The series' main difference lies in how the narrative is constructed. Each episode presents new clues but also raises doubts, making the viewer constantly question who is telling the truth.
This format, known as the “unreliable narrator,” has been increasingly used in streaming productions — and here it is efficiently explored to keep the audience hooked until the very last minute.
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Understanding the Story of Dele & Dela
The plot begins with a brutal crime: a woman is murdered in a forest in the small town of Dahlonega, United States. The case quickly gains attention and draws Anna back to journalism after a period away due to personal trauma.
At the same time, Jack, her ex-husband, leads the police investigation.
The Past That Connects the Victims
As new crimes occur, a pattern begins to emerge:
- All victims are connected to Anna
- They studied together in the past
- They were part of the same friend group
- They shared an old secret
This detail turns the case into something much more personal than it initially seemed.
The investigation becomes even more tense when Jack is also considered a suspect due to his involvement with one of the victims.
The Big Mystery: Who Is the Killer?
For much of the series, the script leads the viewer to believe that the culprit is Lexi Jones — a former schoolmate who suffered bullying and underwent a radical transformation over the years.
Why Does Lexi Seem Guilty?
The narrative builds strong suspicion around her for several reasons:
- She has a traumatic past with the victims
- She was a victim of violence and humiliation
- She shows deep resentment
- She is directly linked to the group
Everything indicates the murders were acts of revenge.
And this is precisely where the series deceives the audience.
The Twist: The Explained Ending of Dele & Dela
The big plot twist happens only at the end of the series — completely changing the interpretation of the entire story.
After Lexi's death, apparently closing the case, a one-year time jump reveals the shocking truth.
The Real Killer
The person responsible for the crimes is Alice, Anna's mother.
Yes, the character who seemed fragile, elderly, and showing signs of dementia is actually the mastermind behind everything.
She confesses the murders in a letter left for her daughter.
Why Did Alice Kill the Victims?
The motivation behind the crimes is one of the most impactful points of the series.
Alice discovered through old recordings that:
- Her daughter Anna was sexually abused during adolescence
- Other girls were involved in the episode
- Some witnessed or contributed to the trauma
Faced with this, Alice decides to act.
The Feeling of Revenge
She believes she is delivering justice for her daughter.
Each murder had a clear purpose:
- To bring Anna back home
- To keep her close
- To rebuild the broken family
In her mind, everything was done out of love.
The Fake Dementia: A Crucial Detail
One of the smartest elements of the script is how Alice manages to mislead any suspicion.
She pretends to suffer from dementia throughout the entire series.
This causes:
- No one to take her seriously
- Her to go unnoticed in the investigations
- Freedom to act
Additionally, the character's profile completely breaks the stereotype of killers in police series, reinforcing the surprise factor.
Lexi's Role: Victim or Villain?
Another important point is the construction of the character Lexi.
Although presented as the main suspect, she is also a victim of the past.
The Shared Trauma
In adolescence:
- Lexi suffered constant bullying
- She was abused in a traumatic situation
- She carried the consequences throughout her life
The rivalry with Anna stems precisely from this unresolved episode.
In the end, Lexi ends up being used as a scapegoat — both by the narrative and by Alice herself.
The Open Ending: Why Doesn't Anna Reveal the Truth?
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the ending is the decision
