Run Away season 1 ending explained: Who really killed Aaron Corval?

Run Away season 1 is a thrilling British miniseries that brings Harlan Coben’s signature suspense and twists to the small screen. This Netflix episode released on January 1, 2026, with Paige Greene, a young lady, disappearing and her father, Simon, desperately searching for her. A missing-person investigation turns into a labyrinth of murder, cults, and family secrets.

Disclaimer: The following article contains spoilers from Run Away season 1. Reader’s discretion is required.

In the final episode, Simon’s relentless search for his daughter, Paige, reaches a shocking conclusion, revealing not just the mystery behind her disappearance but the dark secrets surrounding her family.

In Run Away season 1, Aaron Corval was actually killed by Ingrid Greene, Simon's wife, who murdered him to protect their daughter, Paige. Ingrid killed Aaron after he assaulted Paige again and she feared he would push her further into addiction.

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A father's desperate search for his daughter in Run Away season 1

A detailed recap of Run Away season 1 (Image via YouTube/Netflix)

Run Away season 1 begins with a father's desperate search for his troubled daughter Paige Greene. Simon Greene (James Nesbitt) reveals Paige's contact with unstable young man Aaron Corval (Thomas Flynn).

Simon's investigation is complicated by Aaron's murder. Simon and his wife, Ingrid (Minnie Driver), face additional risk throughout the series due to Paige's drug addiction and dark underworld. The Greene family's hidden cult ties are uncovered after eight episodes.

Simon discovers Paige's involvement with Aaron and his horrible death in the season finale. After disappearing for most of the series, Paige returns and reveals that she was in rehab for her addiction. Simon discovers that Ingrid killed Aaron to protect their daughter, which is startling. More horrifying details about Paige's heritage and the cult that destroyed their family emerge.

Also Read: Run Away season 1 cast & characters: Meet the stars behind the show and the roles they play

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The Shining Truth behind the cult

A detailed recap of Run Away season 1 (Image via YouTube/Netflix)

Throughout Run Away season 1, a mysterious cult, the Beacon of the Shining Truth, looms large in the background. The vicious and manipulative Casper Vartage leads this sect, which believes only a few "divine" sons should inherit power.

Ash (Jon Pointing) and Dee Dee (Maeve Courtier-Lilley) are lethal assassins who are hired to kill these sons because the cult is obsessed with controlling and hiding them.

Aaron Corval and other adopted guys are the cult leader's illegitimate children. He was killed to destroy all of these sons, who threaten the cult's divine succession narrative. As Simon and his family learn even darker secrets, Dee Dee and Ash's attempt to assassinate Aaron turns disastrous. Aaron's murderer is closer to Simon than anyone thought, and the truth is more complicated.

Read More: Run Away season 1 release date, cast details, where to watch, episode count, and other latest updates so far

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The shocking truth about Aaron’s death

A detailed recap of Run Away season 1 (Image via YouTube/Netflix)

In a devastating twist, it is revealed that Aaron was not killed by the cult's assassins, Ash and Dee Dee. Instead, the person responsible for his death is none other than Simon's wife, Ingrid.

Aaron's harsh actions toward Paige may have prompted her to seek therapy, but the truth is worse. After Aaron abused Paige and dragged her back into her bad lifestyle, Ingrid took action. Ingrid killed Aaron to prevent Paige from falling deeper into addiction and misery.

Love and protection for Paige drove Ingrid to kill Aaron. However, this secret costs the Greene family dearly. After Simon tells Ingrid about Aaron's death, they realize their relationship has been damaged, but they agree to keep it from Paige. The family struggles with this falsehood and whether they can recover from the shocking events.

Also Read: Did Netflix crash because of Stranger Things season 5 finale? The final episode's impact, explained

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Paige’s return and her struggles

A detailed recap of Run Away season 1 (Image via YouTube/Netflix)

Paige returns in the finale of Run Away after a tragic and complicated trip. She sought refuge in rehab after fleeing Aaron to avoid her prior trauma. When Simon finds her, she says she was oblivious of the chaos, including Aaron's murder. Though recovered for nearly a month, Paige is still haunted by the events that led to her addiction and her turbulent relationship with Aaron.

In a touching moment with her father, Paige admits that Aaron's death made her feel terrible and responsible. She hid her rehab from Simon out of fear of his disappointment, adding to her guilt. Paige's return is emotionally devastating, and her recovery is far from over. The news that Ingrid killed Aaron to protect her complicates their fragile relationship.

Also Read: 7 thrilling shows to watch if you loved Netflix's Rivers of Fate

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The final revelation and the family's future

A detailed recap of Run Away season 1 (Image via YouTube/Netflix)

As the season ends, the Greenes reveal their darkest secret. Simon discovers Ingrid's cult past and Paige's surprising link to Aaron. On top of their poisonous relationship, Paige and Aaron were half-siblings from Ingrid's cult involvement. Simon must face the shocking consequences of his wife's conduct and their family's falsehoods.

Season 1 finale features a lovely family supper. But the reality weighs on them, and Simon's final look at the camera is frightening. Can the Greenes escape the truth, or will their secrets hound them forever? The series closes with more questions than answers, leaving the emotional toll of the voyage long after screens blank.

Also Read: 7 shows to watch if you liked Netflix’s Too Much

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Run Away season 1 is currently streaming on Netflix.

Edited by Rajan Bhattacharya