NBC’s ‘The Hunting Party’ Is a Sound Serial Killer Procedural With Sharp Twists: TV Review

Our culture has a strong interest in criminal activities, which is evident in the enduring popularity of crime-related content across multiple platforms such as movies, podcasts, and television shows. In NBC’s latest procedural crime drama titled “The Hunting Party,” produced by JJ Bailey, the focus is on cunning, merciless, and relentless serial killers. The show appears to blend elements of NBC’s “The Blacklist” and CBS’ “Criminal Minds.” Although it can be somewhat unsettling and predictable at times, “The Hunting Party” remains an engaging viewing experience overall.

The story of ‘The Hunting Party’ unfolds after a devastating explosion that not only claims numerous lives but also raises significant concerns. The explosion leveled a top-secret prison known as The Pit, which housed the world’s most ruthless and dangerous criminals. To make matters worse, it appears that not all of the prisoners have been accounted for. In an attempt to conceal their dark secret and capture the escaped sociopaths, the government recruits ex-FBI profiler Bex Henderson (played by Melissa Roxburgh) and assembles a task force. The team includes CIA agent Ryan Hassani (Patrick Sabongui), former Pit guard Shane Florence (Josh McKenzie), Army intel officer Jennifer Morales (Sara Garcia), and Oliver Odell (Nick Wechsler), the former warden of The Pit.

Excited to return to work, Bex sets off on a high-speed adventure, sifting through ancient documents and recordings alongside Ryan and Shane, who are traveling across the country to apprehend evaders. Meanwhile, Oliver and Jennifer remain stationed at headquarters, providing data and coordinates to the mobile team. Although everyone seems focused on the same objective, certain members of the task force harbor secrets and concealed agendas. Ryan isn’t comfortable with Bex querying Shane about the prison, and some others are preoccupied with hiding their past actions and concealing other hidden matters from view. Furthermore, since many criminals from The Pit were believed to have been executed, it is crucial to apprehend them without causing a public stir.

In Episode 2 titled “Clayton Jessup,” named after the fugitive, we delve deeper. The disturbed character displays a unique form of chilling intimidation. This episode sheds light on Bex’s former FBI case that resulted in her dismissal and offers hints about her past. These elements provide viewers with a glimpse into the complex tapestry of stories the writers are crafting. Moreover, unexpected plot developments make this series stand out from typical TV dramas.

Overall, “The Hunting Party” stands out as a gripping crime series, where each episode focuses on the pursuit of ruthless killers by Bex and her team. The graphic content (suitable for broadcast television) encompasses a wide range of horrors, such as a man who derives pleasure from both killing and resurrecting his victims, along with a more unanticipated predator who utilizes real wolves for hunting. Despite the consistent structure of each episode, there’s a fair amount of unexpected twists to keep the audience engaged.

The fascination of the series lies in its numerous unresolved mysteries. The fact that The Pit even exists raises concerns (and it’s unsettling to note that it’s not entirely implausible). Moreover, enigmas such as Bex’s exclusion from the FBI, Shane’s experiences within The Pit, Oliver’s return, and Ryan’s genuine intentions serve as captivating subplots throughout this initial season.

In spite of some parts having an excessive sepia color that unnecessarily darkens the show, along with a few humorous moments that seem unintentional, such as barcodes on inmates’ feet, hitchhiking scenes (in 2025), and using a cargo container to house one individual prisoner, “The Hunting Party” still manages to work effectively. The series may not be revolutionizing television, but the characters are captivating, and the cases are unique and intriguing enough to stand alone. Although critics were only given four episodes of the 10-episode first season, this crime drama has the potential to sustain its momentum throughout the rest of the season.

“The Hunting Party” premieres Feb. 3 on NBC, with new episodes dropping weekly on Mondays.

Read More

2025-02-03 18:16