Aquarius Season 1 Episode 1 Everybody's Been Burned

In the late 1960s, turmoil and unrest gripped America. The youth were rebelling against tradition and authority, while the fight for civil rights raged on. Against this chaotic backdrop, David Duchovny stars as Sergeant Sam Hodiak, a no-nonsense cop stationed in Los Angeles.

The pilot episode, titled "Everybody's Been Burned," opens with Hodiak getting assigned to investigate the disappearance of Emma Karn, the teenage daughter of a respected lawyer. Hodiak is initially dismissive of the case, but it soon becomes apparent that Emma has links to a dangerous cult that is rapidly gaining popularity – the Manson Family.

Meanwhile, we meet Charles Manson (played by Game of Thrones' Gethin Anthony) for the first time, as he charms his way into a recording studio to audition for a record executive. Manson is a charismatic figure, with a talent for manipulating those around him. He and his followers, including women such as Sadie (Ambyr Childers) and Katie (Madisen Beaty), live on a notorious ranch in the hills above Hollywood, engaging in bizarre rituals and drug-fueled orgies.

As Hodiak begins to dig deeper into Emma's disappearance, he encounters Brian Shafe (Grey Damon), a young undercover cop who has infiltrated the Manson Family. Together, Hodiak and Shafe navigate the murky waters of the counterculture scene, meeting a cast of characters that are simultaneously fascinating and unnerving. From hippies and musicians to drug dealers and corrupt cops, Hodiak realizes that there are no easy answers in this world.

As the investigation unfolds, we also get a glimpse into Hodiak's personal life. He is a divorced father who struggles to connect with his son, Walt (Chris Sheffield), who is deeply involved in the anti-war movement. Hodiak's fraught relationship with his ex-wife is also explored, with flashbacks revealing the root of their marital problems.

Over the course of the episode, "Everybody's Been Burned" sets up the central conflict of the show: Hodiak's pursuit of justice, even in the face of a system that is often stacked against him. Duchovny brings his trademark intensity to the role of Hodiak, playing the character as a hard-nosed but ultimately compassionate cop who takes his duty seriously. It's a nuanced performance that sets the tone for the rest of the season.

Overall, "Everybody's Been Burned" is an engaging and thought-provoking pilot episode that manages to convey a sense of time and place without feeling overly nostalgic. With its complex characters, twisting plotlines, and social commentary, Aquarius promises to be a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and period pieces alike.