Ep 5. Revenge & Redemption

In season 2 episode 5 of Filthy Riches titled "Revenge & Redemption," viewers are taken on a journey with various individuals who make their livelihoods from hunting and gathering valuable items from nature. The episode showcases the risks and rewards associated with this way of life, as well as the personal motivations driving each person.

The episode begins with a segment on wild ginseng hunting in the mountains of West Virginia. We meet a group of experienced hunters who are eagerly anticipating the start of the ginseng season, which is worth thousands of dollars per pound. The hunters discuss the dangers of their work, including the risk of encountering bears and poisonous snakes. One member of the group, a man named Walt, is motivated by personal revenge against a rival ginseng hunter who has stolen from him in the past.

Next, the episode shifts to the coastal waters of North Carolina, where a group of fishermen are using traditional methods to catch blue crabs. Despite facing competition from large-scale commercial fishing operations, these guys are determined to stay true to their roots and make a living off the sea. We see them setting traps and hauling in their catch, all while struggling with the unpredictability of the water and the challenges of working as a team.

The third segment of the episode takes us to the heart of the Ozarks, where a man named Tom is attempting to make a living off of the region's abundant morel mushrooms. Tom explains that he was once addicted to drugs and lived a life of crime, but has since found redemption through his connection to nature. He takes us on a journey through the woods as he searches for morels, which he sells to high-end restaurants for up to $50 per pound.

Finally, the episode returns to West Virginia for a segment on ginseng seed harvesting. We meet a man named Larry who has spent decades perfecting his technique for extracting and planting ginseng seeds. Larry is motivated by his love of the land and his desire to pass on his knowledge to the next generation. We see him at work in the forest, carefully digging up and cleaning the tiny seeds.

Throughout the episode, we see the various challenges that these individuals face in their pursuit of riches from nature. We witness the physical and emotional toll of their work, as well as the risks they take on a daily basis. But we also see the satisfaction that comes from making a living off of the land and the pride that these people take in their work.

As the episode comes to a close, we see each of the hunters and gatherers returning to their homes, families, and communities. Some have triumphed over their challenges, while others have suffered setbacks. But all of them have gained a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the role that humans play in it. Overall, "Revenge & Redemption" is a fascinating look at a way of life that few people experience firsthand.