'Widow's Bay' Season 1, Episode 3 Ending, Explained

Published on May 06, 2026

Updated on May 06, 2026

Widow’s Bay Season 1, Episode 3, “The Inaugural Swim,” sees things become a little too real for Tom, considering he’s openly doubted everything the townspeople have said about the island being cursed by the supernatural. But the time of denial is over, and things are about to get wild as the episode ends on a cliffhanger.

So, how does Widow’s Bay Season 1, Episode 3, end? And what about all the island lore that was randomly dropped throughout the episode? We’ve put it all together with an additional section on whether this new evidence verifies that the island is actually supernatural. Either way, we’re on a journey when it comes to this Apple TV show!

What Happened At The End Of ‘Widow’s Bay’ Season 1, Episode 3?

Tom heading into the ocean in Widow's Bay

Tom returns home after having a date with tourist Marissa. She wanted to come home with him, but Tom said no. When he enters his home, he’s visibly lethargic and ignores a call from Wyck. The answering machine picks up, and Wyck begs Tom to answer before warning him that the Hag that scratched him will find a way inside his home.

While washing dishes, someone knocks on his front door. They claim to be Marissa, but Tom doesn’t believe her, saying, “I know what you are.” It’s revealed to the audience that Marissa actually came to the door and walked away, embarrassed. Afterward, Tom blocks the door and passes out in his recliner.

Things take a turn for the terrifying when Tom wakes up, barely able to move, with the Hag between his legs. As the Hag crawls over him while cackling, Tom yanks the recliner handle, sending her flying. Then, he drags his body to hide in the bathtub. The Hag quickly finds him. As she’s preparing to sit on his face, Wyck appears and shoots her. She turns into seawater, and Wyck helps him out of the bathtub as the phone rings.

Pastor Bryce proceeds to leave a voicemail where he apologizes and says, “I heard it.” The camera then pans outside as the church bell rings nine times. The final shot is Wyck’s radio coming to life, and Sheriff Clemmons radioing for help because something is happening at Patricia’s cocktails.

Island Lore Revealed In ‘Widow’s Bay’ Season 1, Episode 3

Widow’s Bay continues dropping hints as to the mysteries and lore prevalent on the island. To help you keep track of important details, here is all the island lore revealed in Season , Episode 3, “The Inaugural Swim.”

Richard, the first mayor, had a second wife named Sarah Warren. Her journal is in the island’s historical society.
Island legend says that the Hag targets lonely sailors and follows them home at night. When she scratches you, your skin gets under her nails, making it easier for her to track you. The scratch also paralyzes you. That’s when she strikes and “sits on your face” until you die.
The song of the Hag is: “Lads say farewell to Ensign Trag. He went to shore and met the Hag. With just one gash betrothed they be. She followed him on land and sea. For if you let her pierce your skin, betwixt her thighs, your final sin.”
Tom was previously married, but his wife died due to complications in childbirth.
A lot of the children have never left the island, including Tom’s son.

Is ‘Widow’s Bay’ Actually Cursed By The Supernatural?

As of Season 1, Episode 3, of Widow’s Bay, there’s solid evidence that the island is cursed or haunted by the supernatural. Throughout the episode, Tom saw the Hag multiple times. The sighting on the road could’ve been a woman from the mainland in distress and lost. The second sighting in the water during the inaugural swim could’ve been a hallucination caused by Tom’s own distress. Just like the subsequent scratch on his leg could’ve happened during his panic to get back to shore.

However, any doubts go out the window when the Hag appears in Tom’s home and tries to kill him. We have further proof that the supernatural is real when Wyck appears, shoots the Hag, and she turns into seawater.

The bell ringing nine times with the Sheriff yelling for help could be a sign that this is only the beginning of supernatural occurrences on Widow’s Bay.