abandoned.

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Shawn’s identity crisis in Waterfront

Shawn was always on the outside. But after helping save the family, Harlan calls him “son,” and Shawn feels a sense of purpose.

Now, Shawn has a choice: return to his old life or fully become part of the Buckleys and protect the family.

The Parkers, old enemies of the Buckleys, want in on the family business. Belle, Harlan’s wife, is in talks with them.

They offer to clear the Buckleys’ debt, but it comes with strings attached in Waterfront. Belle hasn’t agreed yet, but if she does, Harlan’s world might crumble.

Harlan may have to fight one last battle, against betrayal from within his own home.

With Cane under Peyton’s thumb, Belle possibly betraying him, and Bree focusing on Diller, Harlan’s only real ally might be Shawn.

The Waterfront ended with a lot of action, but even more emotional drama. Grady is gone. Bree is free. But the Buckleys aren’t safe yet. The enemies are still circling. The family is fragile. And power is shifting. If there’s one thing this ending makes clear, it’s that saving your family might just be the beginning of the real war.

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