In the climactic finale of "The Rig" Season 2, Episode 6, the Bravo team races against time to reach the Heart of the Ancestor before Pictor can execute their plan to destroy it. The episode begins with a miraculous turn as Rose, presumed dead after being shot by Bremner, regains consciousness. Her survival is attributed to her integration with the Ancestor, having injected herself with a sample off-screen, which allows her to withstand what would have been a fatal injury.
As Rose awakens, she is convinced more than ever that they must save the Ancestor, correcting her previous belief that it was responsible for past mass extinctions. Instead, she realizes that the Ancestor is the key to life's regeneration after such events. This revelation sets the stage for a desperate mission to protect the Ancestor's heart from Pictor's destructive ambitions.
York, now in control, promises Bremner that his payment will be processed once the data drive is secured. This drive contains not only the location of the Ancestor's heart but also the plans for a new delivery method for Coake's poison. York's public announcement condemning Lennox and placing blame on her for the disaster adds a layer of urgency to the situation.
In the UK, Kat and Mackendrick work tirelessly to uncover evidence that can expose Pictor. Lennox, in a surprising move, releases a public apology and message revealing Pictor's actions, which quickly makes the news. Lennox, along with Hutton, returns to the Stac to aid in the fight against the corporation.
Lennox admits to stopping the Coast Guards from broadcasting the tsunami warning, a decision she now regrets. She explains the immense power that Pictor wields and the machine that prevents progress and change. Recognizing that the truth alone is not enough to combat Pictor, the team decides to show the world the Heart of the Ancestor, hoping to turn public sentiment and stop Pictor in its tracks.
The race to the Heart of the Ancestor is fraught with danger as Bremner, still at large, programs an ROV from The Stac to find and destroy the Ancestor. Magnus, suspicious of Bremner's intentions, hunts him down just as Bremner releases the poison into the ocean. Despite Magnus's intervention, Bremner's plan partially succeeds, but the damage is limited as Rose and Fulmer manage to disrupt the signal, preventing Bremner from accurately targeting the Heart.
In a final act of desperation, Rose and Fulmer, with their air supply dwindling, continue their mission. They reach a cliff edge and discover what appears to be the Heart of the Ancestor, a magnificent and glowing network of roots. As the Ancestor communicates with Rose, it reveals itself to the world, illuminating the seas and prompting a global response. The sight of the Ancestor's presence causes oil prices to crash, and the PM promises a full inquiry into Pictor Energy's actions.
The episode concludes with Rose and Fulmer, stranded but saved by the Stac's arrival, reunited with the team. Together, they stand on the balcony, gazing at the satellite that has locked onto their location, setting the stage for a potential third season.
"The Rig" Season 2, Episode 6 is a thrilling and visually stunning finale that sees the characters confront their greatest challenges yet. The episode masterfully blends high-stakes action with profound revelations about the Ancestor's true nature, offering a compelling argument for the protection of this ancient force. As the crew of the Stac stands united against Pictor, the future remains uncertain, leaving viewers eager for the next chapter in this Arctic saga.