Prime Target has been an intriguing season of television, balancing a compelling premise with some significant flaws. The show explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding groundbreaking discoveries, particularly through the character of Ed (Leo Woodall), a mathematical genius. However, issues with his character development and the complexity of the cryptographic elements made it difficult for viewers to fully engage with the story. Despite this, the season maintained a sense of tension and intrigue throughout.
Strong Performances and Complex Technology in an Intense but Flawed Season Finale
One of the show’s strengths has been its cast, with actors like Leo Woodall and David Morrissey bringing depth to underwritten characters. The season finale, The Key, showcased the use of the prime finder, revealing its origins and setting up potential conflicts for a second season. While the action remained intense, the series struggled with making the audience truly believe in the stakes of its central technology. The cryptographic concept, though fascinating, was often too complex for general viewers to grasp fully.
Leo Woodall as Edward Brooks (Photo: Prime Target/Apple TV+)In the finale, Taylah (Quintessa Swindell) and Ed return to Cambridge, determined to dismantle powerful institutions like Axiorn and the Kaplar Institute. By using the prime finder to expose Axiorn’s secrets, they successfully undermine its influence. However, the tension of the hacking sequences felt predictable, as similar high-stakes moments had played out multiple times throughout the season. Additionally, Axiorn’s lack of competence in tracking Ed weakened their credibility as a serious threat.
Justice and Revenge in Taylah and Jane’s Conflict Over Moral Accountability
One of the most compelling moments of the episode was the conversation between Taylah and Jane (Martha Plimpton) about accountability and justice. Taylah’s decision to expose Axiorn wasn’t just about morality—it was also a personal act of revenge. Jane’s response, highlighting that true justice is impossible because wealth and power will always protect the guilty, added depth to the show’s themes. This conflict between self-interest and justice was a highlight of Prime Target’s storytelling.
The finale also revealed James (Stephen Rea), the mastermind behind much of the season’s events. His role as the inventor of public key cryptography positioned him as the ideological counterpoint to Ed. When James insisted on using the prime finder to dismantle secrecy worldwide, Ed realized the dangers of unchecked scientific discovery. In a shocking moment, he chose to kill James, marking his full transformation and commitment to the idea that some knowledge should remain hidden.
The season ended with Taylah sacrificing herself to protect Ed, allowing him to escape with the prime finder. Meanwhile, Andrew (Harry Lloyd) takes charge of the investigation, suggesting that justice will remain elusive.
The final scene, with Ed activating the prime finder, hinted at a major confrontation ahead. However, the future of Prime Target remains uncertain, as the show’s creator has stated that a second season is not guaranteed. While the finale had its flaws, it was a compelling conclusion to an uneven but engaging season.
