Farmed and Dangerous

Farmed and Dangerous is a unique and intriguing television mini-series that aired in 2013. This four-part comedy and drama series is not your typical television show as it takes on an unconventional yet captivating exploration of the farming industry, specifically the industrial farming sector.

Produced by the food chain Chipotle Mexican Grill, Farmed and Dangerous provides a satirical take on the conflict that exists between organic farming and the industrial farming industry. Using humor and wit in combination with factual insights into the farming industry, this mini-series is designed not only to entertain viewers but also to shed light on the controversial practices commonly associated with industrial farming.

The central character is a likable and honest organic farmer named Chip, portrayed by Ray Wise. Chip gracefully takes on the persona of an individual committed to sustainable farming practices, providing a profound contrast to industrial agriculture's corporate machine. He stands as a strong pillar for organic farming principles, emphasizing the nature-friendly and sustainable way of growing crops and rearing animals, as opposed to the profit-maximizing, cost-cutting methods of his industrial counterparts.

In the opposing corner, the mini-series introduces us to Animoil Corporation, a fictional industrial-scale farming company. The company's name is an amalgamation of 'animal' and 'oil', reflecting the confluence and conflict of interests typical in large-scale farming. The company is represented by an ambitious executive named Mick Mitcherson, who is fixated on boosting the company's profitability, even if it means embracing potentially harmful farming practices.

The plot of Farmed and Dangerous thickens when Animoil Corporation unveils PetroPellet, a science-fiction-like invention designed to revolutionize the livestock feeding process. According to the company's bold claims, these petroleum-based pellets would alleviate the financial burden of feeding livestock, cutting down on costs substantially, and theoretically help combat world hunger.

However, as the series unravels, the seemingly ground-breaking PetroPellet turns out to be the vortex of dark secrets, unsettling revelations, and unexpected twists, revealing the gritty reality often hidden behind the glamorous facade of technological innovation and corporate promises.

One of the strengths of Farmed and Dangerous is its ability to strike a balance between effectively communicating serious issues and weaving in light-hearted humor to keep the viewers engaged. The show uses comedy as a tool to tackle difficult topics such as the ethics of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the sustainability of traditional farming practices, environmental concerns, and corporate accountability.

Further, the series benefits greatly from the convincing performances of its lead actors. Ray Wise's portrayal of the persevering organic farmer is the heart and soul of the series. However, other actors, including Eric Pierpoint, who plays the greedy Mick, also shine in their respective roles, making the series an engaging watch from start to finish.

Despite its comedy tag, the series handles the topic of farming responsibly, educating viewers without being overly preachy. Each episode is infused with surprising facts and statistics about the food industry to raise awareness about various farming issues and provoke thought on where our food originates and at what cost.

Most importantly, Farmed and Dangerous leaves viewers with a strong message: that consumers have the power to effect change in the food industry. By fostering greater transparency about where food comes from and how it's produced, the series encourages viewers to question their food choices and, hopefully, make more informed decisions moving forward.

In conclusion, Farmed and Dangerous is not merely a funny TV show - it is a powerful tool that bridges the gap between entertainment and real-life issues. With its compelling storyline, strong performances, and unflinching look at the food industry, this series is worth a watch for anyone seeking a comedic yet thought-provoking dive into the world of farming.