Who Is Sergeant Groomes in Duster Episode 1’s Ending? Explained

Episode 1 of Max’s new drama, Duster, concludes with the revelation that Jim Ellis (Josh Holloway) is under surveillance by Sergeant Groomes. Jim has been a loyal driver for Phoenix crime boss Ezra Saxton.

However, in a plot twist, he secretly becomes an FBI informant after being recruited by Nina Hayes, who is portrayed as the first Black female FBI agent in 1972. This double-agent arrangement sets the stage for the upcoming central conflict between Saxton and Ellis.

Who is Sergeant Groomes and what does he find out about Jim in Duster Episode 1?

Max’s latest crime thriller, Duster, has set the expectations high with Episode 1, where Jim Ellis and Nina Hayes (Rachel Hilson) come together to make a case for local kingpin Ezra Saxton. The duo doesn’t know that Saxton is keeping a watch on Jim using local Sergeant Groomes.

At first glance, Jim’s repertoire in his “job” seemed paramount. Saxton’s boss trusted him to carry an organ for his son, Royce Saxton. However, FBI agent Nina Hayes found a crack that could ultimately overturn Saxton’s dominance in Phoenix.

As the local crime lord, Saxton has committed several murders. Nina discovered that Jim’s brother’s death could also be Saxton’s cruel play. When the FBI agent presents the surveillance footage to Jim, he does not believe Nina right away.

Jim’s loyalty shifts when Saxton “jokes” about killing Bob Temple, an elderly man who fell victim to Saxton’s elaborate blackmailing game. Jim signs on as an informant to prove that Saxton didn’t kill his brother. Nina reveals her father died similarly, suggesting Saxton likely ordered Jim’s brother’s murder.

In the ending scene of episode 1, fans discover that Saxton does not trust anyone. He has employed a local sergeant to keep track of Jim’s activities. Sergeant Groomes witnesses Jim signing the contract with FBI agent Nina.

As per the established DNA of the 70s crime shows, the main conflict of Duster will revolve around a charismatic Jim Ellis and the shrewd crime boss, Ezra Saxton (Keith David). As a bonus, fans get to enjoy the immersive world of New Mexico in the 1970s.

After episode 1, fans took to social media to discuss the Lost actor Josh Holloway‘s return in Duster. A viewer gushed on Reddit, “Duster hit all the beats it needed to, and that’s an array of interesting characters on both sides of the law. The set design is great, the color palette is awesome, and the world is immersive.” Another fan posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Josh Holloway is effortlessly charming.”