Ep 1. The Black Swordsman

In Berserk season 1 episode 1, titled "The Black Swordsman," viewers are introduced to protagonist Guts, an imposing and enigmatic warrior who wields a massive sword and is feared by both friend and foe. The episode opens with a gruesome battle scene, where Guts is shown dispatching waves of demonic creatures with ease. However, despite his skill, he is eventually overwhelmed and badly injured.

Flashbacks reveal that Guts was once a member of the Band of the Hawk, a group of mercenaries led by the charismatic Griffith. Guts quickly rises through the ranks due to his unparalleled combat ability, but his camaraderie with his fellow soldiers is strained by his solitary nature and traumatic past.

As the Band of the Hawk gains recognition and power, Griffith becomes increasingly obsessed with achieving his dream of ruling over his own kingdom. Guts, meanwhile, begins to question his loyalty to the group and considers leaving.

In the present day, Guts encounters a young girl named Puck, who is initially wary of him but eventually tags along on his journey. They come across a group of bandits who have been terrorizing a village, and Guts offers his services to fight them off.

The episode culminates in a dramatic battle between Guts and the bandit leader, during which Guts reveals his true motivations for hunting demons and seeking revenge. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager to see what adventures lie ahead for Guts and his companions.

Overall, "The Black Swordsman" is a thrilling and atmospheric debut episode that sets the stage for the action-packed and often dark journey that is Berserk. It introduces complex characters and intense action sequences while keeping viewers engaged and invested in the story.