Black Market Season 2 Episode 5 Inside Job: Skin Deep

In the latest episode of Black Market season 2, titled "Inside Job: Skin Deep," viewers are taken on a harrowing journey into the world of illegal tattooing. The episode starts by introducing viewers to a group of tattoo enthusiasts who are hell-bent on getting their next ink fix. However, these individuals are not visiting a licensed tattoo parlor. Instead, they have turned to underground tattoo artists who are willing to provide their services for a fraction of the cost.

As the episode progresses, viewers are introduced to a group of tattoo artists who operate at the fringes of the industry. These individuals have no formal training or licensure, yet they offer services ranging from basic tattoos to full-body art. Using homemade equipment and unregulated ink, these artists operate in secrecy, often out of dingy basements or abandoned buildings.

While some of these underground artists are motivated by a genuine love of art, others are simply looking to make a quick buck. And as the episode reveals, the allure of easy money can lead to some shocking consequences. From exposure to dangerous chemicals to the risk of contracting serious infections, the dangers of underground tattooing are many.

As journalist Michael K. Williams delves deeper into the world of underground tattooing, he encounters a woman who has been left with a permanent reminder of the risks involved. After getting an illegal tattoo, she developed a severe infection that left her hospitalized for weeks. Even now, long after the infection has cleared up, she bears a large scar on her leg as a reminder of the danger she faced.

Another shocking revelation comes when Williams meets an underground tattoo artist who turns out to be a former gang member. After being released from prison, he turned to tattooing as a way to earn money and stay off the streets. However, his past catches up with him when a rival gang member confronts him and demands that he tattoo him with a gang symbol. Despite his reservations, the artist complies, knowing that refusing could lead to violence.

As the episode nears its end, Williams speaks to a former regulator of the tattoo industry who sheds light on the loopholes that allow illegal tattooing to flourish. With limited resources and the difficulty of enforcement, regulators often struggle to keep up with underground tattooing operations. As a result, those seeking a cheap tattoo fix often turn to these dangerous, unregulated artists, regardless of the risks involved.

In "Inside Job: Skin Deep," Black Market season 2 shines a light on the dark world of underground tattooing. While the allure of a cheap tattoo might be tempting, the dangers of going to an untrained, unlicensed artist are simply not worth it. From infections to permanent scarring, the risks of illegal tattooing far outweigh any potential benefits. As always, Black Market offers an eye-opening look at a world that few of us would ever see otherwise.