Photo credit: www.tvfanatic.com
While procedural dramas are ubiquitous across television networks, The Hunting Party distinguished itself by weaving overarching mystery arcs into its storytelling, alongside a series of weekly serial killer cases.
Viewers were immediately captivated by the chilling escape of dangerous inmates from the Pit, the enigmatic purpose of this facility, and the paradox of its treatments which often exacerbated inmates’ violent tendencies.
Despite an engaging first season marked by strong team chemistry, the show only garnered average ratings and ended with an emotionally charged cliffhanger, leaving fans hopeful for a renewal.
In this article, we will rank and review the most memorable and less satisfying elements of Season 1.
Best Character: Bex Henderson
Bex Henderson emerges as the standout character in The Hunting Party. Though her colleagues, Hassani and AG Mallory, played pivotal roles in her introduction to the team, Bex emerged as its emotional core.
She had a unique ability to connect with victims’ families and effectively profile the serial killers the team pursued.
The reactions of Hassani and Shane to Bex’s insights into the psychological makeup of their targets often delivered humorous and poignant moments.
Yet, her imperfections made her relatable; she wrestled with the guilt of feeling partly responsible for her best friend’s death. The taunts from Eli Johnson further intensified her internal struggles.
Bex also faced a complex emotional dilemma between two men in her life—one who made troubling choices and another who appeared to be changing. This inner conflict was often exploited by the killers, given her open emotional nature.
Character Most in Need of Better Material: Jennifer Morales
Jennifer Morales (Sara Garcia) was somewhat sidelined during the season, often relegated to base work involving research instead of engaging directly in field investigations.
Although she proved her worth by swiftly gathering intel, her character development felt stunted until she expressed her discomfort with dating given her exposure to violent criminals.
Morales prioritized proving her competence to her superiors, particularly Bex, and her opportunity to shine arrived when someone from her hometown was threatened.
We appreciated her bravery when she volunteered to act as bait for Tom Beecher, highlighting her potential as a valuable team member. A subsequent renewal could provide her with the field experience fans are eager to see.
Best Relationship: Bex, Shane, and Hassani
Though an intricate love triangle involving Shane, Bex, and Oliver captured attention, the true highlight of The Hunting Party lay in the dynamic between Bex, Shane, and Hassani.
Analogous to the Time Team from Timeless, the trio evolved from strangers into a tightly-knit unit, demonstrating a gradual build-up of trust and camaraderie.
This bond was vividly illustrated during a critical rescue mission, where the two men rushed to save Bex after her kidnapping.
Their chemistry extended beyond action sequences to include moments of levity, as seen in their playful banter during downtime, thereby enriching their emotional connection.
In the season finale, Hassani’s injury while protecting the team poignantly highlighted the lengths they would go to for each other.
Best Episode: The Hunting Party Season 1 Episode 8 – Denise Glenn
Among various episodes, Season 1 Episode 8 stood out due to its engaging dual mysteries and a cunning killer who toyed with Bex and Oliver.
Denise Glenn, a unique antagonist, believed her killings were artistic expressions inspired by Greek muses, adding a chilling layer to her character.
Complicating matters, a male inmate obsessed with her artistry began to imitate her deadly actions after his escape from the Pit.
The episode captivated audiences with a complex cat-and-mouse dynamic, particularly as Oliver and Bex collaborated to outsmart Denise.
Intriguing twists deepened the plot, including the revelation of AG Mallory’s collusion with nefarious characters and the dark secrets of Shane’s own background.
Most Frustrating Episode: The Hunting Party Season 1 Episode 2
While none of the episodes could be deemed poor, Episode 2 appeared challenging as Bex repeatedly confronted unanswered questions about the Pit.
Dr. Lansing’s cryptic clues regarding Clayton Jessup escalated the intrigue, albeit with a disconnection from the killer’s motives.
However, Bex’s confrontation with her haunting past provided a poignant glimmer of character development amidst the frustrations.
Best Serial Killer: Roy Barber
Roy Barber (Leif Gantvoort) proved to be the most compelling serial killer of the season. Motivated by his own childhood trauma, he saw his actions as a misguided form of assistance to other victims.
His role as a sketch artist allowed him to become entwined in the lives of those affected by domestic violence, which added layers to his motives.
Unexpectedly, the narrative took a turn when a wife orchestrated her husband’s murder with Roy’s help, showcasing the complex web of relationships involved.
His story elicits a blend of horror and empathy, underscoring the twisted nature of his actions while inviting viewers to consider the impact of his childhood experiences.
Most Frustrating Killer: Tom Beecher
In contrast, Tom Beecher’s character in Season 1 Episode 9 represented the height of brutality. His penchant for psychological torture set him apart, as he preyed on the vulnerabilities of his victims.
His disregard for human life especially affected Bex and Hassani, stirring deep emotional responses within the team.
Tom’s memory lapses, a result of experimental surgery, only exacerbated his torment of Bex, heightening the tension in their encounters.
His sadistic enjoyment in inflicting pain rendered him one of the show’s most loathsome characters.
Pit Treatment That Failed the Most: Mark Mardsen’s Wedding Reenactment
What began as an innovative therapy approach at the Pit revealed itself to be counterproductive, as demonstrated in Season 1 Episode 7 involving Mark Mardsen.
Reenacting his wedding with a stand-in bride, intended to desensitize him to past violence, ironically spiraled into a romantic entanglement between them.
This twist echoed the disturbing nature of obsession within unhealthy relationships, illuminating the complexities of Mark’s character.
Most Compelling Mystery: The Pit Explosion
The overarching mystery of the explosion at the Pit served as a captivating backdrop to the season, intertwining with the personal conflicts of the main characters.
Though initially suspected to be caused by Oliver, the narrative evolved into a deeper investigation that showcased the characters’ need to cooperate despite their rocky relationship.
What they uncovered in Silo 12 was chilling, revealing AG Mallory’s dark involvement with a government conspiracy, raising ethical questions and conspiracy theories throughout the story.
Best Cliffhanger: Bex’s Heartfelt Confession
The season concluded with a gripping cliffhanger, as emotional stakes peaked in the final episode. The dilemma between moving forward or reexamining a past relationship between Bex and Oliver was palpable.
Amidst the tension, Bex confronted her feelings just as her colleague’s life hung in peril, catalyzing a heartfelt confession about her true desires.
This emotionally charged moment left viewers yearning for a resolution, amplifying the urgency for the show’s renewal.
Overall Grade: B
The Hunting Party showcased considerable promise and originality within the procedural genre by intertwining compelling season-long mysteries with individual case studies.
The portrayal of various serial killers added depth to the narrative, as viewers grappled with their motivations for violence upon escaping the Pit.
Despite these strengths, the season occasionally faltered in fully developing some character arcs. While Bex received substantial focus, several supporting characters, including Hassani, remained enigmatic, leaving much to explore in a potential second season.
What did you think of The Hunting Party Season 1? What were your highlights from the season? Share your thoughts and ratings in the comments below.
Source
www.tvfanatic.com