The Season 2 finale of The Hunting Party, 'Xander Wax,' is a high-concept procedural masterpiece. By dismantling its own status quo and introducing a sinister new conspiracy for the future, the show has officially leveled up. Here is my recap and review.
The episode begins with the team in high gear, tracking the elusive Xander Wax (John Corbett). Wax is a sadistic serial killer who specializes in unpredictable poisonings, lacing everyday consumer products with exotic, untraceable toxins. However, as Bex and Hassani dig deeper into a lead involving a murdered reporter, they realize Wax isn't just a freelancer—he’s a distraction. The investigation is a meticulously crafted ruse orchestrated by Colonel Eve Lazarus.
In a devastating turn, Lazarus is revealed to be the first "graduate" of The Pit’s experimental program, as well as Shane’s biological mother. She lures the team into a kill box, resulting in the tragic death of Mallory and the capture of Bex and Hassani.
Lazarus reveals her true endgame: weaponizing The Pit's inmates into a controllable, private paramilitary army. In a chilling confrontation, she pressures Shane to embrace his "natural" killer instincts. In the episode’s most powerful moment, Shane refuses, effectively breaking the cycle of violence his mother started. In the ensuing firefight, a wounded Bex manages to take down Lazarus just as the Quick Reaction Force arrives to reclaim the facility.
The aftermath of the battle establishes a radical new status quo for the series. With Lazarus neutralized and Mallory gone, whistleblower Philip Beaumont officially appoints Bex as the new head of the task force. However, the victory is short-lived.
While processing the scene, Hassani discovers a photograph that suggests his wife may be deeply involved with the Civil Health Fund, a mysterious organization linked to the illicit medical supplies used at The Pit. With Lazarus gone but a list of high-profile inmates still at large, the team realizes they haven't ended the conspiracy; they’ve only just uncovered its true scale.
"Xander Wax" brilliantly wraps up the season, leaving viewers eager for what's next. The writing is sharp, the stakes feel real, and the performances, especially the intense psychological battles between Shane and Lazarus, are outstanding. Transitioning Bex into a leadership role feels like a perfect, well-deserved step forward for her character. The idea of the "Avenger" Killers forming a "graduate army" of serial killers adds a chilling layer and opens endless storytelling possibilities for Season 3. Plus, Hassani’s wife’s personal connection to the Civil Health Fund is a clever "hook" that keeps the story deeply personal and engaging. I really hope the show gets picked up for Season 3.
Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.
What did you think of the season finale of The Hunting Party? Do you hope for a season three? Leave a comment.
You can catch The Hunting Party on Peacock and Netflix.
Would love to see a Season 3.🙏
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