By Ben Wright (@Iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
David Macpherson’s supernatural eco-thriller The Rig returns to Amazon Prime Video, delving deeper into the unknown!
From a narrative standpoint, this second season excels at expanding the story, taking the mystery of the Ancestor to new and intriguing heights while preserving the tension that made the first season so compelling. The environmental themes are handled thoughtfully, adding depth and urgency to the plot, while the corporate greed elements provide an unsettling yet gripping layer of conflict for the characters. Corporate cover-ups and intrigue are seamlessly woven into the eco-thriller narrative, keeping the show dynamic and fresh while retaining the familiar elements that made the first season successful. The pacing is steady, effectively balancing character moments with plot progression, and the heightened tension ensures a captivating viewing experience. As with the first season, the ending works brilliantly, either as a satisfying conclusion or setting the stage for a potential continuation.
The ensemble cast remains one of the show’s greatest strengths. The main trio of Iain Glen (Magnus), Emily Hampshire (Rose), and Martin Compston (Fulmer) continue to deliver standout performances, remaining one of the series’ most engaging aspects. Owen Teale (Lars) and Rochenda Sandall (Cat) see their roles expanded, with their subplots adding new dimensions to their characters. Lars’ internal conflict is portrayed with subtlety and nuance, while Cat’s development is equally compelling, revealing a strength and complexity that elevate her role. Their arcs feel natural and well-earned, enriching the overall story.
With a new location and a new rig, the visual effects team faced a different challenge – and for the budget, they delivered as expected! While the first series cleverly masked some of its visual shortcomings with atmospheric night shots, this is more difficult against the stark, bright whites of the Arctic. Although the visual effects occasionally falter, they’re never so distracting as to pull you out of the story. They arguably add a certain charm to the series’ aesthetic.
The Rig Season 2 is a confident, well-crafted continuation of the series, successfully expanding its world while remaining grounded in its core themes. With thoughtful storytelling, strong performances, and a timely focus on environmental issues, it’s a gripping and worthy follow-up.
X-Geeks 