“Prime Target” has been a season full of surprises, with both strong and weak moments. The show is based on an exciting idea—what happens when a major discovery changes the world, and who should be responsible for it? However, the show has also faced some criticism.
The main character, Ed (played by Leo Woodall), is written in a way that makes him feel hard to connect with at times. Some viewers also found the cryptography aspect too complicated, making it difficult to fully understand the power of the prime finder.
Even with these issues, Prime Target has remained interesting from start to finish. The show keeps the audience engaged with its action, suspense, and strong performances from actors like Leo Woodall and David Morrissey. The season finale, titled “The Key,” finally shows how the prime finder works, explains its history, and sets the stage for a possible second season.
The Prime Finder Changes Everything in the Finale
In Episode 7, “Prime Finder,” Taylah (Quintessa Swindell) and Ed solve the equation that allows them to find prime numbers in a way that no one else ever has. This discovery gives them the ability to break into any digital system on Earth.
After realizing the power they now hold, they return to Cambridge and make a big decision—they plan to destroy everyone connected to the prime finder, including Jane (Martha Plimpton), Axiorn, and the Kaplar Institute.
To take action, Taylah and Ed use the prime finder to gather damaging information on Axiorn. Taylah then hacks into their systems and sends everything to Fort Meade. At the same time, they use clever tricks to mislead their enemies. Ed walks down a busy street in broad daylight to draw attention, while Taylah secretly carries out their plan.
Even though the situation is intense, the scene feels a little predictable. Throughout the season, there have been several moments where characters had to break into systems under pressure. Because of this, it becomes obvious that Taylah will succeed in her hack. Axiorn’s attempts to catch Ed also seem weak, as they fail to keep up with him in a way that makes them look less threatening.
A Powerful Conversation Between Taylah and Jane
One of the most interesting moments in the finale is a conversation between Taylah and Jane in a wheat field. Taylah explains why she leaked the files—she believes that people like Jane should be held responsible for their actions. Jane, however, disagrees. She tells Taylah that Axiorn is too powerful to be stopped, saying, “They are the money!”
At this moment, Taylah admits that her actions were also personal. She confesses that if she cannot achieve real justice, then at least sending Jane to prison will give her some peace. This moment highlights a key theme in the show—the struggle between personal revenge and true justice. Taylah’s desire to feel better about her past actions makes the situation more complex and raises questions about whether her decision was truly right.
The True Villain of the Show Is Finally Revealed
After this scene, the finale shifts focus to a major reveal. The real mastermind behind everything that has happened is James (Stephen Rea), the Master of College. It turns out that James set everything in motion with the explosion in Baghdad, which was shown in Episode 1, “A New Pattern.”
When James finds out that Ed is back in Cambridge, he meets with him and shares an important secret. He tells Ed that he was the one who invented public key cryptography decades ago. This means that Ed’s new discovery is the exact opposite of James’ work. While James created a way to hide information, Ed has now created a way to uncover it.
James believes that Ed should use the prime finder to break all digital barriers. He regrets that his invention was used to hide government secrets, including information about people who were tortured after 9/11. However, Ed sees the danger in this way of thinking. He realizes that science, when used without limits, can lead to more harm than good.
When James refuses to stop searching for Ed’s formula, Ed makes his most extreme choice yet. He shoots James in the head. This marks a major turning point for Ed. He is no longer just a scientist caught in a dangerous situation—he is now someone who has committed murder to prevent his discovery from being misused.
This moment shows that Ed finally understands that knowledge can be dangerous and some truths might not be worth exposing.
How the Finale Sets Up a Possible Second Season
The ending of the episode strongly hints at a possible Season 2. After James’ death, Taylah takes the blame for Ed. She argues that if he gets caught, the authorities will force him to recreate his formula. There is also another reason for her decision—she wants to be punished for her past actions, especially for the role she played in her boyfriend’s death.
Meanwhile, Ed escapes into the wilderness with the prime finder in his possession. In another twist, Andrew (Harry Lloyd), the man who shot Raymond (Joseph Mydell), is now in charge of an investigation into the NSA. This suggests that real justice may never be served as the system continues to protect the powerful.
The final moments of the season show Ed watching Andrew on TV. He then takes out his phone, opens the prime finder, and clicks “run.” The screen cuts to black, leaving viewers with a big question—what will Ed do next?
Will There Be a Second Season?
At this point, it is unclear if Prime Target will return for another season. In a recent interview, show creator Steve Thompson stated that there are “no assurances” that the story will continue. If the show is not renewed, fans may be left to imagine what happens next.
While Prime Target was not a perfect show, the season finale delivered some strong moments. The journey of Ed was uneven at times, but it was still exciting to watch. By the end of the season, he had fully committed to a side and taken actions that proved his beliefs. His use of the prime finder and his decision to kill James showed how much he had changed.
The prime finder itself was a powerful tool, and it left Axiorn feeling powerless. However, there were some flaws in how Ed and Taylah managed to deceive them. This is similar to other issues in the show, where some moments felt less believable.
Despite its problems, the finale was still a strong episode that kept viewers engaged. Whether or not Prime Target gets another season, it has left a lasting impression with its bold choices and thought-provoking ideas.
Final Thoughts
“Prime Target” may not be a flawless show, but it has delivered a thrilling story. The finale gave viewers intense moments, surprising revelations, and a possible setup for the future. Whether or not Season 2 happens, this episode has ensured that fans will keep talking about the show for a long time.
