Extrapolations is an anthology drama series created and directed by created by Scott Z. Burns. The futuristic drama is executively produced by Burns, Gregory Jacobs, Dorothy Fortenberry, and Media Res’ Michael Ellenberg and Lindsey Springer. The series has 8 episodes in total, each with a runtime of 1 hour.
Extrapolations narrates the conditions of Earth from the year 2048 when global changes cause people’s lives. From heat waves to the collapse of the economy, the Contagion director once again states the importance of taking care of the blue planet. In each episode, a different period is shown and how AI’s dominance slows down humankind’s livelihood
The series stars Meryl Streep, Sienna Miller, Kit Harington, Daveed Diggs, Edward Norton, Diane Lane, Tahar Rahim, Yara Shahidi, Matthew Rhys, Gemma Chan, David Schwimmer, Adarsh Gourav, Keri Russell, Marion Cotillard, Forest Whitaker, Eiza González, Murray Bartlett, Indira Varma, Tobey Maguire, MaameYaa Boafo, Hari Nef, Heather Graham, Michael Gandolfini, Cherry Jones, Gaz Choudhry, Ben Harper, Judd Hirsch and Neska Rose.
Now that the series’ first season is done, viewers have raised a question regarding the main villain Nicholas Bilton’s (Kit Harington) imprisonment. After all the murderous chaos he has caused, the conclusion for him shackles the viewers.
Who is Nicholas Bilton?
Nicholas Bilton is the CEO of Alpha Industries which was created to serve humankind. Since almost every operation carried out by the government links with Alpha, Bilton is the world’s #1 richest man. While he claims to be a man whose aim is to save the world, he’s actually the dangerous villain behind Earth’s destruction.
The ultra-capitalist makes use of his wealth and industry to create more damage to the world. Hence, in times of need, he pitches in to help for a big price. His technologies come with a price, and moreover, to earn more he purposely abuses his power. Due to this, a lot of people die, precisely, billions of people die, which could have been saved with his geo technology. Again, since he is money-minded, he doesn’t do anything for the world’s betterment.
Also read: Extrapolations Episode 8 Recap and Review: A Touché Finale
What Happened to Nicholas Bilton in the Final Episode of Extrapolations?
Throughout the series, we witnessed heat waves killing people, carbon dioxide releases, lands filled with metal, air terrorism caused by unofficial like Gita and Rowan, etc. All of these issues somehow have a link with Alpha Industries. After years, that is in the year 2070 when Bilton is in his 70’s, prosecutor Lucy decides to bring him down.
A four-day trial is carried out where witnesses like Jonathan and Rebecca testify against him. They point out how Bilton misused his power that led to the extinction of fauna, and how his technologies are built only to push Earth into purgatory. Further, many other truths regarding him stealing the Newcomen device idea from a scientist called Kauba also come to the limelight. What’s worse is Bilton has a secret daughter who is actually Kauba’s daughter. Though we’re unsure of how Kauba died, it is evident that Bilton killed him.
Hence, Bilton’s sins are off-charts and his power only caused more and more destruction. Despite the allegations, Bilton is given the not guilty verdict.
Nicholas Bilton Goes to Jail
After getting out of the trial, Bilton tries to play with Lucy’s mind. But in turn, digs his own grave. Lucy joins hands with Martha, who is Bilton’s close member. Both of them destroy Bilton’s name by revealing dark truths. Hence, ICC once again brings Bilton’s case up and sends him to jail.
However, is the verdict fair? For me, it feels really absurd. The man who killed billions of lives gets to serve his sentence in a jail that’s constructed in outer space. In the last scene, he stands in prison watching the blue planet. The prison seems neat, meaning he’s definitely not going to be having a hard time.
Another problem is Bilton is probably indestructible. Even in his 70s, he looks so young, and it’s clear that he has had surgeries to look young. Apart from that, a rich man like him obviously would have made plans to stay immune to pain or even death. Hence, he is not going to be affected in prison.
Sending him to jail feels like he was sent out of Earth for the time being until people forget him. The punishment is definitely not justifiable. At the same time, the ending seems realistic. Rich people get it easy, don’t they?
Have you watched Extrapolations? What are your thoughts on Bilton’s fate? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
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