Season 2 of the NBC series 'The Hunting Party' sees the team reinstated, now tasked with capturing dangerous killers from the top-secret prison known as The Pit. However, this time they operate under the enigmatic command of Lazarus (Kari Matchett). The new season significantly raises the stakes, presenting creepier cases, introducing recognizable guest stars, and forcing characters to confront profound moral dilemmas as they choose between light and darkness.

Bex Henderson (Melissa Roxburgh) leads the team, but deep distrust pervades their ranks, fueled by Shane's (Josh McKenzie) mysterious connection to Lazarus and the secrets everyone else is keeping. Questions also surround Hassani (Patrick Sabongui) and his life outside of work, adding layers of complexity to the team dynamic. Melissa Roxburgh, who portrays Bex, expressed her surprise at the unexpected cliffhangers from Season 1 and how Season 2 elevates the narrative with weirder storylines and a more intense ride.

A significant emotional point for Bex, and Roxburgh herself, is the perceived death of Oliver Odell (Nick Wechsler) at the end of Season 1. Despite the series' theme of not trusting anyone, Roxburgh confirmed that as far as she knows, Oliver is indeed gone, a fact that devastates Bex. However, she also hinted at the possibility of a plot twist, given the show's nature, suggesting he might not be truly dead, a sentiment she personally hopes for. The uncertainty surrounding Odell's fate adds another layer of intrigue, especially as plot twists are a hallmark of the series.

The arrival of Lazarus as the team's new commander creates significant complications. The team views Lazarus with deep suspicion, believing her to be a 'bad person,' leading to questions about how they will operate under her authority. They continue to rely on their own knowledge and instincts, feeling thwarted by the higher-ups and constantly receiving misleading or secretive information regarding The Pit mystery. As the audience is aware of Lazarus's true identity as Shane's mother and a former inmate of The Pit, an interesting dynamic emerges. This revelation, if discovered by Shane, would force him to question his own identity and whether he carries the same 'genetic makeup' as a serial killer. For Bex, a profiler with strong feelings for her team, this information presents a significant ethical and emotional challenge.

Season 2 introduces particularly unsettling cases, such as victims trapped in resin in episode two, which Roxburgh found genuinely creepy. The special effects and art department's creation of realistic 'resin people' left a strong impression. The season also boasts an impressive lineup of guest stars, including Eric McCormack, Niecy Nash-Betts, Elizabeth Gillies, and Kelsey Grammer. Roxburgh enjoyed seeing these familiar faces take on dark and unexpected roles, though she noted that due to the converging storylines, actors often only have one or two scenes with the main cast.

The overarching theme of Season 2 involves characters confronting their own demons and making choices between 'light and darkness.' Each character carries a heavy burden: Shane as the son of a serial killer, Hassani grappling with the secret of his wife's death, and Bex dealing with her past trauma of catching a serial killer as a child and the recent loss of Odell. As information begins to emerge, Bex starts to worry about Shane succumbing to the darkness. While most characters face intense personal struggles, Morales appears to be in a relatively stable position, but as Roxburgh suggests, 'no one’s safe' in this season of 'The Hunting Party.' The series airs on NBC and is available to stream on Peacock.