The actor opens up about character balance, moral tension, and navigating darkness in NBC’s crime thriller
As Jacob Hassani on NBC’s The Hunting Party, Patrick Sabongui brings balance to the chaotic elements of chasing the country’s most heinous criminals. From the banter between his character and Melissa Roxburgh’s Rebecca "Bex" Henderson to walking the tightrope of political bureaucracy, Sabongui stands out in this ensemble cast. While chatting with FlickDirect, the talented actor shared his thoughts on Season 2, how the show relates to the real world, and his new film project.
For The Hunting Party Season 2, the episodes have heightened the characters, their horrendous crimes, and the hidden tales waiting to be discovered. Sabongui believes that Season 1 established a world that captivated fans. In Season 2, everyone wanted to push a little further, and the fans encouraged them to do so. Whether it is “weirder,” extreme, or another curious adjective, each episode turned into must-see television.
Sabongui believes that the strong material allows him to develop his character. In upcoming episodes, Hassani will reveal more of himself. As Sabongui shared, Hassani will show many reactions to how he is pulled into different situations. The world around him is evolving, and so is he.
One unique aspect of The Hunting Party is that every episode highlights a special guest in a featured role. These criminals are the worst of society, but it allows Sabongui to respond to the “contrasting stimulus.”
As he explained, his character is not responding to a breaking and entering every episode. He has an opportunity to question morals, values, and his worldview. He said, “Having such wildly creative killers gives me something so unique to respond to every week, and I really look forward to it.”
Since these storylines often reflect the worst of society, Sabongui understands that seeing the amplified, extreme depiction of darkness can invite conversation. Having grown up with family members in the mental health field, he appreciates that the show uses elements rooted in reality. Yes, the human mind is capable of many things, but Sabongui does “feel for humanity.”
With many moments of darkness in each episode, it is vital to have a little levity. Hassani and Bex have a back-and-forth that feels almost sibling-like, even at times playful. Sabongui believes these “counterpoints” are vital.
He explained, “I think it's necessary. Without some of the moments of lightness, all you're left with is this dark, harrowing, uncomfortable world of the serial killer without the counterpoint to it. I love being the counterpoint. The humor is the pressure release valve.” Finding those 'balance' moments is what allows them to 'sustain the ship.”
While fans watch each The Hunting Party episode eagerly anticipating the next criminal’s unbelievable story, the core team is vital to the secondary plot. Sabongui believes that Season 2 has Hassani focusing on the integrity of the overall operation.
At the heart of his persona, Hassani is a protector. He wants to keep everyone safe, both his team and the public. That weight is a burden to bear, but one that he welcomes. Even though he struggles with balancing both worlds, his goal is to find a positive outcome for everyone involved.
While The Hunting Party Season 2 is his primary focus, Sabongui just launched another project. His new independent film, In Cold Light, is in theaters now. He stars with Michael Monroe, Troy Kotsur, and Helen Hunt. He is proud to highlight that this project was shot on real film, an 'old-style' production based in Canada.
Ready to dive into the twisted world of The Hunting Party Season 2? New episodes air on NBC every Thursday at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes can be streamed the next day on Peacock.
Tags: patrick sabongui, the hunting party, nbc television, tv interviews, crime drama
