Why Austin Returned to Ashley in ‘Beef’ Season 2 and the Meaning of That Ending

‘Beef’ Season 2 centers its emotional narrative around a pivotal question: would Austin Davis find the strength to leave Ashley Miller behind for good? By the time the finale delivers its final emotional blow, he chooses not to, revealing much about his character.

From the outset, ‘Beef’ Season 2 portrays Austin as someone who prioritizes others’ needs over his own. A standout moment occurs in Episode 4, where Austin gives away Ashley’s favorite red Gatorade to a demanding stranger, opting instead to bring his sick fiancée the yellow flavor she dislikes. Charles Melton explained that this act was driven by Austin’s desire to please others, stating, “He’s a people pleaser.”

This ingrained instinct significantly influences his most important decisions. A flashback to Austin’s childhood reveals that his need for approval stems from years of physical abuse, a theme that ‘Beef’ consistently reinforces.

Austin’s connection with Eunice, Chairwoman Park’s confident assistant, seemed like a genuine opportunity to escape Ashley’s toxicity. As he began to fall out of love with Ashley, he even broke up with her and rushed toward a new life, USB drive in hand, ready to expose the truth. However, when Eunice didn’t reciprocate his feelings, he realized she might also be using him, mirroring the toxic dynamic he was trying to escape. With that door closed, he found himself drawn back to Ashley.

Before Austin could fully process his feelings for Eunice, Ashley revealed she was pregnant in Episode 8. This news shifted his perspective, as she promised their child would inherit his “smile” and “kind heart.” Melton, reflecting on this moment as a new father, shared with Netflix Tudum: “Austin is just so sweet and kind. He has these dreams and hopes of those things Ashley is saying, and he really wants that. He’s trying to grasp at that.” The allure of family and the possibility of passing on his goodness became too compelling for Austin to ignore.

Austin’s decision to return to Ashley becomes even more complex when he chooses to hand the USB drive, containing evidence against Chairwoman Park, to her instead of the authorities. While this act may appear to stem from fear, ‘Beef’ presents it as a deeper psychological choice: a man opting to bear the burden quietly rather than disrupt everyone’s lives, including his own. The final moments of the season depict Austin with a look of resignation, suggesting he has sacrificed too much of himself for others without pursuing his own happiness. Creator Lee Sung Jin emphasized that the ending was intentionally cyclical, illustrating how Ashley and Austin have become a reflection of Josh and Lindsay, exploring themes of generational hubris and the erosion of ideals over time.

Fast forward eight years, and Ashley has become the general manager of Monte Vista Point Country Club, with Austin by her side. Melton has challenged the notion that the final scene encapsulates their entire story, questioning whether Austin’s fatigue means he is unhappy with his life. He elaborated in an interview with Collider: “I think it depends on the day you’re watching the ending and what projection you may have in that moment for what you’re witnessing as an audience member. I think that’s up to the audience to decide.” This ambiguity aligns with the show’s focus on cycles rather than definitive conclusions.

Austin returned to Ashley not because he overcame his struggles, but because he lacked the tools to escape them. ‘Beef’ Season 2 is generous in not punishing him for this, leaving the question of whether his choice was right open for interpretation.

We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments: did Austin make the right choice in returning to Ashley, or has he settled for a life he might regret for years to come?