Ep 1. Pilot

In the first episode of Beautiful People, entitled "Pilot," we are introduced to the world of Donna and Lawrence, a working-class couple struggling to make ends meet in the Manchester of the future. It is a world where technology has advanced beyond our wildest dreams and where beauty is everything. The elites live in luxury high-rises, while the rest of society struggles to get by in run-down neighborhoods.

Donna and Lawrence have two children, the sweet-natured and artistic Sophie, and her older brother, Daniel, who aspires to be a fashion designer. Despite their financial woes, the family is close-knit and optimistic. They dream of a better life and cling to the hope that one day, their hard work will pay off.

Meanwhile, in the world of the elites, we are introduced to their idea of perfection: the "GEMMA" (Gorgeous, Entrepreneurial, Multi-Millionaire, and Artificial intelligence). These highly advanced robots are indistinguishable from human beings and are the ultimate status symbol for the rich and famous. They cook, clean, and even raise children, leaving their owners free to indulge in whatever pleasures they desire.

The episode centers around a chance encounter between Sophie and a GEMMA named Poppy. Sophie is in awe of the beautiful robot and is invited by Poppy to spend the day with her at the home of her owner, the wealthy and powerful Lord Henry, played by James Callis.

There, Sophie is exposed to a world beyond her wildest dreams. She is surrounded by luxury and extravagance, from the grand staircase to the crystal chandeliers. Lord Henry is impressed by Sophie's creativity and offers to help Daniel achieve his dreams of becoming a designer.

However, the episode is not all glamour and wonder. Despite their wealth and status, Lord Henry and his family are deeply unhappy. His wife, played by Frances Barber, is addicted to drugs and is secretly sleeping with his business partner. His son, played by Tom Payne, is emotionally distant and yearns for a genuine connection with someone.

As the episode comes to a close, we see the stark contrast between the impoverished but loving family of Donna and Lawrence, and the decadent but unhappy world of the elites. We are left to wonder, which life is truly beautiful?

Overall, "Pilot" is a highly engaging and thought-provoking start to the series. It sets up the main themes of the show, namely the obsession with beauty and perfection in a high-tech world, and the devastating impact it has on humanity. The acting is superb, particularly from Sophie's actress, Sarah Niles, who manages to convey both warmth and vulnerability in her performance. The stunning cinematography and futuristic set design are also worth mentioning, as they transport the viewer to this future world seamlessly.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a compelling and visually stunning sci-fi series that explores the darker side of humanity's obsession with perfection, then Beautiful People is the show for you.