Ep 1. New France

In the premiere episode of Barkskins, titled "New France," we are transported back to the year 1693 in the vast wilderness of New France, which is present-day Quebec, Canada. The narrative revolves around two young Frenchmen, Rene Sel and Charles Duquet, who have been hired as indentured servants to work for a wealthy landowner named Claude Trepagny.

As the episode begins, we see the two men traveling through the dense forest towards their destination, accompanied by a group of other travelers. The journey is treacherous, and they have to face numerous obstacles, such as encountering a group of hostile Iroquois warriors, a deadly spider, and a pack of wolves. Despite all odds, they manage to reach Trepagny's land safely.

Our introduction to the central characters brings out some of the underlying tensions and conflicts that define Barkskins. Rene Sel is a quiet and introverted man, whose only purpose is to fulfill his indentured servitude and return home to France. Charles Duquet, however, is ambitious and cunning, and plans to use his time in New France to find new opportunities and make a fortune. He holds no loyalty to Trepagny and is willing to take risks to advance his goals.

Once they reach Trepagny's land, we see that the colony is in a precarious position. The indigenous population is hostile towards the French, and the settlers have to negotiate their way carefully. Trepagny is keen on expanding his land holdings and profits, but faces opposition from others, including a rival landowner named Cooke.

One of the standout features of the episode is the attention to detail given to the setting and the historical context. The forest is depicted as an ominous and unpredictable force, teeming with danger, and there are several references to the complex colonial history of Canada. We also get a glimpse into the lives of the indigenous population, from their hunting and gathering methods to their beliefs and customs.

In terms of performances, the actors in Barkskins are uniformly excellent. David Thewlis delivers a standout performance as Claude Trepagny, a man obsessed with profit and willing to do whatever it takes to secure his position. He is manipulative and charming, but also ruthless and cunning. Marcia Gay Harden also shines as Mathilde, a woman with a mysterious past who lives on Trepagny's land and helps oversee the servants.

The first episode sets up several plotlines that promise to be explored in greater depth as the season progresses. We are left with questions about Duquet's motivations and whether he will clash with Rene Sel. We also get a glimpse into the complicated interactions between the French and the indigenous population. Additionally, the episode hints at a supernatural element, with several references to a mysterious creature that may be the cause of the deaths in the forest.

Overall, Barkskins is an ambitious and visually stunning production that promises to offer a fresh perspective on the early colonial history of Canada. With a talented cast of actors and a riveting storyline, the first episode sets the stage for an engaging and thought-provoking season.