Second Chance is an episode from the second season of Métal Hurlant Chronicles, an anthology series known for its visually striking and surprising science fiction stories. This 2014 episode tells the story of Joe Mada, played by Scott Adkins, who finds himself in a hopeless situation and risks everything for a second chance. Scott Adkins is fully clad in leather clothing, looking at his absolute coolest. His outfit gives him that distinctive, tough appearance. Joe is a notorious gambler who seems to be losing his last chance in a futuristic casino. During a risky bet, he not only loses all his money but also his eyes—a bizarre punishment from his creditor, the ruthless Xero Trobe. With only 24 hours to repay his debt, Joe is under enormous pressure. At this crucial moment, he receives a mysterious card from a companion woman, leading to an ancient pirate ship full of treasure. This appears to be his only chance to escape the threat of Xero and his mercenaries.

The episode ends with an open conclusion full of mysticism and religious symbolism, challenging viewers to interpret Joe’s fate for themselves. Although the story can sometimes feel vague and has been considered confusing by some—especially due to the religious symbolism in the finale—it sparks an interesting discussion about themes such as redemption, sin, and new beginnings. The story invites multiple interpretations, which is typical for the series as a whole.

Joe decides to take the risk. Together with his companion, he steals a spaceship and starts a nerve-wracking chase through space. They evade their pursuers and eventually reach a portal to a place known as “No Man’s Land.” There they find the pirate ship and begin gathering the loot, but then the story takes an unexpected turn: the ship, along with them, is pulled into a black hole. When Joe wakes up, he finds himself in a lush, almost paradisiacal garden, complete with an apple tree and a serpent—symbols unmistakably referring to the story of Adam and Eve. This surreal ending prompts viewers to wonder: has Joe truly been given a second chance, or is he trapped in a symbolic world, some kind of purgatory?