ITV viewers tuning into Luke Evans' new drama The Party were left saying the same thing as the second episode aired on Monday (October 12) night.
The five-part psychological thriller based on Elizabeth Day's novel of the same name follows Martin Gilmour (Luke Evans), a journalist shaped by his lifelong friendship with the wealthy and charismatic politician Ben Fitzmaurice, played by Tom Cullen.
Plot and Police Scenes
Three decades on, Martin is invited to Ben's lavish birthday party at the Fitzmaurice's country pile. However, the news of the Conservative leader's resignation threatens to derail Ben's party as he considers announcing his intention to stand.
Martin fears the publicity that Ben's bid would bring, dredging up the secrets of their past with tragic consequences.
The drama moves between the shocking events of the party and the police investigation that follows, with flashbacks to Martin and Ben's lives at school, university and London party days.
Second Episode Highlights
The second instalment saw a journalist sniffing around for a story and Martin warns Ben to avoid doing anything reckless. Nevertheless, Ben announced his intention to stand as leader of the Conservative Party during his birthday speech.
While Ben's team spiralled, Martin despaired this could be disastrous. Haunted by the absence of Ben's twin sister, Phoebe, Martin recalled their days at university.
On a drunken night out, Phoebe encouraged Martin to express his true feelings for Ben but thanks to Ben's impulsiveness, the night ended in tragedy.
Elsewhere, Lucy learnt from journalist Amina Bates that Martin has been receiving annual payments from Ben's family for almost 29 years. As Ben's mother Katherine reminisced about Phoebe and Ben's childhood, fans saw how Ben's father George made a deal with Martin in the past to protect Ben, the consequences of which threaten to derail the party.
Viewer Reactions
As the drama builds up, viewers were distracted by the police investigation scenes as Martin appeared to be covered in a blooded shirt during his interview at the station.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan penned: "Is there a reason the police haven't taken the bloody shirt off his back and sent for forensics.. it's all very odd this series so far #TheParty."
Another added: "#TheParty if the police thought he was any way involved the blood soaked shirt would be in an evidence bag straight away."
A third person said: "Of course suspects sit in a police interview in a blood stained shirt! nobody has heard of forensics obviously! #TheParty."
Upcoming Episodes
The third episode will air on ITV1 tomorrow night (Tuesday, October 13) but fans will have to wait until Sunday (October 16) for the fourth episode before the series finale airs on Monday (October 17).
The Party is available to watch in full on ITVX.
