In the treacherous waters of the Arctic, "The Rig" Season 2 Episode 3, "Fractured Loyalties," unfolds with a haunting start as Rose jolts awake from a nightmare at her desk. The episode delves into the psychological and physical turmoil faced by the crew, as they grapple with the enigmatic Entity and the treacherous intentions of their corporate overseers.
The narrative begins with Fulmer's struggle to maintain his duties, his body succumbing to the strain of listening to the pulse, a sound that resonates with the Entity. Magnus races against time to get Fulmer to the med-bay, where Coake's conviction that Fulmer is one with the Entity only strengthens. Despite medical examinations revealing no physical ailments, Fulmer confides in Rose about the overwhelming voices he hears, suggesting a potential key to understanding the Entity. Rose, however, reminds him of the stakes, "This is bigger than you and me," before walking away, leaving Fulmer to grapple with his role in the unfolding events.
Meanwhile, Kat and Hutton's search for Kacey leads them to a somber tent filled with the deceased. Kat's solitary journey within yields no sign of Kacey, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the despair. Inspired by Hutton's tale of his family, Kat decides to take on the role of a doctor, seeking to expose Pictor's truths. Hutton, bound by a deal with Lennox, must navigate the murky waters of corporate allegiance.
Lennox's manipulation extends to Anna Dunlin, a grieving family member, whom Lennox instructs Hutton to handle with the scripted care of a public relations exercise. Meanwhile, Darian York's arrival at the Casualty Camp brings a chilling reminder of the board's watchful eye and the high stakes of their operation. York's materialistic worldview clashes with the harsh realities faced by the rig's crew, highlighting the disconnect between the boardroom and the front lines.
Magnus uncovers encrypted files revealing the true scale of Pictor's ambitions at the Stac, an operation far larger than initially believed. The company's grasp for control over mining, oil, and processing rights paints a bleak picture of corporate greed in the face of global chaos. Rose's unwavering faith in Lennox contrasts with Magnus and Harish's findings, which point to Pictor's shadowy dealings.
Lennox's own conflict with the Arctic plan is revealed, as she navigates the fine line between her corporate duties and her moral compass. Coake, seeing Fulmer as a liability, offers him a serum to block his connection with the Entity, in exchange for the data card Dale Cameron possesses. Fulmer, believing in Rose's ability to take down Pictor, convinces Cameron to hand over the card, only for Cameron to switch the drives, outsmarting Coake.
Bremner's attempt to eliminate Cameron is thwarted by the diver's cunning, leaving Coake to confront Cameron directly. In a dramatic turn, Cameron stabs Coake, seemingly ending his life, as the episode reaches its climax. The crew, unaware of the chaos unfolding below, focuses on a signal they believe to be from the Entity. Askel's analysis suggests they are communicating with a different entity, warning of the dangers of direct interaction.
"Fractured Loyalties" is a gripping installment of "The Rig," highlighting the crew's internal battles between personal convictions and corporate interests. As the lines between ally and enemy blur, the episode leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, questioning who can be trusted and what secrets lie beneath the icy surface. With each character's loyalty tested, the stage is set for a season of high-stakes drama and corporate intrigue.