Getting Rich in the Recession: TV review - Channel 4 is going to have to go further up the food chain to nail the real villains
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Back in the early days of reality television, Steve Elwis might have made a breakout star. He's got the loud shirts, the ready-made catchphrases and the mildly offensive views.
These days, colourful TV entrepreneurs are ten-a-penny and even a dedicated trader like Steve wouldn't consider that a worthy investment. We met him in the second episode of Channel 4's Getting Rich in the Recession series, which explored how the misery of millions is a money-making opportunity for some.
Grimsby boy Steve specialises in buying up bankrupt stock at knockdown prices before selling it on for profit. He is the self-proclaimed "man who buys anything", including incontinence wipes, 100,000 union jacks, soiled wedding dresses, live crabs and "ladies' bikinis" (but not men's, presumably).
He happily paraded his stock and introduced his staff, while the interviewer became desperate for a glimpse of a troubled conscience. "Do you feel bad?" asked the voice behind the camera for the third or fourth time. Steve looked thoughtful for a moment: "I've got indigestion from the meal I've just had... but other than that I feel fine."
Steve doesn't really see the issue with his business model, and neither do I. In the ecology of small enterprise, companies like his are the dung beetles keeping everything tidy. Not pretty to watch, perhaps, but necessary. If Channel 4 is really interested in nailing the villains of this recession, they're going to have to go a bit further up the food chain.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments