The Truth Behind the Ozarks in Netflix's Ozark: Location and Criminal Realities

Netflix's hit series Walking Tall adaptation, Ozark, is a thrilling portrayal of the Ozarks region in Missouri. The show features a complex narrative, blending elements of family drama, crime, and survival. While the geography and setting might seem idyllic, the underlying themes of crime and organized activity are rooted in historical and contemporary realities.

Introduction to the Ozarks in Ozark

The series is set in the Ozarks, a rugged and geographically diverse region in Missouri and parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. The show predominantly focuses on the hill country of the Missouri Ozarks. The rural and mountainous terrain of this region is quite different from the common perception of it being a tranquil and sleepy area.

Relating Events in Ozark to Real Location

In the show, the lakes and rivers of the Ozarks are portrayed as glamorous and high-end real estate, but according to a local source, this is not entirely accurate. The actual area around these lakes is predominantly occupied by high-end real estate, but it is not characterized by the same excitement or activity as depicted in the series. Boats and casinos on the rivers are indeed real, but they are not what make the Ozarks a hotspot for crime or excitement.

Interestingly, the KC (Kansas City) mob is mentioned in the show and portrayed as a significant criminal group operating in the region. The KC mob is real, but they are not the only organized crime group active in the Ozarks. The presence of Italian crime syndicates, which extends from Washington DC to Las Vegas, including cities like Omaha and Tulsa, adds a layer of complexity to the criminal landscape. This multidimensional criminal network is far more nuanced and extensive than the portrayal in Ozark.

Organized Crime in the Ozarks

While organized crime is a recurring theme in many series, including Justified with its portrayal of the Dixie Mafia, evidence of criminal activity in the Ozarks is far from just folklore or entertainment. The series Ozark does an excellent job of highlighting the struggles and complexities faced by Alice and Marty Byrde and their family. However, it is important to recognize that the series is a dramatized version of the real-life circumstances in the Ozarks.

The portrayal of crime in the Ozarks is not only limited to the workings of the KC mob. Various local groups and syndicates operate in the region, often in covert ways. The Ozark series, through its narrative, allows viewers to explore the startling truth that high-dollar real estate and seemingly rural landscapes can conceal deeply entrenched criminal activities. The show delves into the complexities of family, financial ruin, and the dark underbelly of a seemingly idyllic location.

Conclusion: The Ozarks, Real and Fictional

While Netflix's Ozark provides a compelling narrative set in the Ozarks, it is essential to separate the dramatic fiction from the real-life circumstances. The Ozarks, with its diverse geography, is indeed a location where stories of crime and organized activities are not unheard of. However, the breadth and complexity of the criminal landscape in the region go beyond what the show captures.

In summary, although the Ozarks can seem tranquil and picturesque, the reality is layered with complex criminal networks. For those curious about the authenticity of the Ozark setting, it is crucial to recognize both the beauty and the underlying reality that the series Ozark touches upon.