Ep 1. Episode 1

The popular British period drama series Mr. Selfridge premiered in 2013 with its first season featuring ten episodes. The first episode of the first season of the show is titled "Episode 1" and it begins with Harry Gordon Selfridge's voyage to England from America where he is seen gazing at London with wonder. Harry is a flashy and charming man in his early fifties who comes to London to pursue his dream of opening the most extraordinary department store the world has ever seen, called Selfridges.

As soon as he arrives in London, Harry begins to look for a location to set up his store that can rival any store in the city. After several fruitless attempts, he comes across an abandoned store on Oxford Street, which he thinks would be perfect for his purpose. He goes to the owner of the store, Lady Mae Loxley, to try to persuade her to allow him to rent the space on Oxford Street. However, Lady Mae tells him that she has promised the location to her lover, but offers to help Harry to find a different location.

Harry, with his impressive salesmanship, convinces Lady Mae to break off the deal with her lover and make a contract with him instead. With the lease of the store under his name, Harry starts to put his vision into action. He enlists the help of his friend, journalist Frank Edwards, to put out an ad looking for staff members for his new store. He also starts to meet with suppliers and orders merchandise from all over the world, trying to create the most spectacular department store that London had ever seen.

Meanwhile, Harry's wife Rose, played by Frances O'Connor, and their children arrive in London. Harry and Rose have a tumultuous relationship, as Harry is often away from home and has been known to have extramarital affairs. Despite this, Rose is thankful to be reunited with her husband and happy about the new chapter in their life.

The first episode also introduces a few supporting characters who will be seen throughout the season. One of the most important supporting characters is Miss Ellen Love, an ambitious and narcissistic actress who catches Harry's eye. She auditions for a role in the store's advertisements and Harry is immediately smitten with her. Ellen sees Harry as a way to further her career and begins to manipulate him to get ahead.

Another important character is Agnes Towler, a talented and hardworking shopgirl who is eager to work at Selfridges. She goes to the store to apply for a job and is turned away by the harsh Miss Blenkinsop, played by Amanda Abbington. However, Harry notices her when she is standing outside the store, admiring it, and takes a liking to her. He offers her a job at the store as a salesgirl, and Agnes is overjoyed to be given the opportunity.

The first episode of Mr. Selfridge sets the tone for the rest of the season, introducing viewers to the world of luxury shopping in early twentieth-century London. From the glamorous advertisements to the bustling crowds of shoppers, the show captures the excitement and innovation of the time period.

Harry Selfridge, played brilliantly by Jeremy Piven, is the driving force behind the show. His passion and charisma make him a compelling character to watch, and viewers are hooked from the first episode, eagerly anticipating what will come next. The supporting characters, including Ellen, Rose, and Agnes, add depth and complexity to the plot, making it a rich tapestry of drama, love, and ambition.

Overall, the first episode of Mr. Selfridge is a strong start to the series, showcasing the high production values and strong writing that make the show so popular with audiences. Whether you are a fan of period dramas or just looking for a captivating story, this show is definitely worth a watch.