The Westies Season 1 ends with Jimmy Roarke taking control of the Irish gang after finally turning against Eamon Sweeney, while several unresolved conflicts leave Hell’s Kitchen heading toward another violent power struggle.
The MGM+ crime drama wrapped its eight-episode first season with “The Irish Goodbye” on August 23, 2026. The finale brings the growing fight between Jimmy and Sweeney to its breaking point after Sweeney’s decisions cost several members of Jimmy’s crew their lives.
- Release date: July 12, 2026
- Season finale: August 23, 2026
- Episodes: 8
- Genre: Crime drama
- Network: MGM+
- Creators: Chris Brancato and Michael Panes
- Main cast: J.K. Simmons, Tom Brittney, Titus Welliver, Stanley Morgan, Sarah Bolger and Jessica Frances Dukes
Spoilers ahead for The Westies Season 1 finale
Throughout Season 1, Jimmy Roarke struggles with Sweeney’s old-school leadership while the Westies try to profit from construction of the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Their uneasy arrangement with the Italian Mafia also becomes increasingly dangerous as the FBI closes in.
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Things finally collapse after Jimmy learns that Sweeney ordered Sean’s death. Sweeney responds to Jimmy’s rebellion by sending his men after Jimmy’s crew, triggering a shootout that kills Declan and leaves Connor wounded.
How does Jimmy defeat Sweeney?
Jimmy realizes that simply killing Sweeney would create more problems, so he builds a plan that removes his former mentor without starting another immediate war.
Jimmy first captures Sweeney’s right-hand man Eddie and uses him to lure Sweeney into a warehouse. At the same time, Jimmy meets lawyer Ruby Stein and proposes taking over Sweeney’s operation with Paul Castellano’s approval. He also secretly works with Glenn Keenan, who gives him three kilos of cocaine taken from police evidence.
When Sweeney reaches the warehouse, Jimmy and Mickey kill his remaining men and capture him. Jimmy points a gun at Sweeney and pulls the trigger, but the weapon is empty.
Jimmy then leaves Sweeney and Eddie tied up beside the stolen cocaine before tipping off police. Both men are arrested, giving Jimmy the opening he needs to take control.
Jimmy becomes the new leader of the Westies
The final scenes confirm Jimmy’s takeover as he sits in Sweeney’s office with Mickey beside him.
John Gotti soon calls demanding answers about their business. Jimmy makes clear that the Westies have changed direction, while Mickey bluntly dismisses Gotti. The move puts Jimmy in charge while also creating a dangerous new conflict with the Gambino organization.
What happens to Bridget?
Bridget also completes her revenge mission against Colonel Gerald Markham, the man she blames for her family’s deaths.
Markham reveals that Brendan allegedly betrayed Bridget’s parents in exchange for his freedom. After Markham attacks her, Bridget kills him by cutting his throat. She later confronts Brendan and warns him to stay away from her.
The Westies ends with Jimmy controlling the gang, Sweeney alive in custody, Gotti threatening retaliation and Bridget dealing with another possible betrayal. MGM+ has not officially announced Season 2 as of August 27, although the creators have discussed plans for continuing Jimmy and Sweeney’s conflict.
What did you think about Jimmy taking Sweeney’s place, and where do you think the Westies will go next? Let us know in the comments.
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