The Party concluded on Monday evening (October 19) following five episodes, but some viewers were left wanting more drama. The complex narrative shifts between a party, a police inquiry and flashbacks to the earlier years of Martin Gilmour (Luke Evans) and Ben Fitzmaurice's (Tom Cullen) life.
It was here the pair had been involved in a car accident during their teenage years, which claimed the life of Ben's twin sister. While Ben was driving, three times over the limit, Martin accepted responsibility after being pressured by Ben's father, Lord George Fitzmaurice (Douglas Hodge), leading to a substantial annual payment.
Final episode twists
Martin is a working-class lad who secured a scholarship to an exclusive boarding school and developed a lifelong friendship with the affluent, charismatic Ben, though their relationship was very complex. Years later, and now married, Martin attended Ben's extravagant birthday celebration as Ben contemplates a bid for the Conservative leadership, fearing the accompanying scrutiny could reveal secrets from their history.
In the concluding episode, which is based on Elizabeth Day's bestselling novel and adapted for television by Sarah Solemani, who also features in the cast, Martin drew a weapon on Ben. He accused his old pal of destroying his childhood and leaving him damaged in adulthood. Ultimately, Ben managed to persuade his friend to stand down and removed the gun from him, though after confessing he'd always loved him, he turned the weapon on himself.
Viewers react to the ending
Ben's wife, Serena (Lydia Leonard), heard the shot and discovered Martin holding the firearm, which he'd grabbed from Ben as he collapsed. She believed Martin had killed her husband and informed the authorities. Ben survived, and Martin was taken into custody before subsequently being released by police. Nevertheless, a detective remained determined to pursue a fresh investigation into the historical car accident.
Martin recognised the moment had arrived to distance himself from the Fitzmaurice family. Following a hospital visit to Ben, he departed and started confronting the world with renewed determination. While walking through the park, he observed a male couple with their newborn baby, a smile crossing his face, as if he'd caught sight of the contentment that might one day be within his reach.
Despite the compelling finale being packed with unexpected developments, The Party audiences questioned the "abrupt" conclusion and criticised the drama for leaving the storyline "incomplete". On X, one viewer complained: "Is that it? What a waste of my time... #TheParty", while another concurred: "What a waste of 5 nights #theparty." A third questioned: "#theparty is that it?", while another added: "What a **** ending. So many unanswered questions and loose ends #TheParty." "#TheParty the night went on for weeks and now it's getting wrapped up quicker than Poirot says no no mon ami !", joked another viewer.
The Party is available on ITVX.
