Episode 26 recap: Luo Yuan and Geng Nian Narrowly Escape Death in the Mine
After a thorough investigation, the Lingjiang Maritime Court officially confirmed the facts of the foreign cargo ship's pollution and quickly issued a civil ruling and a ship seizure order. Vice Mayor Xu quickly contacted the ship's deputy and formally notified them that law enforcement officers would board the ship for an inspection, emphasizing that they would resolve the issue within the legal framework.
However, despite the captain's order for the crew to handle the relevant items quickly, the law enforcement team led by Ma Weizhong still successfully found the liquid chemicals.
Back in Beijing, Luo Yuan, through Professor Tan's connections, found Professor Yang Yunwu, an expert on the golden python. He detailed his concerns to Professor Yang and expressed his confusion about the role of the golden python in the ecosystem.
Professor Yang pointed out that the updates to the national protected species list often lag behind ecological changes, but even if the list is revised, the golden python will still be considered a protected species.
Feeling dejected, Luo Yuan accidentally ran into Xia Weidong, who was in Beijing to attend her doctoral son's wedding. Xia Weidong, understanding Luo Yuan's predicament, decided to help him.
That evening, she organized a dinner, introducing Luo Yuan to Professor Yang and other relevant individuals. At the dinner table, Luo Yuan reiterated his views, emphasizing that the law should keep pace with ecological changes. Professor Yang expressed agreement with Luo Yuan's views but did not immediately take a stance.
Meanwhile, during a meal at a restaurant, Lin Hailan noticed the tense atmosphere between Geng Nian and his wife. She advised Geng Nian, as the husband, to pay more attention to his wife's emotions, and Geng Nian also began to reflect on his work and family relationships.
Back in Hewan County, Mo Li questioned Luo Yuan about the changes to the protected species list and the golden python. Although Luo Yuan couldn't provide a definitive answer, he said he would seek a balance between the law and humanitarian considerations. He actively contacted the regulatory authorities to explore the possibility of implementing community corrections, even though this was unprecedented in Lingjiang Province.
The Episode Review
"Above the Rivers" continues to tackle complex environmental and legal issues with nuance and depth in Episode 26. The episode deftly balances the high-stakes drama of the pollution case investigation with the personal struggles of the characters, creating a well-rounded narrative.
The focus on the updating of the protected species list and the plight of the golden python adds an engaging layer of ecological awareness, as Luo Yuan grapples with the disconnect between the law and the realities of the changing environment. The introduction of Professor Yang as a subject matter expert provides a thoughtful counterpoint, highlighting the challenges in reconciling conservation efforts with evolving ecosystems.
The personal storylines, such as the growing tension in Geng Nian's marriage and Luo Yuan's chance encounter with Xia Weidong, add emotional resonance and help to ground the larger societal issues in the lived experiences of the characters.
Comments(Episode 26)