In a pulse-pounding conclusion to its second season, the NBC crime procedural The Hunting Party left viewers reeling with a dramatic shooting involving lead character Bex and a shocking revelation about the shadowy organization behind the show's central mystery. The episode, which aired on Thursday, May 7, featured Bex, played by Melissa Roxburgh, taking a bullet during a tense confrontation with the villainous Lazarus, portrayed by Kari Matchett. What followed was a surprise twist that upended the team's understanding of their mission, offering Bex a promotion to lead the operation hunting down escaped inmates from a secret prison known as The Pit.
According to a recap from Us Weekly, the finale centered on Bex, her colleague Hassani (Patrick Sabongui), and Shane (Josh McKenzie) piecing together that Lazarus was responsible for the explosion that destroyed The Pit earlier in the season. Driven by her own motives, Lazarus had orchestrated the blast to unleash chaos, forcing the task force into a high-stakes showdown. As the group closed in, gunfire erupted, and Bex was struck in what initially appeared to be a fatal wound. Lazarus, in a desperate bid for freedom, attempted to sway Shane to her side, but Bex's injury proved non-life-threatening, allowing her to rally and help subdue the antagonist.
With Lazarus captured, the episode took an unexpected turn as the trio grappled with the status of their assignment. Officials from the covert agency revealed to Bex that she was being considered for the top role in recapturing the remaining fugitives. The disclosure came with a bombshell: The Pit wasn't merely a containment facility for the nation's most dangerous killers; it was a site where such criminals were actively created through experimental programs. This twist, reported by Us Weekly, added layers of moral ambiguity to the series, questioning the ethics of the very organization the protagonists serve.
The Hunting Party, which premiered on NBC in 2025, follows a elite team of investigators assembled to track down escapees from The Pit, a clandestine prison whose existence is denied by the government. Bex, a former FBI agent renowned for her profiling skills in capturing serial killers, was recruited due to her expertise. The show's narrative has drawn comparisons to other procedurals like 24 and The Blacklist, blending high-octane action with psychological depth. Season 2, building on the first year's escapes, introduced personal stakes for Bex, including the early death of her past connection, Oliver, played by Nick Wechsler.
Viewers have been particularly invested in the evolving dynamic between Bex and Shane, fueled by their shared history of intense fieldwork. Roxburgh, 33, spoke to Us Weekly in February 2025 about the potential for romance amid the danger. “As far as the characters go, I am always cheering for the history and the relationships where it’s like they’ve been through so much together,” she said. She highlighted Shane's steady presence as a contrast to more volatile figures in Bex's orbit, teasing a possible love triangle: “If they do build this love story and love triangle, Shane is safe and he’s very calm and cool waters. We have the bad boy who murdered someone and he had a reason. We have the person who didn’t murder someone. We’ll see.”
The onscreen chemistry received endorsement from Roxburgh's former Manifest co-star, Josh Dallas, who made a guest appearance on The Hunting Party. In an April 2025 interview with Us Weekly, Dallas expressed enthusiasm for the pairing. “I do know [about them]. I was on set and I am a huge shipper of this,” he gushed. “I so want this to happen and I think it would be great.” Dallas, 47, advocated for a gradual buildup to any relationship, urging the writers to embrace the “slow burn” trope that has captivated audiences in shows like The X-Files and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
“What keeps you there episode to episode is the killer and the height of what’s going on and just the craziness of what these killers are doing,” Roxburgh told Us Weekly. “But I think what sticks in your brain as you continue through the show is like, ‘But will they or won’t they? What’s going on there? So I think everyone loves a will they or won’t they?'”
Roxburgh echoed Dallas's sentiments, noting in the same interview that “slow burns are great” for sustaining viewer interest. This romantic tension has become a cornerstone of the series, providing emotional relief from the relentless pursuit of sociopathic inmates who evade capture with cunning tactics. The finale's events, by elevating Bex's role, could accelerate these personal storylines in a potential third season, as she navigates leadership while confronting the darker secrets of The Pit.
Background on the show's production reveals a deliberate focus on character-driven storytelling amid procedural elements. Created by an unspecified team, The Hunting Party has aired 22 episodes across its first two seasons, with each installment typically resolving a standalone hunt while advancing the overarching conspiracy. The Pit's destruction in season 2, episode 1, set the stage for escalating threats, including Lazarus's scheme, which sources describe as motivated by a desire to expose or exploit the facility's experiments.
Cast members have praised the show's balance of action and introspection. Sabongui's Hassani brings tactical expertise from his military background in the narrative, while McKenzie's Shane offers a grounded perspective shaped by personal loss. Matchett's Lazarus, introduced mid-season, emerged as a formidable foe, her portrayal drawing on real-world inspirations from whistleblowers and rogue agents, according to production notes cited in entertainment outlets.
The finale's airing on May 7 coincided with strong ratings for NBC's Thursday lineup, though exact viewership figures were not immediately available. Streaming on Peacock, the episode has already sparked discussions on social media, with fans dissecting the twist about The Pit's true purpose. Some speculate that this revelation ties into broader themes of government overreach, echoing real-life debates on secret detention programs, though the show maintains a fictional lens.
Looking ahead, the promotion of Bex signals potential shifts in the team's dynamics. As the new overseer, she may face internal conflicts, especially if other members question the agency's morality. Roxburgh's comments suggest creators are aware of audience investment in relationships, hinting at more exploration of Bex and Shane's bond. Dallas's guest role, meanwhile, has fueled crossover speculation, with fans hoping for returns from Manifest alumni.
In the context of 2026 television, The Hunting Party stands out among procedurals for its twisty finale, reminiscent of shocking exits in shows like Grey's Anatomy and Bridgerton. Us Weekly highlighted it alongside other heartbreaking TV deaths of the year, underscoring its emotional impact. Whether the series returns for season 3 remains unconfirmed, but the cliffhanger—coupled with loose ends like remaining inmates—leaves ample room for continuation.
The broader implications of the finale extend to the genre itself, where secret prisons and manufactured threats probe ethical boundaries. By humanizing its heroes through personal stakes, the show invites viewers to ponder the cost of justice in a world of hidden agendas. As Bex steps into power, the narrative promises to delve deeper into these questions, potentially redefining the task force's mission.
For now, fans can revisit the season on Peacock, where episodes stream in full. With endorsements from stars like Roxburgh and Dallas, the slow-building romance adds a layer of anticipation to whatever comes next. In an era of binge-worthy thrillers, The Hunting Party has solidified its place, blending suspense with heartfelt connections that keep audiences hooked.