When Steven Knight, the creator of House of Guinness, filmed the last scene of the series’ eighth episode, a single gunshot ripped through the bustling Dublin square and left every viewer wondering: who was hit?

The climax unfolded on a cold September evening in 1868, when Arthur Guinness, portrayed by Anthony Boyle, stepped up to a wooden podium to launch his campaign for a seat in the British Parliament. As his voice rose above the crowd, Patrick Cochrane (Seamus O'Hara) slipped into the audience, drew a pistol, and fired a single bullet straight toward the aspirant brewer. The screen cut to black, and the series left its fate hanging like a pint on a bar‑room shelf.

Historical Roots and the Guinness Dynasty

To grasp why the shot mattered, you have to step back to the real‑world Guinness family of the mid‑19th century. Sir Benjamin Guinness died in 1868, leaving four adult children to steer a brewing empire worth millions. Arthur, the eldest, was ambitious but emotionally distant; Edward, the second son, was the shrewd businessman who would later buy out his brother’s share for what equates to roughly $88.5 million today; Anne, the only daughter, channeled her energy into charity while trapped in a loveless marriage to a clergyman; and Benjamin Jr. battled alcoholism.

These family dynamics were already volatile when the Irish Republican Brotherhood—known in some circles as the Fenian Brotherhood—started targeting symbols of Anglo‑Irish cooperation. The Brotherhood believed the Guinnesses were complicit in suppressing Irish independence, a sentiment that fuels Patrick’s desperate mission in the series.

Season‑Long Storytelling Leads to a Cliffhanger

The first season weaves together political ambition, forbidden love, and brewing‑industry intrigue. Episode after episode, the series layered hints: Olivia Hedges‑White (Danielle Galligan) juggling a clandestine affair with Sean Rafferty while pregnant, her secret abortion in London, and Arthur’s cold contractual marriage that allowed lovers but forbade affection. By the penultimate episode, tension boiled over as Edward’s decision to ship his brother Patrick to New York as part of a prison‑release deal resurfaced, igniting a personal vendetta.

When Ellen Cochrane (Niamh McCormack) rushed to the rally to warn Edward of the looming danger, the camera lingered on her trembling hands—an unspoken promise that the Cochrane‑Guinness feud would explode. The shot of Patrick pulling the trigger was staged with a lingering close‑up on his eye, the gun’s barrel framed against the flickering gaslights of Dublin’s streets. The echo of the gunshot was deliberately muffled, leaving the audience to hear only the collective gasp of the crowd.

Creator and Cast Speak Out

In a September 25, 2025 interview with Town & Country, Steven Knight admitted, “I still don’t know where the bullet goes.” He added, “If anyone has a great theory, they should write to me. The destination will shape season two.” The cryptic comment has spurred endless speculation across fan forums.

Anthony Boyle, who embodied Arthur, gave a rarer glimpse: “I have an unfair advantage because I know what happens. Steven told me. No one else knows.” His grin suggested he’s keeping the secret under lock and key, at least until production resumes.

Meanwhile, Netflix has yet to announce a renewal, though insiders say a decision could arrive by late 2025. Until then, the bullet remains a narrative cliffhanger that could determine whether the series dives deeper into the “Lock Mask murders” scandal of 1876—an actual case where two Guinness employees were found dead in a lake after serving eviction notices, leading to questionable trials of Irish‑speaking men.

Political Intrigue Meets Family Feuds

The series’ political layer mirrors the 1868 general election, when Irish representation in Westminster was a hot‑button issue. Arthur’s campaign speech—set against a backdrop of banners reading “Home Rule Now”—was designed to showcase the Guinness family’s desire for legitimacy within the British Empire. Yet, beneath the polished rhetoric, Patrick’s bullet symbolized a lethal rejection of that legitimacy.

Family members react in ways that feel almost inevitable. Edward, whose global expansion of the brewery is highlighted in the season’s final montage, now faces a possible loss of public confidence. Anne, who rallied the family toward philanthropy, must grapple with the moral fallout of a violent act tied to her brother’s political ascent. Benjamin Jr.’s struggle with alcoholism, previously shown as a private battle, may become a public liability if the shooting is linked to the family’s internal dysfunction.

What Lies Ahead for the Guinness Saga?

If season two moves forward, the writers have a rich tapestry to work with. Potential storylines include the aftermath of the shooting—court inquiries, media frenzy, and a possible assassination of a different target. They could also explore Edward’s 1876 buy‑out of Arthur’s share, a move that historically turned the Guinness brand into a global powerhouse.

Another angle is the Lock Mask murders, an episode that could tie the fictional bullet to real‑world corporate ruthlessness. By weaving together the personal drama of the Guinness siblings with Irish nationalist movements, the series could cement its place as a bold reinterpretation of a pivotal era.

For now, fans are left with a black screen reminiscent of a stout poured to the bottom of a glass, waiting for the next sip of narrative truth.

Key Takeaways

• Season 1 ends with a mysterious bullet aimed at Arthur Guinness during his 1868 Dublin campaign.
• Creator Steven Knight has deliberately left the target unknown.
• The storyline intertwines family power struggles, Irish nationalist politics, and historical scandals like the Lock Mask murders.
• A renewal decision from Netflix is expected by the end of 2025.
• Future episodes may delve into Edward’s 1876 buy‑out, worth about $88.5 million today, and the broader impact on Ireland’s brewing legacy.

• Entertainment

Written by Braxton Hartfield

Hi, I'm Braxton Hartfield, a sports enthusiast with a passion for soccer. Having played and analyzed the game for years, I now love writing about it and sharing my insights with fellow fans. Through my work, I aim to bring the beauty and excitement of soccer to people around the world, delving deep into tactics, techniques, and the stories behind the game. I believe in the power of sports to unite people and hope to inspire others to follow their dreams, both on and off the field.