Ep 1. Episode 1

In A Very English Scandal season 1 episode 1, we are introduced to Jeremy Thorpe, a successful Member of Parliament in 1970s Britain. Jeremy is a charismatic politician who is well-respected in society and has a lot of connections. However, things take a sinister turn when Norman Scott, a former lover of Jeremy, threatens to expose their past affair, which was a huge scandal at the time.

The episode starts with Scott (played by Ben Whishaw) in a disheveled state talking to his dog. He is worried that the hitman hired to kill him might come for him at any moment. This scene sets the tone for the whole show, and we get a glimpse of how Scott's relationship with Thorpe has negatively impacted his life.

We then get an introduction to Jeremy Thorpe (played by Hugh Grant) and his privileged lifestyle. He socializes with influential people and throws extravagant parties. He is a well-liked MP who is considered a future leader of the liberal party. However, his life is turned upside down when Norman Scott starts showing up at his events and demanding money in exchange for his silence.

Thorpe initially ignores Scott's threats, but as the episode progresses, we see him become more and more desperate to keep his secrets hidden. He tries to pay off Scott but ultimately decides to take more drastic measures. Thorpe enlists the help of one of his aides, Peter Bessell, to hire a hitman to kill Scott.

In the latter part of the episode, we see the hitman make his way to Scott's house, but he ends up murdering Scott's dog instead. This scene is disturbing and adds a layer of tension to the show. We then see Thorpe, Bessell, and the hitman try to cover up the incident and make it look like an accident.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Scott still alive and Thorpe's secrets at risk of being exposed. Overall, the pilot of A Very English Scandal sets the scene for a gripping story about power, secrets, and corruption in 1970s Britain. The show features excellent performances from Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw and is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats.