Ep 1. Episode 1
Al Hayba is a popular Lebanese drama series that explores the world of organized crime, revenge, and family ties in a rural setting. The show revolves around the Adham family, who are influential in the arms trade and smuggling business in the border town of Al Hayba.
Season 1, Episode 1 introduces viewers to the main characters and their complicated dynamics. The episode opens with scenes of soldiers guarding the border checkpoints while a convoy of trucks carrying weapons attempts to cross over to Syria. The head of the arms smuggling operation, Jabal (played by Taim Hasan), is anxious about the shipment and its safe passage. We see him supervising the disposal of a car that was used in a robbery before joining his brother, Sheik Ali (played by Camille Salameh), for dinner.
At dinner, we learn that Jabal has been away from his hometown of Al Hayba for many years due to a falling out with the family patriarch, Abu Ibrahim (played by Nasri Sayegh). While Jabal is happy to be back and reconnect with his family, his brother Ali seems less enthusiastic about his return. There is a clear tension between the brothers, which is palpable from their dialogue.
Meanwhile, we are introduced to the female lead, Alia (played by Nadine Nassib Njeim). She is a successful surgeon living in Beirut with her fiancé, Samer (played by Rafic Ali Ahmad), who is a lawyer. They seem to have a perfect life until Alia receives a phone call from her estranged father, Adel (played by Abdo Chahine). Alia is reluctant to speak to him, but Adel insists that he needs her help with a family matter.
Alia decides to visit her father, who lives in Al Hayba. When she arrives, we see glimpses of the town's beautiful landscape and the Adham family compound, which is quite impressive. We learn that Alia's mother had died many years ago, and her father left her to be raised by her grandparents in Beirut. Alia's return to Al Hayba opens up many wounds, and she is faced with a hostile reception from some members of the family, especially Jabal's wife, Nidal (played by Mona Wassef).
As the episode progresses, we see the intricate web of relationships that exist between the Adham family members. Jabal has a complicated past with his ex-lover, Mariam (played by Valerie Abou Chacra), who is now married to his cousin, Hatem (played by Oweiss Mkhallalati). Mariam's presence stirs up trouble, and we see hints of a love triangle between her, Jabal, and Hatem.
The episode ends on a cliffhanger when we see a group of armed men attacking Jabal's convoy and taking away the weapons shipment. Jabal is left injured in the ambush, and we're left to wonder who could be behind the attack and what the consequences will be for the Adham family.
Overall, Season 1, Episode 1 of Al Hayba sets the stage for a thrilling drama about family secrets, betrayal, and revenge. The show's beautiful cinematography, strong performances, and gripping storyline make it an engaging watch for fans of crime and drama series.
