In recent years, Amazon has made waves with its new series, “The Rig”, which brings environmental disaster and corporate greed to the forefront of television. The show follows the employees of an oil drilling rig on the edge of a rugged North Atlantic sea-scape as they come up against unforeseen ecological threats and surreal corporate solutions.
In the show, the crew of the rig must grapple with a variety of the moral, ecological, and economic complexities that arise when drilling for oil. The crew must deal with issues ranging from the violent struggle against nature, to conflicting interests between their corporate overlords and local communities. The physical and economic dangers of working on a distant borderland, coupled with the fuzzy ethical implications of drilling for oil, add a layer of complexity that affects how the crew members respond to each turn of events.
The corporate power plays and corrupt politics of “The Rig” serve to demonstrate the often brutal realities and risks of their industry. The crew of the rig must fight for a fair amount of recompense for their efforts, as well as for their own safety and the protection of the environment. The show illustrates the real life dangers that are part and parcel of offshore drilling, but also highlights the positive impacts that responsible extraction can have on restorative ecosystem functioning.
The series puts a spotlight on the importance of government oversight and regulation of the oil industry, and the safety protocols and laws that have been put in place to protect workers and the environment. At the same time, it serves as a reminder of the danger of privatization and corporate control, and the need for tough regulation to prevent the “tragedy of the commons”.
“The Rig” is an important addition to Amazon’s growing catalog, and serves to bring a new energy to some of the most enduring eco-terrors. By shining a harsh light on the real world impact of drilling for oil, the show serves to remind viewers of the importance of responsible exploration and tight government oversight. As the oil industry comes under increased scrutiny, the lessons of “The Rig” become all the more significant.
