The Rig's Martin Compston feared his character's fate after shock twist
The actor reflected on two major deaths early in the series. *SPOILERS FOR EPISODES 1 AND 2*
The Rig star Martin Compston has addressed two shocking deaths that occur early on in the new supernatural thriller, admitting he feared his character would be next to meet their grisly fate.
The series takes place on an oil rig located off the coast of Scotland, which unexplainably loses contact with the mainland as a mysterious fog rolls in.
The show is co-directed by Line of Duty's John Strickland and retains several of the crime drama's cast, as well as its boldness when it comes to killing off characters with little warning.
The first two episodes see both Leck (Emun Elliott) and Alwyn (Mark Bonnar) die under terrifying circumstances, with Compston telling Metro that the twists caused him to worry about his own character.
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"I thought, when will it be me? It’s hanging over you," he said. "It’s one of those things that makes great drama – when you think, 'Actually, any one of us could go."
His co-star Iain Glen, who viewers will recognise from Game of Thrones, said he saw a parallel between his earlier fantasy drama and The Rig in terms of how they use death to heighten the narrative.
"I was quite shocked by it and it did remind me a little bit of Game of Thrones and the outcry and shock of Sean’s [Bean] early demise," he said. "And I think writers have slightly picked up on that."
Glen continued: "It’s very central to our story and there’s an awful sense as to why it took place. Dramatically, it’s incredibly effective because you’re following these people and, hopefully by that stage, you’re right behind them.
"And then when they’re taken away from you as an audience it’s disconcerting. And that is what you’re trying to do to an audience – it’s the thriller element."
The Rig dropped all six episodes on Prime Video yesterday as a binge-watch launch, featuring a cast that also includes Rochenda Sandall (Small Axe), Emily Hampshire (Schitt's Creek), Owen Teale (Line of Duty) and Calvin Demba (Life).
The Rig is available to stream on Prime Video – try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight.
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Authors
David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
