NBC's new series, The Hunting Party, uses the much-loved supermax prison theme, typically chock-full of despicable criminals and thrilling plotlines, however the series struggles to leave an impact. During its initial four episodes, it displays an array of uninspiring characters against a generic backdrop. Despite its usage of a classic television trope - a supermax prison full of notorious criminals, The Hunting Party fails to deliver riveting character dynamics or a captivating narrative.
The story begins within a mysterious subterranean prison that's habited by supposed 'dead' criminals. As the plot unveils we witness an explosion and the unknown number of inmates escaping. The series then introduces its protagonists, starting with an ex-FBI agent, Bex Henderson, who now works at a casino in Portsmouth, Virginia. She's recruited by a CIA agent, Jacob Hassani to help investigate the prison named 'The Pit', that just exploded.
Other characters roped into the pursuit including Shane Florence, a former prison guard and Jennifer Morales, an army intelligence officer but neither appear to add anything substantial to the plotline. Richard Harris, a serial killer and the first escaped convict they hunt, was caught by Bex in her first case - a little titbit that brings into play Bex's former partner, Oliver Odell.
NBC has labelled The Hunting Party as a 'high-concept thriller', however, the drama lacks a hook that could make it compelling. The Pit, the prison at the heart of the narrative, doesn't generate curiosity about its workings or its inmates. Nor do the escaped prisoners, who venture into the outside world, provide interesting or suspenseful storylines.
The characters fair no better. Each harbours a 'dark secret' but none are particularly engaging or unique. The interactions between characters fail to spark chemistry and their individual narrative arcs have been underwhelming so far. Even Bex, whom the show positions as an all-knowing profiler, fails to generate interest among the audience due to her lack of humanizing relationships.
Overall, The Hunting Party's attempt at reproducing the intriguing supermax prison motif falls flat with its forgettable plotlines, unengaging characters and lack of suspense. Its lacklustre narrative makes it hard to see it pulling viewers in for a second season.
