The oil industry, or as G.H. Sealy in No Good Deed would say, the “awl bidness,” is not for the faint of heart. It’s a world of high risks, bigger rewards, and even bigger egos. For those who live and breathe this industry, it’s not just about striking oil; it’s about survival.
In No Good Deed, we see this through the eyes of Josh Loeb, Red Chief’s outside attorney. Loeb’s task? Find the missing G.H. Sealy or keep a multi-million-dollar deal afloat without him. But the “awl bidness” operates on its own set of rules, where courtrooms and lawyers are seen as a last resort. Negotiations often take place in backrooms, not boardrooms, and trust is a rare commodity.
This volatile mix of tradition, power, and unrelenting competition makes the oil industry a fascinating—and treacherous—setting for any story. From real-life oil barons to fictional ones like G.H., one thing remains true: in the “awl bidness,” you’re only as good as your last deal.