Prime Video’s ‘The Better Sister’ centers on two sisters – Chloe and Nicky – whose lives are turned upside down when the former’s husband, Adam, is murdered. Complications arise when we learn that Nicky used to be his wife and is the mother of their child, Ethan, who becomes the prime suspect in the killing. As such, the two sisters must come together to ensure Ethan does not go to prison for a crime they don’t believe he committed. In the journey, Nicky must confront her complicated past, coming face-to-face with her battles with alcoholism. As she attends several group therapy sessions for alcoholics, she crosses paths with a charming man named Ken, who slowly develops a closer relationship with her. To that end, their bond becomes a subject of interest throughout the narrative as Nicky juggles her various responsibilities. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Nicky’s Decision to Leave Puts a Dent in Her Relationship With Ken
The relationship between Nicky and Ken kicks into gear after the former attends the Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in the middle of Ethan’s court proceedings. These sessions showcase Nicky’s problems with alcoholism and how she has managed to keep a lid on it through continued efforts of her own. As such, when she meets Ken at these events, she is often divulging secrets about herself that are incredibly private and make her feel vulnerable. Yet, they become the foundation for her bond with Ken, who, contrary to expectations, turns out to be a wholesome individual who has no intention of exploiting her in any way. Instead, as Nicky and Ken grow closer together, it seems as if she may have found the perfect individual to spend the rest of her life with, even though it is merely characterized as a fling in those initial stages.
Near the end, a challenge presents itself as Nicky decides to return to Cleveland, Ohio. After dealing with Ethan’s court case and the growing concern over her own future, she believes it is best for her to return to a life of obscurity. She is also reassured by Ethan’s willingness to join her in the process. To that end, she breaks the news to Ken that she is likely heading away, signifying an end to her tryst with him. He expresses his disappointment with her choice but also accepts it wholeheartedly, realizing that something of the kind was always fated to happen. In some ways, the good times they spent together have a fleeting nature to them, almost in contrast to the rest of Nicky’s otherwise painful life. However, the story’s final moments indicate that something more positive might be available for the couple moving forward.
Nicky’s Reconciliation With Chloe Could Mean Something More For Her and Ken
Despite seeking to leave, Nicky seemingly has a change of mind at the end. After telling Chloe about her intentions to return to Cleveland, Nicky asks her sister if her loyalties lie with the family and Ethan. This is vitally important to Nicky because she senses that Chloe’s priorities are often skewed by her job responsibilities. To that end, she senses that taking Ethan away from that type of culture might be the best for everyone moving forward. However, the ultimatum forces Chloe to firmly place her commitments with Nicky and Ethan, stating that they are more essential to her than anything else in her life. Subsequently, we see Nicky loosening her mindset of leaving New York and heading away, meaning her future lies alongside Chloe in the city. While it is hard to confirm beyond any doubt, they are willing to accept one another with all their flaws.
As a result of Nicky’s final decision, her relationship with Ken could be back on the cards. Earlier, she had to break up with him partially because of the distance that would creep in between them when she headed back to Cleveland. However, now that her travel plans are likely no longer in her plans, she and Ken could have the future they would have wished for while together. It is evident that they are happy whenever they are together, even though they might be at a later stage in life. As such, it opens the door for them to experiment in their relationship and see what suits them best, even if that might mean forgoing marriage. The main thing is that Nicky gets to spend her time being a mother to Ethan, which allows her to reforge her bond with Chloe and continue her passionate affair with Ken.
Read More: The Better Sister Ending Explained: Who Killed Adam?