Unveiling the Mysterious Conclusion in Netflix's Sleeping Dog

BEWARE! Spoilers ahead for Sleeping Dog.

In the concluding episode of Netflix's Sleeping Dog, Mike Atlas, a former police officer, finally uncovers the truth behind his memory loss and uncovers a conspiracy to conceal multiple murders. This German mystery thriller, available for streaming on Netflix, revolves around the journey of Mike Atlas, who has faced hardships after leaving the police force and now lives as a homeless individual. Battling amnesia since a terrorist attack at a Christmas market, Mike's life takes a chaotic turn when he joins forces with rookie Jule to investigate the suspicious murder of Judge Herres. As their investigation progresses, Mike's world unravels, leading to a startling revelation.

How Mike Lost His Memory in Sleeping Dog

Prior to the conclusion of Sleeping Dog, it appears that Mike's memory has been impaired following the traumatic Christmas market terrorist attack. However, as Mike gradually recovers his recollection, he uncovers a significantly bleaker reality. While Mike, along with his colleagues Zaric and Socke, were enjoying a break from work, news of the attack reached them, prompting them to swiftly make their way to the scene. Unfortunately, Zaric and Socke had consumed alcohol, compelling Mike to assume the role of the designated driver, despite being under the influence of barbiturates. Tragically, while behind the wheel, Mike unintentionally struck and killed a homeless man named Polyphem, setting off a series of events that ultimately lead to the culmination of Sleeping Dog.

Zaric and Socke, utilizing their powers as police, assisted Mike in concealing Polyphem's death to ensure no loose ends remained. In addition to this, Zaric supplied Mike with additional pills to suppress his recollection of the incident, which explained why Mike was unable to recall finding Mussa's hair at the location of Judge Herres' murder. It was later revealed that Mussa was innocent of killing Judge Herres and had a corroborated alibi. He was accompanied by his partner, Idris, during the time of the murder. However, due to their inability to publicly disclose their relationship, Mussa and Idris chose not to acknowledge their alibi. The assassination of Judge Herres occurred as a result of his involvement with a charitable organization aiding the homeless.

Who Really Killed Judge Herres?

Intrigued by Polyphem’s death, Herres delved deeper into the matter, driven by personal connection to the deceased. The Judge faced a threat from Zaric, yet remained steadfast. Socke, however, resorted to shooting the Judge when persistence failed. Although Mike was present during these events, his traumatic blackouts and addiction rendered him mentally absent. Consequently, Socke strategically planted Mussa’s hair at the crime scene for Mike to later find. Nevertheless, this seemingly flawless scheme was disrupted when Mussa’s partner, Idris, stepped forward with an alibi. The aftermath resulted in a cascade of violence as the corrupt police desperately attempted to conceal their misdeeds.

Mussa Basher's Fate In Sleeping Dog's Ending Explained

Joachim, a private investigator, grew suspicious of the members of the 49th unit when he was hired by someone claiming to be the Judge's wife to find proof of an affair. Upon discovering that he had been deceived by this imposter, Joachim realized that he had been misled. The Judge's rival had an ulterior motive of unearthing damaging evidence against Judge Herres, but Joachim couldn't uncover anything scandalous enough. However, he inadvertently captured the Judge's life on camera before his untimely murder, leading Socke to eliminate him. Socke murdered Joachim and concealed the evidence in a lake. Despite this tragic turn of events, Jule, who had a close relationship with Joachim, became even more determined to dig up the truth.

Mussa Basher, wrongly convicted of a murder he didn't commit, tragically took his own life while incarcerated. Before his death, Mussa's lover, Idris, had offered him an alibi but feared the police would expose him to his family. Interestingly, their tattoos revealed a profound bond between them—the ink on Idris' skin bore the name "Mussa," while Mussa had etched "Idris" onto his chest. Idris valiantly sought justice for Mussa, but his pursuit was cut short when he was killed by Socke to conceal the misdeeds of the 49th unit. Tragically, Mussa's brother became the scapegoat for Idris' murder, further perpetuating the web of deceit woven by Socke and Zaric.

Does Socke Kill Jule In Sleeping Dog's Ending?

What Sleeping Dog’s Ending Really Means

In the conclusion of Sleeping Dog, an astonishing revelation dawns upon Jule as she finally uncovers Socke's true identity as the murderer. Determined not to leave any loose ends, Socke launches a ruthless attack on Jule within the confines of her apartment, leading to a harrowing and intense struggle. However, Mike comes to her rescue just in the nick of time, bravely confronting Socke. This unexpected turn of events grants Jule the advantage, enabling her to swiftly end Socke's life by forcefully shattering a bottle against his head. Although Mike confesses to accidentally causing the demise of Polyphem, Socke is held accountable for the series of killings. Mike is bestowed with probation as a consequence of his unintentional actions, while disillusioned with the justice system, Jule decides to abandon her profession. With the burden of his lost memories no longer haunting him, Mike reunites with his family, finding solace and peace in their embrace.

Sleeping Dog's ending surprises viewers by turning the tables and revealing that both the police and the hero himself are the true culprits of the whodunit. Initially, Joachim plants doubt on a member of the 49th unit, but Jule dismisses this as paranoid thinking. Similarly, Mike never entertains the idea that his own colleagues could be responsible for the murders until the very end of the series. Instead, suspicion falls on the Basher family and Idris, along with a few other misleading clues. This clever technique allows the villains to remain undetected until the shocking climax of Sleeping Dog.

The ending of Sleeping Dog raises concerns about the trust viewers have in the police institution. Throughout the series, there are ample reasons to suspect Zaric and Socke of being involved in the murders of Joachim, Idris, and Judge Herres. However, their positions as police officers protect them from being held accountable. Consequently, they are able to hide the accidental killing of an innocent homeless man and the subsequent multiple murders. It is only when Mike regains his memory that the ending of Sleeping Dog offers a glimmer of hope instead of being entirely bleak.