The sophomore season finale of "The Last Ship" left viewers bewildered and concerned for the fate of Dr. Rachel Scott (Rhona Mitra) after being shot at a hotel hallway. Will she survive to continue leading the USS Nathan James squad in creating the cure to save humanity from the deadly virus next season? 

The unexpected twist featured in the last minutes of season 2 established the fact that TNT's post-apocalyptic drama will return for another 13 episodes in its third season. Series showrunners Steve Kane and Hank Steinberg recently explained to The Hollywood Reporter that leaving the season open-ended will keep the audience glued to the series since threats still abound despite finding the cure. 

The showrunners also discussed the possibility of spreading the cure in larger areas in the United States after treating the residents of Memphis and St. Louis. Since those who are already given the cure can help those who are infected just by breathing on them, the showrunners are hoping to develop a story showing that at least two people will be given the airborne antidote, which will be taken from those who have already been treated. This could mean that more individuals in the country will be saved in season 3. 

But treating the people will open up a new mission for the members of the USS Nathan James in the upcoming season of "The Last Ship."

According to Stenberg, "The season finale is the first real victory after having a number of losses. It's really the beginning of something. When we come back in season 3, we'll be coming back to very much a work in progress with lots of problems and, of course, new enemies and new issues, new complications and all those things."

The series showrunners also teased that more adventures are waiting for the officers of Nathan James. Kane said the officers can explore the big world outside of the ship. Steinberg, meanwhile, said that "season 3 is going to expand again into the wider world, which is going to be an exciting new palette and widen the scope of the show even more."

"The Last Ship" is expected to return on TNT sometime in 2016.