Aftertaste Season 1 Episode 1 Episode 1

Aftertaste is a brand new comedy-drama set in Australia's picturesque Adelaide Hills region, and Episode 1 is our introduction to the show's cast of characters. The episode starts with Easton West, a successful and renowned chef, leaving his job in London after a culinary incident that went viral on social media. Easton returns home to the Adelaide Hills to start anew, hoping to open up his own restaurant. However, he gets a rude awakening as he tries to buy a farm to use for his new restaurant. During negotiations, he manages to annoy the farmer, Diana, and in the end, she tells Easton that he is not suited for the farm and should stick to city life.

Easton's younger half-sister, the vivacious 19-year-old named Maddy, picks him up from the airport and takes him to his mother's house, where Easton stayed during his childhood. There, Easton meets his mother, and we quickly find out that he and his mother aren't on good terms. Their strained relationship stems from Easton's father leaving when he was young. Easton's mother, who still harbors resentment towards her ex-husband, blames Easton for his leaving. The mother and son exchange some sharp words, but eventually, Easton moves out of his childhood home and into a rundown apartment in the city.

Easton gets a job at a local restaurant as a dishwasher, much to his chagrin. He meets another chef there, who he butts heads with initially but eventually warms up to after they compete to make the best dish using a leftover ingredient. Easton's co-worker, Vanessa, also introduces him to her sister, who is a wine connoisseur, and explains to Easton the roots of the wine industry in Adelaide Hills. This proves to be important later in the episode when Easton goes to a wine-tasting event for a potential restaurant partnership.

The episode progresses, introducing us to the different characters, and exploring their storylines. Each character has their unique story, but there's a common thread of heart and humor that unites them. It becomes clear that Easton's journey doesn't begin or end with the farm acquisition or the job in a restaurant, but that the show is about Easton finding himself and reconciling with his past and family.

The show has a fantastic, diverse cast of characters that are relatable and entertaining. Easton is a driven and ambitious person with a chip on his shoulder who is trying to find his footing in life. Maddy is a fun-loving and adventurous teen who is juggling school, her part-time job and her own ambitions. Diana, the farmer, is independent and fiercely protective of her land and animals. Vanessa, Easton's co-worker, is warm, welcoming, and provides a breath of fresh air in Easton's lonely life. And finally, Easton's mother, who is bitter and resentful, is a complex, nuanced character who helps us understand Easton's motivations.

Overall, Episode 1 of Aftertaste sets the stage for Easton's journey of self-discovery and redemption, while also giving us a glimpse into Adelaide Hills and its inhabitants. It's a promising start to a show that is ambitious, heartfelt, and entertaining.