Spoilers for TNT’s Animal Kingdom follow.
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Mia Benitez physically killed Baz Cody, but Smurf Cody ordered the murder. Mia is the person who follows Baz to his car and shoots him. Smurf is the person who arranged the hit through Pete’s gang while she was in jail. That distinction explains why different episode recaps can appear to give different answers.
Mia was the shooter; Smurf was behind the hit
Baz is shot at the end of Season 2 while he is preparing to leave with Lucy. The finale deliberately withholds the attacker’s identity, turning the shooting into one of the show’s major Season 3 mysteries. Baz is taken to the hospital, but the Season 3 premiere confirms that doctors cannot resuscitate him. The series does not reverse the cliffhanger by having him recover; Baz is dead.
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The direct answer to “Who shot Baz?” arrives at the beginning of Season 3, Episode 3, “The Center Will Hold.” The episode replays the attack from the killer’s perspective and reveals that the masked shooter was Mia Benitez. She follows Baz to his car, shoots him multiple times, and escapes in a vehicle connected to Pete’s gang. TVLine’s recap of the episode identifies Mia as the person who carried out the shooting.
But Mia did not independently decide to kill Baz. The larger Season 3 reveal is that Smurf had Baz killed. Smurf arranged the murder while she was in jail, using Pete’s organization as the intermediary and Mia as the actual hitwoman. Smurf later admits to Lucy that she ordered Baz’s death. In other words, the show separates physical action from responsibility for commissioning the crime.
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The relevant arc begins with the Season 2 finale, continues through Baz’s death in the Season 3 premiere, and reveals the shooter in Season 3, Episode 3. Viewers looking to revisit the entire family saga can check the availability of Animal Kingdom complete series DVD; edition, region, seller, stock, and pricing should be verified at the time of purchase.
Why did Smurf want Baz dead?
Baz had become a direct threat to Smurf’s authority and control over the Cody family. He had turned against her, helped have her arrested, and learned more about the ways she had manipulated the family. While Smurf was incarcerated, Baz was also trying to resolve the family’s power-of-attorney conflict and position himself to control assets that had long been under Smurf’s influence.
The conflict was therefore both personal and financial. Baz was attempting to build a life outside Smurf’s control with Lucy, while also taking steps that threatened Smurf’s position and interests. Coverage of the Season 2 finale connects the murder plot with money Baz had taken or hidden. Smurf’s decision to use Pete’s gang shows that the shooting was an organized move to eliminate a rival, not simply an impulsive act by Mia. TVLine’s Season 2 finale recap details Baz’s growing conflict with Smurf and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Rank #2
How the show reveals the truth
- Season 2 finale: Baz is shot while preparing to leave with Lucy. The attacker’s identity is not immediately shown.
- Season 3 premiere: Baz remains critically injured in the hospital and dies after doctors are unable to revive him. Pope becomes determined to find the person responsible and threatens retaliation.
- Season 3, Episode 3: The shooting is shown from the killer’s viewpoint, revealing Mia as the shooter.
- Later in Season 3: Smurf’s role as the person who commissioned the murder becomes clear, including her admission to Lucy that she had Baz killed.
This structure is why the answer should be worded carefully. “Mia killed Baz” is accurate when referring to the shooting itself. “Smurf ordered Baz’s murder” or “Smurf had Baz killed” is accurate when referring to the plan. Saying that “Smurf shot Baz” is not accurate: she did not pull the trigger.
What happens to Mia?
Mia eventually admits to J that she killed Baz. She then tries to use that knowledge against J and the Cody family. J ultimately kills Mia, turning Baz’s murder into another link in the show’s cycle of retaliation. Mia’s later death does not change the chain of responsibility: Mia was the shooter, Pete’s gang helped facilitate the operation, and Smurf commissioned the hit.
Rank #3
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Do not confuse the TV series with the 2010 film
This answer concerns the 2016–2022 TNT television series, not the original Australian film Animal Kingdom (2010). The film has a different storyline and a different version of Baz’s death: police shoot Baz after falsely claiming that he has a gun. That event is unrelated to the television series’ Mia-and-Smurf plot. The film’s synopsis and production information can help distinguish the two continuities.
If you are watching the television show specifically for this mystery, start with the Season 2 finale, then watch the Season 3 premiere and “The Center Will Hold.” Season 3, Episode 3 supplies the immediate answer, while the later storyline supplies the motive and confirms who ordered it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently Asked Questions
Did Smurf shoot Baz on Animal Kingdom?
No. Mia Benitez pulled the trigger. Smurf Cody arranged the murder and ordered the hit through Pete’s gang.
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Season 3, Episode 3, “The Center Will Hold,” replays the shooting from the killer’s perspective and reveals Mia as the shooter.
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Does Baz survive being shot?
No. Baz dies in the Season 3 premiere after doctors are unable to resuscitate him.
Why did Smurf have Baz killed?
Baz had become a threat to Smurf’s authority, family control, and financial interests. He had helped have her arrested, learned damaging information about her, and was trying to gain independence and control over family assets.
Is Baz’s death in the TV series the same as in the 2010 film?
No. The TNT series and the 2010 Australian film are separate continuities. The film presents Baz’s death as a police shooting after officers falsely claim he has a gun.
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Bottom line: Mia Benitez killed Baz physically, but Smurf Cody ordered the hit. Season 3, Episode 3 reveals Mia as the shooter; the later Season 3 storyline confirms Smurf’s responsibility for commissioning the murder.
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