The highly anticipated season 2 of The Hunting Party premiered on January 8, 2026, revealing a shocking twist: the death of a major character, Nick Wechsler’s Odell. This pivotal moment has left audiences and the cast grappling with the emotional fallout. Melissa Roxburgh, who stars as FBI profiler Bex Henderson, expressed her devastation over Odell’s departure during an interview with ScreenRant.
The season kicks off with Bex and her team investigating a catastrophic explosion at a secret prison known as The Pit, where the country’s most dangerous criminals were held. Following the season 1 finale, where Odell was poisoned by the antagonist Jenna Wells, played by Eliza Coupe, viewers were left uncertain about his fate. The premiere confirms the character’s death, deeply affecting Bex, who mourns the loss of her partner.
Roxburgh reflected on the impact of Wechsler’s character, describing their collaboration in season 1 as “awesome.” She noted that many expected Odell to survive, given his status as a series regular. “I was devastated to learn that Odell was officially dead,” she said, acknowledging the depth of their on-screen chemistry.
Bex’s Grief and Character Development
Exploring how Bex copes with Odell’s death, Roxburgh highlighted her character’s ability to compartmentalize her emotions. Bex is depicted as someone who builds protective walls around herself, even while managing the complexities of her professional life, which includes raising a daughter. Despite the darkness surrounding her work, Bex’s grieving process is evident in the premiere, notably when she visits Odell’s grave and spends time in his empty office.
Roxburgh described this aspect of Bex as “unavoidable,” suggesting that her character channels anger and pain into her work. A particularly intense scene features Bex attacking Ron Simms, portrayed by Eric McCormack, reflecting her internal struggle as she navigates the challenges of the investigation.
Changing Dynamics in Season 2
The dynamics among the characters are shifting significantly this season. With Odell gone, Roxburgh hints at potential developments between Bex and Shane, suggesting that their relationship becomes more complex. “Bex has so much pain and heaviness in her that she hides very well, but Shane is the light,” she explained. This interplay suggests that while their relationship may deepen, it will also be complicated by the secrets and challenges they face together.
Additionally, the introduction of a new character, Lazarus, who takes control of the team, adds an intriguing element to the storyline. Roxburgh indicated that Lazarus’s presence creates distrust among team members, as they navigate the murky waters of who they can rely on. The tension surrounding her leadership raises questions about the team’s ability to work cohesively as they hunt down escaped criminals.
As the season unfolds, fans can expect to see more twists and turns, with Roxburgh admitting that she is also intrigued by the direction of the plot, stating, “I actually don’t know how it ends.”
New episodes of The Hunting Party air Thursdays at 22:00 EST on NBC. The series continues to follow a dedicated team of investigators as they tackle dangerous fugitives from a high-security prison, while uncovering unsettling truths about the facility itself.
