Melissa Roxburgh Reflects on Devastating Loss in The Hunting Party Season 2

The premiere of The Hunting Party Season 2 has sent shockwaves through its fanbase, confirming the death of a major character. Melissa Roxburgh, who plays FBI profiler Bex Henderson, expressed her heartbreak over the loss of her on-screen partner, Odell, portrayed by Nick Wechsler. The episode, titled “Ron Simms,” aired on January 8, 2026, and set the tone for a season filled with emotional turmoil and intense investigations.

In the opening episode, Bex and her team—comprising CIA and FBI agents, Army Intelligence, and prison officers—are tasked with uncovering the truth behind an explosion at a high-security prison known as The Pit. The prison housed some of the country’s most dangerous criminals, who have since escaped. The previous season left viewers on edge as Bex and her colleagues pursued Eliza Coupe’s character, Jenna Wells, known as “The Killer Chemist.” The season finale raised the stakes dramatically, leaving Odell’s fate uncertain after he was poisoned by Wells.

Roxburgh revealed her initial reaction to the news of Odell’s death during an interview with ScreenRant’s Grant Hermanns. She stated, “I was devastated” and reflected on her collaborative experience with Wechsler during the first season. She noted, “It was awesome working with him. He is an amazing person and such a good actor.” Her surprise at the decision to kill Odell off was palpable, especially considering he was a series regular. Roxburgh speculated, “There’s a chance that he’s not actually dead. It’s all one big conspiracy theory,” while acknowledging the emotional weight of the loss.

As Bex grapples with Odell’s death, Roxburgh described her character’s coping mechanisms. Bex is skilled at “compartmentalizing” her feelings, which allows her to focus on her work. Despite this, Roxburgh hinted at Bex’s internal struggle, suggesting that her grief may surface unexpectedly throughout the season. In a poignant scene, Bex visits Odell’s grave and spends time in his empty office, a moment that Roxburgh termed “unavoidable.” She noted that Bex channels her anger and pain into her work, leading to a fierce confrontation with Ron Simms, played by Eric McCormack, in the premiere.

The dynamics between Bex and her colleague Shane are expected to evolve this season. Although Odell’s absence could simplify matters, Roxburgh indicated that the complexities remain due to revelations about Shane’s character, who has ties to a serial killer known as Lazarus. This newfound tension introduces a different type of triangle, albeit not romantically. Roxburgh explained, “Bex has so much pain and heaviness in her that she hides very well, but Shane is the light.”

As for the evolving team dynamics, Roxburgh acknowledged the challenges posed by Lazarus’ influence within the group. The introduction of this character creates new obstacles, and the team must navigate mistrust as they pursue both graduates and escapees from the prison. Roxburgh hinted at the unpredictability of the storyline, stating, “I actually don’t know how it ends.”

New episodes of The Hunting Party Season 2 will air every Thursday at 10 p.m. EST on NBC. As the series unfolds, audiences can expect a blend of emotional depth and action-packed investigation as Bex and her team confront both personal and professional challenges.