Based on NBC’s podcast of the same name as well as segments of ‘Dateline’ surrounding around Betsy Faria’s tragic murder, ‘The Thing About Pam’ dives deeply at how Pam Hupp mismanaged the entire matter for years. After all, she not only lies repeatedly to preserve herself, but she also goes to tremendous lengths to ensure that everyone sees her in a positive way — something that changes dramatically in episode 5. So, if you want to catch up on the happenings of this installment and gain a full understanding of its conclusion, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

Recap of The Thing About Pam Episode 5

The fifth episode, aptly named ‘She’s Not Who You Think She Is,’ wastes no time in getting to the point by insinuating that Pam may have had a hand in a few weird deaths over the years. It begins with the Hupp family in Florida in 2003, and how she wants to go to Michigan as soon as possible (with a lot of money) after the death of an older woman she knew, Mrs. Fitzgerald. Then, not only does it skip ahead to discuss the public’s reaction to her as a result of an embarrassing ‘Dateline’ episode, but it also raises key issues about her mother’s death in 2013.

Producer Cathy Singer initiates this line of inquiry for updated coverage in the NBC series, but despite receiving no straight answers, the one constant component is Pam’s reticence to speak out. Having said that, viewers do get a glimpse of who the flipper on disability truly is, owing to her testimony during Betsy’s children’ battle against her for the insurance money. Pam repeats her claims of having memory problems due to a “traumatic brain injury,” never explicitly answers any questions, and even admits she lies when others annoy her.

Everyone is taken aback by this last remark, but Pam wins the civil claim regardless because there is no evidence that Betsy left the $150,000 in her friend’s name for her daughters. The fact that she literally rushes out of the courtroom and still refuses to speak to media despite her comments inside does not sit well with anyone, either, and she has gained additional notoriety as a result (not the good kind). Pam’s neighbor/friend also turns against her as a result of a mix of old and new elements. In addition, a future encounter motivates one of Betsy’s daughters to go to California in search of a fresh start.

The link between Pam and District Attorney Leah Askey fades as well, especially because prosecutor Mike Wood decides to run against the latter for office by making this case the centerpiece of his campaign. He even speaks with a now-exonerated Russ Faria’s defense attorney, Joel Schwartz, in order to gather as much information as possible about Pam in order to make the best of the situation for all sides. Furthermore, Tina plays an important part once again by simply destroying the confirmation paperwork for the “destruction of evidence” instruction earlier given by Leah.

Will Pam Really Get Rid of the People in Her Way? The Thing About Pam Episode 5 Ending: Will Pam Really Get Rid of the People in Her Way?

Throughout episode 5, Pam’s husband and son try to persuade her that they should leave their small community because of the hate they face. However, Pam argues that she would not migrate because when there are hurdles or people in the way, you don’t run; you “get rid of it” while “taking care” of her ailing neighbor Minnie. The image of her shooting at a tree emblazoned with a large red “X” during this declaration adds to the ominousness, implying that she intends to escalate the situation. Pam’s efforts to hurt the people she identified, on the other hand, will be different.

After all, she has previously demonstrated her ability to influence others in unique ways, whether through a letter sent in someone else’s name or by completely exploiting her fame to damage reputations. Pam sends Betsy’s daughter Mariah Day a harsh message at her workplace with his name scribbled at the bottom in this episode after noticing her daughter’s lingering fondness for Russ. She truly tears the young girl’s heart, until she recognizes the handwriting a short time later. Furthermore, Pam attends one of Leah Askey’s public rallies as part of her re-election campaign and appears to purposefully make herself known in order to deter the general public from supporting the DA.