Maybe you’ve seen them around some bigger towns and cities: Giant inflatable rats with red eyes, and sharp teeth, gross-looking scabs on their belly, standing up on their hind legs with their claws out. Unions put them out in front of businesses they’re fighting with. Which is why Scabby the rat has been spotted outside stores, in front of factories — and even on HBO.

The rats have a name — Scabby — and a weird history. They started as suits. But back in 2020, Scabby was also in the courts. The National Labor Relations Board was trying to limit what they considered aggressive union tactics, and the question was whether Scabby counts as one. On this show: the rise — and possible fall — of Scabby the Rat.