Ep 1. Pilot

The show Party of Five focuses on the lives of the five Salinger siblings who are forced to live together and take care of themselves following the death of their parents in a car accident. The show's first episode is aptly titled Pilot as it sets the stage for the entire series.

The episode opens with the Salinger family gathered together in their family restaurant celebrating the youngest son, Owen's, first birthday. However, the joyous occasion is cut short when the parents, Mitch and Grace, receive a call to rush to the hospital. On their way to the hospital, the parents get into a car accident that ultimately claims their lives.

The siblings - Charlie, Bailey, Julia, Claudia, and Owen - are left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. The eldest sibling, Charlie, steps up to take responsibility for the family and becomes the new head of the household. He struggles to balance his newfound role as caretaker of his siblings and his own life as a young adult trying to make something of himself.

Bailey, the second eldest sibling, finds himself burdened with managing the family restaurant while juggling school and his own personal life. His focus on keeping the family restaurant afloat puts a strain on his academic performance and leaves him questioning his own future.

Julia, the only daughter in the family, is navigating the challenges of high school while coping with the loss of her parents. She struggles with her own identity and how to fit in with her peers, all while trying to be there for her younger siblings.

Claudia, the second youngest sibling, is a talented violinist trying to hold onto her passion for music while also helping to take care of her siblings. The family's financial struggles make it challenging for Claudia to continue her music lessons and follow her dreams.

Owen, the youngest of the siblings, is a toddler who is too young to understand the gravity of the situation. However, his presence serves as a reminder of the parents the siblings have lost and the responsibility they now carry as his guardians.

As the siblings try to adjust to their new reality, they also face external challenges. Child Protective Services becomes involved after concerns are raised about the siblings being able to care for themselves. The siblings must prove that they can work together and provide a stable environment for Owen.

Pilot is a heart-wrenching episode that sets up the premise of Party of Five. It pulls at the heartstrings as viewers see the Salinger siblings mourn the loss of their parents and struggle to navigate their new reality. The episode does a fantastic job of introducing the characters, their personalities, and their unique challenges. It highlights the difficult choices they must make and the sacrifices they have to endure to keep the family together.

Overall, Pilot is a strong start to the series, setting up the tone and themes that will continue throughout the show's six seasons. It is a testament to the strength of family and how a group of siblings must come together to take on the world.