The second season of Dr Death, which focuses on the fraudulent surgeon Dr Paolo Macchiarini, is now available. Here's a full explanation of the series ending.
The second season of Dr Death on Peacock depicts the crimes of Macchiarini after the release of the Netflix documentary series Bad Surgeon: Love Under the Knife. The series is based on the medical malpractice podcast of the same name. The official synopsis describes Season 2 as following "Miracle Man" Paolo Macchiarini, a charming surgeon known for his innovative operations.
Once approached by investigative journalist Benita Alexander, the line between personal and professional begins to blur for Paolo, ultimately changing her life forever. As she delves deeper, she uncovers the lengths Paolo will go to in order to keep his secrets hidden. Meanwhile, a group of doctors in another part of the world make their own startling discoveries that cast doubt on everything about Paolo. You can now stream all eight episodes and we've dissected the ending, as well as what ultimately happened to Macchiarini after the events of the show. Note: Spoilers ahead (based on factual events).
Dr Death Season 2 ending explained
In the conclusion of Dr Death Season 2, Dr Nathan Gamelli, Dr Ana Lasbrey, and Dr Anders Svensson are depicted moving forward with their lives following the acknowledgment of their report on Paolo Macchiarini’s wrongdoing. Similarly, Benita Alexander, Macchiarini's former fiancée, is seen moving on as well. However, in the very last scene, despite a series of fatalities attributed to him, Macchiarini is shown washing blood off his hands after yet another trachea implant procedure.
Prior to this, the whistleblowers attended a press conference held by Swedish police, who officially reviewed the trio’s extensive report after Alexander and media coverage of Macchiarini’s misconduct brought attention to the case. When Alexander shows up, she finds a number of empty seats with photos of Macchiarini’s patients who died as a result of his surgeries.
Peacock
The show depicts real-life cases of individuals who died due to complications related to Macchiarini’s implants. The victims include Keziah Shorten, Andemariam Beyene, Christopher Lyles, Hannah Warren, Yesim Cetir, and Yulia Tuulik. The Swedish inquiry only considered deaths at Karolinska Institutet, where Macchiarini worked. In the finale of Dr. Death Season 2, police officials inform that an investigation concluded with findings of scientific misconduct, negligence, and surgical missteps during Macchiarini's time in Sweden. Despite this, no criminal charges were brought against the doctor, allowing him to continue practicing elsewhere.
The situation also unfolded in real life, with text appearing on screen after the final scene stating: "Despite losing his privileges at Karolinska, Dr. Paolo Macchiarini continued to operate internationally. Three years after deciding not to press charges, the Swedish Prosecutors changed course and criminally charged Paolo Macchiarini in connection with the deaths of Yesim Cetir, Christopher Lyles, and Andemariam Beyene. He was ultimately found guilty of one charge - the felony of causing bodily harm to Yesim Cetir. However, he will not serve any prison time."
Peacock
But in June of this year, the court overturned the original ruling and determined that Macchiarini was guilty of three counts of aggravated assault, concluding that he had "acted with criminal intent." A panel of five judges sentenced him to two years and six months in prison, which he is anticipated to commence serving in the upcoming weeks in Spain, where he presently resides.
To fully grasp the severity of Macchiarini’s actions, it's highly recommended to watch Dr Death Season 2. The season is now streaming on Peacock. Learn more about the cast and explore our other true crime content below.
Great Photo, Lovely Life
Love Has Won’s “3D” Hospital
John Gotti's Cause of Death
Jill Dando: Unsolved Murder
Gypsy Rose Blanchard's Current Whereabouts
Russell Brand's Most Startling Moments
Scouts Honor
The Lucie Blackman Case
The Isabella Nardoni Case
Getting to Know the Duggar Family
Victim/Suspect Unveiled
Missing, Dead, or Alive: Inside Look
The Playing Card Killer: Untold Story
Taking Care of Maya
Breaking Down HBO’s Burden of Proof
How to Stream David Fuller: Monster in the Morgue
Where to Watch Hart Family Murders Documentary
The Deepest Breath
True Story Behind Last Call
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I find the conclusion of Dr Death Season 2 to be both shocking and infuriating. It is appalling that despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Dr Paolo Macchiarini was able to continue practicing medicine and causing harm to patients. The fact that he was not held accountable for his actions until years later is a travesty of justice.
I am also deeply disturbed by the way in which Macchiarini manipulated and deceived his patients, colleagues, and the media. His actions show a complete lack of regard for human life and a total disregard for the ethical principles that should govern the medical profession. It is clear that Macchiarini is a dangerous and narcissistic individual who should never be allowed to practice medicine again.