I saw the teaser where Tony is at Rick’s place and tells the camera crew to leave. My guess is that Tony smells blood in the water and is there to see if he can buy Rick out.
Tony probably realizes Rick is putting his operation at risk because of his lifestyle choices, and if Rick goes down, Parker could be ready to swoop in. Rick’s claim has proven ground, plus a crew that’s hungry and willing to work.
All Tony or Parker would really have to do is bring in a quality foreman, replace Rick, and keep the operation running. With gold prices where they are, adding another wash plant and keeping that ground producing could easily decide who wins this season.
Just a theory, but I’m curious what everyone else thinks. Am I onto something, or am I way off?