This "Story of Rick" special was crucial for fans because of Rick's sudden disappearance from the circuit:

Revisit Rick’s first days on Parker’s Big Red plant.

By the time Season 13 began, Rick had been away from the Klondike, and his absence sparked rumors about his health and the future of his crew.

He met Parker Schnabel at the Southeast Alaska State Fair and convinced Parker to give him a job despite having zero mining experience.

Analysis of Rick's "all-in" gambling nature, often putting his own life savings on the line to keep his crew paid.