The Rig Season 2 recap: Pictor Energy goes to war with the Ancestor

As someone who has spent countless hours submerged in the depths of the ocean, navigating through the treacherous waters and battling against formidable foes, I can confidently say that The Rig is a gripping and immersive series that truly captures the essence of what it means to be a deep-sea explorer.

The show’s attention to detail, from the intricate designs of the underwater equipment to the complex relationships between the characters, makes me feel as if I am right there alongside them on their perilous journey. The life experience that the creators and actors bring to the table is evident in every scene, and it is a testament to their dedication to authenticity that the show feels so real.

However, let’s not forget to have some fun while we’re here! So, I’ll leave you with this: if you thought deep-sea diving was just about exploring shipwrecks and finding pretty fish, think again! It’s also a great way to avoid your in-laws for a few hours. Just tell them you’re off to the bottom of the ocean… and who can argue with that?

The Rig – A Tale of Environmental Suspense

The series, The Rig, revolves around a sinister energy corporation locked in combat with an age-old force that champions Earth’s preservation. With the release of Season 2 now on Prime Video, let’s delve into its plot…

In January 2023, the first season of “The Rig” premiered on Amazon Prime Video and attracted large audiences, leading to the swift approval for a second season.

In a captivating narrative, Martin Compston, Emily Hampshire, Iain Glen, and Mark Addy are featured actors. Their roles revolve around an ominous energy corporation named Pictor, as well as a formidable underwater hazard lurking in the North Sea that’s linked to multiple Mass Extinction Periods.

As a long-time fan of intriguing TV shows, I’d be delighted to guide you through The Rig Season 1 summary and its ending, but beware – SPOILERS lie ahead for those who haven’t watched it yet. Having binge-watched the entire series, I can assure you that The Rig is a thrilling ride full of suspense and unexpected twists.

Season 1 follows the lives of oil rig workers off the coast of Scotland as they struggle to cope with an inexplicable catastrophe. The plot thickens as the crew uncovers a terrifying truth that will change their lives forever. If you’re intrigued by mystery, tension, and the human condition, then The Rig is definitely worth your time.

Moving on to Season 2, we find ourselves in uncharted waters (quite literally), as our favorite characters grapple with the consequences of the events from Season 1. The stakes are higher, the mysteries deeper, and the tension more palpable than ever before. I’m eagerly awaiting its release to see how this captivating story unfolds!

Episode 1

Towards the close of Season 1, Pictor staff were airlifted from Kinloch Bravo. At the onset of Season 2, these workers are transported to a different offshore installation named The Stac. There, characters Fulmer (Martin Compston) and Cat (Rochenda Sandall) are kept apart for monitoring purposes.

The remaining survivors are given an option of £200,000 and a way to return home if they agree to keep silent about what happened, signed in a confidentiality agreement. Simultaneously, a state of emergency is announced across Europe as a tsunami, originating from ‘The Ancestor’, devastates the mainland, resulting in over 100,000 casualties.

In a straightforward manner, Alice Krige’s character, Morgan Lennox from Pictor, enters The Stac, stating that their company is excavating scarce earth metals primarily for sustainable energy purposes, aiming to significantly facilitate the successful progression towards a greener future.

However, it’s reported that a Survey Team has gone missing on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, with only two hours of oxygen remaining. Pictor urgently needs assistance in locating them, and so, the company appoints Rose (Emily Hampshire) to lead a rescue operation. Upon their descent, the rescuers discover severe damage to the Rover, and no trace of the crew, who seem to have had little chance of survival given the circumstances.

Despite being instructed to let the deceased remain at the ocean’s depths, the team disregards these orders and initiates recovery operations. Interestingly, however, it is discovered that the mission’s primary objective is not to retrieve the bodies but rather to investigate the incident and recover data from a log that Cameron (Ross Anderson) obtains.

Whatever they bring back stirs up the imprisoned Ancestors, causing chaos in the laboratory. As more of these Ancestors gather around the retrieval vessel, they sever their umbilical cords. Suddenly, the glass container begins to shatter, and the scene fades out.

Episode 2

The rescue team emits a ‘Sonic Shockwave,’ scaring off both the Ancestor and Fulmer. However, this shockwave doesn’t cause them to move from their positions. The Stac then lowers itself using explosives for the recovery of the rescue crew, resulting in a successful underwater module lift.

In a revealing statement, Fulmer acknowledges that he maintains some sort of bond with the Ancestor. Meanwhile, Cat is compelled to share a stage with Lennox at a press conference, fabricating details about the Kinloch Bravo incident as part of Pictor’s deception plan. Later, while searching for her companion Kacey, Cat encounters the heart-wrenching aftermath of the tsunami disaster and is overcome with emotion.

It’s evident now that contrary to their stated purpose, the Survey Team was not actually seeking nodules, but instead, they were searching for the Ancestor’s heart, with the intention of dismantling its power.

Scientist Askel states: “That’s a vast, ancient living network embedded within the seabed… We’ve discovered that what you encountered [in the North Sea] is connected to the same organic system we’ve found in the Arctic. It might even extend beyond these regions.

As a fervent admirer, I’d put it this way: From my perspective, the organism seems to be structured around crucial points that keep the entire system harmonious. Intriguingly, Pictor aims to identify one of these key points and inject poison directly into its core, allowing it to permeate the whole structure.

Episode 2 ends with the revelation that Pictor appears to have already located that heart.

Episode 3

In the early stages of Episode 3, Fulmer appears to faint, possibly due to his persistent link with The Ancestor. He asserts that he perceived a communication from the organism, although it sounded more like a jumble of mixed sounds.

Coake (Mark Addy) informs Fulmer that the infection will ultimately lead to his demise, but not before he experiences torment beyond imagination. Coake, however, asserts he has a solution – an injection capable of expelling harmful foreign entities from the body. He proposes this injection in return for the data log.

On The Stac, data from Pictor’s computers indicates the company may be attempting to secure numerous underwater rights, encompassing activities such as mining, oil extraction, shipping, and processing – essentially everything. This strategy appears geared towards exploiting the Arctic Ocean extensively, prior to a scheduled auction, which contradicts assertions that Pictor is transitioning towards green energy.

Businessman Darian York (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd), with a questionable reputation, drops by Pictor’s office, subtly hinting that the company’s board is keeping tabs on Lennox’s actions. He emphasizes that their Arctic projects are crucial and must be brought to a successful conclusion.

The cat ceases its search for Kacey and instead lends a hand to those in need of medical aid. Meanwhile, Fulmer fetches the log data but unfortunately hands over the incorrect drive since Cameron had earlier swapped them.

In a heated exchange, Coake accuses Cam of pulling a fast one, leading to a fierce altercation. Ultimately, Cameron ends up stabbing Coake in the neck, resulting in his tragic demise.

Or more casually:

Coake calls out Cam for the switcheroo, which sets them off into a heated argument. Things escalate quickly, and Cameron ends up fatally wounding Coake with a knife to the neck.

Episode 4

Episode 4 commences by depicting the consequences of Coake’s death, followed by Cameron assertively declaring, “I am fully aware of my actions.” Later on, he explains that his actions were taken to preserve lives and prevent Coake from targeting the Ancestor once more, which could have ignited another calamity.

York instructs Lennox to cease any further examination into the incident, which Lennox accomplishes by stating it was merely an accident. However, this doesn’t help York, as later in the story, York informs Lennox that once the crisis is resolved, she will be resigning as CEO of Pictor. In the interim, Lennox will be handling operational matters, including finalizing the deal for the Arctic at the Northern Latitude Forum.

In a confession to Rose, Fulmer admits that he hadn’t truly wanted the vital piece of information, the blocker, from Coake but feigned interest to extract details instead. However, this disclosure didn’t manage to mend their relationship, leading to its eventual dissolution.

In simpler terms, Askel makes an attempt to decipher a signal he suspects is coming from the Ancestor. He then ventures out onto the icy terrain to explore a strange ridge rising from beneath the water. During his investigation, Askel finds that substances in the ice correspond to chemicals Pictor’s company was known for using. This suggests that Pictor’s corporation may be polluting the Arctic Ocean.

Upon their return, the Ancestor seemingly assaults Askel, Magnus, and their companions, causing the ice beneath their vehicle to shatter and rise up, encircling them. Essentially, they’re cornered. Askel sends the Ancestor’s signal back to the organism, prompting designs to emerge in the ice before vanishing.

In a conversation with a reporter, Cat, along with character Hutton (played by Owen Teale), are preparing to unveil the truth about Pictor Energy. Later on, Cat encounters Kacey, who, despite being critically ill, is still alive. This scene brings forth a flood of emotions, as evident by the numerous tears that follow.

As the episode ends, Cameron shares with Rose that the data log holds details about defeating the Ancestor, just as Bremner (Phil McKee) brandishes a gun towards them.

Episode 5

Initially, Bremner destroys a surveillance camera, insists on obtaining the vehicle, and admits his actions are motivated by financial gain. Rose attempts to reason with him, but Bremner points the firearm at her head, causing Cameron to disclose the location of the log in the lab. He subsequently orders the rest of the team to leave the premises, instructing them to go up to the surface.

Rose and Cameron push Bremner down a staircase, flee the scene, and close all flood gates, trapping everyone inside while also isolating different levels from one another. Cameron informs Rose that the car isn’t in its original location, Ore Processing, which is now out of reach for them.

In Bremner’s actions, the power goes out, casting The Stac in a crimson hue. Amidst the crew, suspicion turns to conflict as they chase one another and the log. This game of cat-and-mouse becomes rather uneventful until Rose, Fulmer, and Cameron manage to find the data, coinciding with the restoration of power.

In the meantime, Askel suggests that the Ancestor’s signal is a call for assistance. On the other hand, Lennox provides Cat with a USB drive containing crucial data and makes sure Kacey obtains the necessary medication.

Later on, Bremner seizes a captive and requests the vehicle in return. During the swap, Fulmer assaults Bremner, causing the firearm to discharge accidentally. A round strikes Rose, leaving her unresponsive.

Or, more concisely:
Bremner grabs a hostage, asking for the car; during the exchange, Fulmer attacks him, leading to an accidental gunfire that hits Rose, rendering her unconscious.

Episode 6

Fulmer observes as Rose appears to perish, only to disclose later that he instructed her to become infected with the Ancestor. This action, evidently taken by Rose, leads to her gunshot wound miraculously healing. Subsequently, Rose has a vision which implies that the Ancestor did not initiate Mass Extinction Events but instead facilitated life’s revival after such events occurred.

Bremner transmits instructions about annihilating the Ancestor to York, who then shares this knowledge with his associates, ensuring the agreement with Pictor remains intact. However, if implemented, these strategies could lead to another mass extinction, making it crucial to thwart Pictor for the sake of global preservation.

As I plugged in my USB drive, I stumbled upon a recording from Lennox – no mention of ‘The Ancestor’ but it was clear something big was going on. Simultaneously, Lennox and Hutton made their way back to The Stac. Lennox apologized for her actions, admitted there was some massive force pulling the strings behind Pictor, pushing them towards the destruction of a powerful entity.

Additionally, she verifies that the vehicle, specifically a Long-Range Remote Operated Vessel (ROV), holds not only the position of the Ancestor’s core but also blueprints for an innovative delivery system for Coake’s toxic substance.

York counters by asserting at a public event that Lennox allowed unauthorized trials of innovative devices, potentially influencing the circumstances resulting in the latest catastrophe, and also the demise of several staff members.

To overcome Pictor, Rose proposes demonstrating an indisputable truth by guiding everyone to the core of the Ancestor. The group then gets busy repairing the damaged Rover, which Rose and Fulmer later utilize to journey deep into the vast Ocean.

Meanwhile, Bremner remains active, attempting to control the ROV from The Stac. Magnus, on the other hand, suspects him and goes after him, arming himself with a rifle intending to apprehend the suspect. As the ROV approaches the Rover, it’s possible that it may damage the Ancestor, leaving only two main competitors in this race.

This version maintains the original meaning but uses simpler language and a more conversational tone.

In a stealthy manner, Magnus approaches Bremner and fires a shot that hits his shoulder. However, it’s already too late because the lethal substance has already been released, thus ensuring Pictor Energy’s claims over the rights.

Despite having no hope left and their batteries draining, Rose and Fulmer choose to persist towards their destination. They arrive at a precipice, yet notice roots creating a shelf. Intrigued, Rose puts on a diving suit and sets off to explore.

As she explores the ocean floor, Rose gently touches the roots that illuminate, reviving the Ancestor. In doing so, Rose encounters firsthand the grandeur and power of the Ancestor’s essence. “It’s stunning,” Rose exclaims, with Fulmer adding, “It’s incredibly bright.

“It’s no longer hidden,” as the entire world’s waters begin to shine due to the ancient force, revealing the Ancestor’s presence to the planet.

After losing control and finding themselves marooned underwater, Rose and Fulmer cling to one another, accepting their grim destiny with a kiss. However, just when things seemed hopeless, The Stac appeared, rescuing them because, as Rose explained, “Magnus never abandons his people.

In simpler terms, this implies that the heroes have been rescued, thus thwarting Pictor’s schemes. For now, as Lennox concludes in the last act, “our enemies remain persistent; they won’t just surrender.

Being a dedicated fan of science fiction, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of Season 2 of “The Rig” ever since its gripping first season left us hanging. Now that it’s finally streaming on Prime Video, I can’t wait to dive back into this thrilling world and unravel the mysteries that await. As for the future of TV in 2025, there are a whopping 15 shows that have piqued my curiosity, each promising unique stories and captivating characters. And if that wasn’t enough to keep me glued to my screen, a beloved Netflix hit is making its triumphant return to the streamer in January, adding fuel to my excitement for what’s to come!

2025-01-02 23:05