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The final moments of Fox's Found left viewers reeling, and Shanola Hampton, who plays Gabi in the twisty procedural, is just as stunned as they are. In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hampton breaks down Gabi’s shocking confession in the series finale and unpacks the mystery surrounding Sir’s brutal attack in his jail cell.

“It was a big reveal,” Hampton says of Gabi’s admission that she was the one who initially lured Duncan to the island, setting off the chain of events that led to the missing persons cases. “I think it’s a really beautiful, heartbreaking reveal because it shows how deeply damaged she is and how much she’s been hurt. She’s been carrying this secret and trauma for so long, and it finally comes out in a very raw and vulnerable way.”

Throughout the first season, Gabi’s character was shrouded in mystery, with viewers questioning her motivations and allegiances. The revelation that she was responsible for Duncan's disappearance adds a new layer of complexity to her character, highlighting the devastating impact of her own past trauma.

“I think it solidifies her as a tragic figure,” Hampton explains. “She’s not necessarily a bad person, but she’s a person who’s made some really bad choices because of her own pain. And I think that’s what makes her so compelling to watch.”

But the finale wasn’t just about Gabi’s confession. It also left viewers with a major cliffhanger: Sir, the serial kidnapper who has terrorized the island for years, was found seemingly lifeless in his jail cell, the victim of a brutal attack. The scene was unsettling, leaving many to wonder who was responsible and what their motives were.

“It was shocking,” Hampton admits. “I think it really speaks to the danger that still exists on the island. Even though we’ve brought some of these cases to a close, there’s still a lot of darkness and secrets lurking beneath the surface.”

The identity of Sir's assailant remains a mystery, but the attack suggests that someone on the island has a vendetta against him. Was it a victim's family member seeking revenge? A fellow inmate? Or someone else entirely?

Hampton teases that the showrunners have a lot of ideas for where the story could go in a potential second season. “I think they’re really excited to explore the fallout from all of these events,” she says. “There are so many unanswered questions, and I think that’s what makes the show so compelling.”

The finale’s ending, with Gabi and Violet staring out at the ocean, suggests that the search for missing persons will continue, and that the island’s secrets will keep coming to light. The question remains: Will Gabi find redemption, or will she be consumed by her past?

With its blend of mystery, suspense, and complex characters, Found has quickly become a fan favorite. And with a potential second season on the horizon, viewers can expect even more twists and turns in the search for the missing.