Murder in a Small Town: Season 2 Finale Insights Following Karl’s Proposal

Season 2 of Murder in a Small Town concluded with a shocking cliffhanger — so what’s next for the series following that marriage proposal?

In the episode airing Tuesday, December 2, of the popular Fox series, Karl (Rossif Sutherland) was gearing up to propose something significant to Cassandra (Kristin Kreuk). Karl introduced the idea of them moving in together, but Cassandra raised concerns about whether their relationship needed further development.

Taking it a step further, Karl posed the question of marriage to Cassandra, but the episode wrapped up without revealing her response. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Sutherland, 47, discussed the finale — particularly whether Karl and Cassandra are genuinely prepared to advance their relationship.

“I truly believe they’re ready,” Sutherland shared. “I can’t predict exactly what the writers have planned, but with this proposal, it’s clear Karl wants to marry her. However, there’s also a hint of fear and urgency. It’s as if he’s saying, ‘Please don’t leave.’”

The actor gave insights into Karl’s mindset at this pivotal moment.

“He recently faced the threat of losing her. Cassandra was in danger after solving a mystery — a crime that Karl had asked her to avoid due to safety concerns,” he explained. “The prospect of losing her was profoundly upsetting, overshadowing their differences. They may bicker, but ultimately he aspires to share his life story with her.”

Based on the works of L.R. Wright, Murder in a Small Town follows a police chief named Karl who, along with his girlfriend Cassandra, delves into baffling killings.

“By the end of season 1, they were deeply in love and willing to work on their relationship. I think Karl had made up his mind already. However, it was Cassandra who had to come around,” Sutherland reminisced. “By the conclusion of season 2, while there’s been plenty of squabbling and disagreements, they are still communicating. That’s a positive sign.”

He elaborated: “It’s clear this is not going to be a fairy-tale romance. It’s authentic, and this is a reality Karl wants. They’re going to live together, and instead of tiptoeing around each other, they will embrace their space. This is where the family truly begins.”

Looking forward to season 3, Sutherland hinted at the challenges that await Karl and Cassandra.

“The challenge lies in confronting the truths about their past. To achieve genuine intimacy, secrets must be revealed. While secrets exist to protect others, Cassandra is likely to teach Karl — and he’s already learning — the essence of true love,” he remarked to Us. “They’re discovering this together. For that to happen, everything needs to come to light. Karl has a past he hasn’t fully explored — especially regarding his father, who still remains a mysterious figure.”

Sutherland expressed his enthusiasm for the unfolding story.

“The themes of love, aging, and loss are universal. Ultimately, that’s life’s essence. The goal of this show is to capture the extremes of existence,” he emphasized. “Karl, Cassandra, and those in their lives face critical choices. While they may not commit crimes, the central themes resonate throughout their lives. Everything is interconnected. That’s our aim. It’s intriguing playing a character I actually miss and genuinely root for.”

Murder in a Small Town is currently available for streaming on Hulu.