The Chinese TV series "Above the Rivers" follows Judge Luo Yuan from the Lingjiang Province High People's Court as he investigates a chemical plant explosion and meets environmental engineering professor Xia Weidong. Meanwhile, Judge Geng Nian handles a related case of a chemical boss assaulting villagers, uncovering illegal wastewater discharge. The provincial court vice-president, Qu Heping, initiates an environmental judicial reform, establishing a specialized court with Luo, Geng, and Judge Lin Hailan to tackle various environmental pollution cases. With Xia's help, they prosecute those responsible for environmental crimes, including chemical tycoons, criminal organizations, and negligent officials.