The highly anticipated second season of The Rig has premiered on Prime Video, advancing the gripping story of surviving crew members facing ecological disasters intertwined with corporate machinations. Following its successful debut, the sequel continues to explore the themes of climate change and environmental consequences, embedding these issues within dramatic supernatural elements.
Actors Iain Glen, Emily Hampshire, and Rochenda Sandall provided insights to Yahoo UK, reflecting on the evolution of their characters and the narrative's heightened stakes. They emphasized how season two not only expands the setting beyond the titular rig but also enhances the emotional resonance of the story. Glen noted, "It's all kind of one step removed, what's nice about this is it brings it right to Europe and makes it happen here." This shift grounds the abstract concerns of climate change through personal stakes faced by the characters.
With the first season concluding amid chaos, season two finds the crew of the Kinloch Bravo grappling with their traumatic experiences as they are faced with moral dilemmas. The crew's return home is complicated by the manipulative tactics of the energy company, Pictor. Glen described the scenario: "You can sign this agreement, we'll give you lots of money and you can try and find your loved ones who may not be with us anymore, or you can stay here and not do it." Such choices embody the struggle between personal loss and corporate interests, framing each character's decisions with heavy emotional weight.
Set against the backdrop of the Arctic, the storyline continues to feature the enigmatic supernatural force known as the Ancestor, which serves as both character motivation and thematic focus. Reported by Radio Times, Glen noted, "David [Macpherson] just writes so well in getting to the heart of people's awful conflict… he’s very good at bringing proper consequence." The crew must investigate the Ancestor and deal with both the impacts of the tsunami and their encounters with various foreign entities interested in its power.
Season two takes the characters to new heights, both literally and figuratively. Glen expressed hope for the continuing series: "It does feel like we haven't completed the narrative. It feels like we've done the middle chapter. There is more to tell." This sentiment echoes through Sandall's comments on the potential for the show to address increasingly complex issues of world politics, hinting at expansive narratives yet to come.
The writing shines through its ability to blend tension with humor. During discussions about the production challenges, the cast humorously narrated their experiences of filming, with comments about cold acting bringing levity to serious subplots. “We had no idea when we got to the end of the first series where it was going to go. We were hoping for Hawaii, but it didn’t really work out,” Sandall joked. Such banter serves to connect the audience more closely with the behind-the-scenes artistry, making the serious themes more approachable.
Visually, season two is marked by stunning cinematography juxtaposed against the harsh Arctic environment. The narrative structure acknowledges the interplay of human greed versus nature's resilience, where the choices of Pictor representatives clash with the emotional responses of the crew. With Pictor Energy attempting to cover up their part in the disaster, the season culminates with significant revelations and resolutions.
Tracking back to key moments from the season’s conclusion, the Ancestor’s manifestation unveils potential repercussions for multiple nations as they surveil its existence. It also acts as a call to action for the protagonists, who must rally against Pictor's plans to exploit it. The tension crescendos as characters confront their pasts and the events they’ve survived, setting the stage for dynamic character arcs.
Audiences now await the future of The Rig, forefronted by Glen and Sandall's aspirations for expanded storytelling. Their commitment to delving deep, both thematically and narratively, keeps viewers engaged and rallying for more. The unique blend of climate awareness, personal struggles, and supernatural intrigue positions the series as not just entertainment but also as commentary on our world today.
The Rig season two is available to stream now on Prime Video, inviting viewers to engage once again with its thrilling exploration of humanity’s relationship with nature and technology.