The Spark Between Bex and Oliver: A Divisive Yet Captivating Romance

The Hunting Party, NBC’s latest crime procedural, has quickly become the talk of the town, not just for its gripping storyline but also for the undeniable chemistry between its leads, Bex and Oliver. This on-screen dynamic has left fans divided, sparking debates about whether these two characters can—or should—rekindle their romance. At the heart of this controversy is a complicated history: Oliver, played by Nick Wechsler, has a dark past, having committed murder, a fact that adds a layer of moral ambiguity to their relationship. Melissa Roxburgh, who brings Bex to life, acknowledges that rooting for Bex and Oliver is an “unpopular opinion,” but she’s quick to defend their connection. “He killed someone. He did a bad thing. [But] there’s so many killers on the show. So it’s OK. It’s fine. It was one little murder,” she quips in an interview with Us Weekly. Her words hint at the show’s morally gray world, where even the most flawed characters can find redemption—or at least understanding.

Melissa Roxburgh on Working with Nick Wechsler: A Friendship Forged on Set

Despite the complexity of Bex and Oliver’s relationship, Roxburgh has nothing but praise for her co-star, Nick Wechsler. The two actors had crossed paths before The Hunting Party, but it wasn’t until the show that they had the chance to work together. Roxburgh recalls, “I had actually known Nick in passing before [the show], and then he nailed the audition.” This prior acquaintance gave them a foundation of familiarity, which made collaborating on set a smoother and more enjoyable process. “So going into filming with him, it was nice to have a little bit of history already—even though I didn’t know him too well,” she adds. Their chemistry is undeniable, and fans are eating it up, even as they grapple with Oliver’s questionable past.

Bex and Oliver: A Love Story Complicated by Betrayal

At the core of The Hunting Party is the story of Bex, a former FBI agent with a reputation for profiling the world’s most dangerous serial killers. Her latest mission brings her back into the orbit of Oliver, the warden of a top-secret prison and her former partner—and ex-boyfriend. Their history is fraught with tension, particularly because their last mission ended in tragedy. Oliver murdered the criminal they were chasing, leaving Bex questioning whether she can ever fully trust him again. Roxburgh, who is deeply invested in her character’s journey, admits she’s drawn to the complexity of their relationship. “As far as the characters go, I am always cheering for the history and the relationships where it’s like they’ve been through so much together,” she says. Yet, she also acknowledges that Bex’s trust issues are valid, given Oliver’s actions.

The Love Triangle: Shane’s Calming Presence

While Bex and Oliver’s relationship dominates much of the show’s emotional landscape, there’s another player in the mix: Shane, played by Josh McKenzie. Shane represents a stark contrast to Oliver’s brooding, troubled persona. He’s calm, reliable, and, importantly, hasn’t committed murder. Roxburgh teases the potential for a love triangle, saying, “We have the bad boy who murdered someone and he had a reason. We have the person who didn’t murder someone. We’ll see.” This dynamic adds another layer of tension to the story, leaving fans wondering whether Bex will choose the familiarity and passion of her past with Oliver or the safety and stability Shane offers.

Melissa Roxburgh on the Show’s Twists and Turns

One of the standout features of The Hunting Party is its knack for keeping viewers on their toes. The show’s unpredictable twists and turns are a hallmark of its storytelling, and even Roxburgh admits she’s sometimes surprised by the direction the plot takes. “I kind of go back and forth,” she says of her experience filming. “There are some days where I’m so overwhelmed by what’s currently happening in the scripts and making sure that I have my lines down or trying to understand it. Then there are some easier days where I’m like, ‘I’m going to go be nosy to the showrunner now because I want to find out what happens.’” As the series progresses, Roxburgh found herself becoming increasingly curious about the mysteries unfolding on screen. Her own curiosity mirrors that of the audience, making her performance all the more authentic and relatable.

The Future of The Hunting Party: What’s Next for Bex and Oliver?

As The Hunting Party continues to unfold, fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next for Bex and Oliver. The show’s premise—a task force assembled to capture dangerous criminals who escaped from a top-secret prison—provides a rich backdrop for both action and emotional drama. Roxburgh’s portrayal of Bex has been a standout element of the series, bringing depth and nuance to a character navigating a world of moral ambiguity. While the show’s future is still uncertain, one thing is clear: the relationship between Bex and Oliver will remain a central focus, keeping viewers hooked as they grapple with the question: Can love survive even in the darkest of circumstances? The Hunting Party airs Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC, with new episodes streaming on Peacock the next day.