Ep 5. Escalator Maintainer / Scorpion Sweeper

Host Mike Rowe travels to two different locations in this thrilling episode of Dirty Jobs. In the first half of the show, he ventures into the world of escalator maintenance. In the second half, he takes on the challenging task of being a scorpion sweeper. With his signature humor and unwavering dedication, Mike dives headfirst into these gritty and unconventional jobs.

The episode starts with Mike arriving at a bustling shopping mall to meet Michael, an escalator maintainer. Escalators may seem like a simple means of transportation, but the amount of care and maintenance they require is far from it. As Mike quickly learns, being an escalator maintainer involves much more than just pressing a few buttons.

Michael guides Mike through the intricate inner workings of an escalator, explaining how every component plays a crucial role in its safe and efficient operation. From the tiniest gear to the massive motor, each part requires regular upkeep and attention to prevent breakdowns or accidents.

Mike eagerly jumps into maintenance tasks, donning his protective gear and getting his hands dirty. He discovers that escalator maintenance requires a blend of technical knowledge, physical dexterity, and problem-solving skills. Whether it's replacing worn-out steps, lubricating chains, or adjusting tension belts, Mike quickly realizes that being an escalator maintainer is a demanding and often overlooked profession.

Amid the noise and chaos of the shopping mall, Mike witnesses the complexities of escalator repair firsthand. He recognizes the crucial role that escalators play in the daily lives of countless people, silently shuttling them between floors without a second thought. Through his interactions with Michael and the rest of the maintenance crew, Mike gains a newfound appreciation for the unsung heroes who keep these urban marvels running smoothly.

After bidding farewell to the escalator world, Mike heads to a unique desert location to take on the role of a scorpion sweeper. This intriguing job involves clearing hazardous scorpions from construction sites, ensuring the safety of workers.

Upon arrival, Mike meets Jerry, a seasoned scorpion sweeper who educates him on the behavior and dangers these arachnids pose. Armed with a UV flashlight, tongs, and a keen eye, Mike embarks on the challenging task of locating, capturing, and relocating scorpions at night.

As the sun sets, the desert landscape transforms into a forbidding territory dotted with rocks and construction debris. With Jerry’s expertise as his guide, Mike fearlessly searches for scorpions, taking extra precautions to avoid their venomous stings. The job requires patience, agility, and the ability to confront one's fear of these intimidating creatures.

Mike dives headfirst into the task at hand, skillfully wielding the UV flashlight to detect the scorpions' glowing exoskeletons. He learns the subtle signs that indicate scorpion presence and cleverly adapts his strategies to outsmart the elusive creatures. Through his interactions with Jerry and witnessing firsthand the danger posed by these desert dwellers, Mike gains a profound respect for the scorpion sweepers who work diligently to maintain safe working environments.

Throughout this episode, Mike Rowe demonstrates his unwavering dedication to shedding light on the often overlooked and unglamorous jobs that keep our society running. From the inner workings of escalators to the hazardous world of scorpions, Mike embraces the challenges with his trademark humor and grit. Dirty Jobs season 9 episode 5, "Escalator Maintainer / Scorpion Sweeper," is a thrilling exploration of two vastly different yet equally essential jobs that will leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for the unsung heroes behind these dirty tasks.