The 'Bear' is a mysterious figure connected to Rose Blackdeer's disappearance. Dana finds romantic letters signed by 'Bear' in Rose's jewelry box and suspects Blaine Abel after recognizing a bear claw necklace he wears. Blaine is questioned but claims he was traveling when Rose disappeared, showing surprise when the name 'Bear' is mentioned, leaving his exact identity ambiguous but strongly linked to the case.

Episode 8 uses flashbacks to show Rose's last days before Revival Day, including her argument with Jesse about leaving Wausau and the significance of her land. It reveals Rose was planning to move to Chicago and had a secret correspondence with someone called 'Bear'. The flashbacks also connect Blaine Abel to Rose and Em's murders, suggesting he killed them both.

Blaine Abel is implicated as the likely killer of both Rose Blackdeer and Em. Dana finds evidence linking a vehicle from Blaine's towing lot to the case, and Em recalls Blaine being with her on the night she died. Blaine's frequent correspondence with Rose and suspicious behavior during questioning further connect him to the murders.

Jesse Blackdeer is initially suspected but Dana believes he is innocent. He is shown arriving at the police station to inquire about Rose two years prior. Despite substantial proof against him, Dana trusts Jesse and instead focuses on finding the real culprit, the 'Bear'. Jesse also discovers Rose's body in a car on his property later in the episode.

Mai Tao is revealed to have a much deeper connection to the Blackdeer case than Dana initially knew. The episode uncovers this link, though specific details are not fully outlined in the summaries, indicating Mai Tao's involvement or knowledge is significant to the unfolding investigation.