Ep 1. Et in Arcadia Ego

Following the hugely successful 1981 TV series, Brideshead Revisited is back on our screens with a brand new adaptation. Set in the 1920s, it tells the story of Charles Ryder, a young man studying at Oxford who is introduced to the aristocratic Marchmain family, and becomes inextricably woven into their complicated lives. This first episode sets the scene for what promises to be a stunning drama.

We are first introduced to Charles Ryder, played by Matthew Goode, as he embarks upon a nostalgic return to Brideshead, the sprawling stately home where his life changed forever. We are then transported back twenty years to his first meeting with the charismatic Sebastian, played with effortless charm by Ben Whishaw. A chance encounter leads to a night of wild partying, and Charles is soon swept up into Sebastian's glamorous world of privilege and excess.

It is here that we meet the rest of the Marchmain family, including Sebastian's sister Julia, played by Hayley Atwell, and their stern Catholic mother, Lady Marchmain, played by Emma Thompson. There is also the enigmatic Lord Marchmain, played by Michael Gambon, who has fled to Venice and left his family in turmoil. In the midst of all this, Charles finds himself torn between his love for Sebastian and his growing attraction to Julia.

The episode is named Et in Arcadia Ego, which is an enigmatic phrase commonly used in art and literature, particularly in relation to the concept of memento mori. It translates to "Even in Arcadia, there am I", and in this episode it refers to the fleeting happiness that the characters experience, and the inevitable knowledge that it cannot last. This is particularly evident in the scenes where Sebastian and Charles frolic together by the river, and in the quiet moments when they share their hopes and dreams for the future.

The production values of this new adaptation are absolutely top-notch, with sumptuous costumes and exquisite locations that transport us back to the Edwardian era. There is a sense of nostalgia and faded grandeur that permeates every scene, and the attention to detail is simply breathtaking. The acting is superb throughout, with each member of the cast bringing their A-game to their respective roles.

Fans of the original series and the book upon which it is based will no doubt be eagerly anticipating this new adaptation, and it is safe to say that they will not be disappointed. The first episode sets the scene perfectly, introducing us to the complex characters and intricate relationships that will provide the backbone of the drama. It also subtly hints at the tragedy that is to come, leaving us with a sense of foreboding that makes us want to tune in for more.

Overall, Brideshead Revisited promises to be a lush and gripping drama that will transport us back in time and make us feel all the emotions that the characters experience. Episode One sets the scene perfectly, and we cannot wait to see where the story goes from here. Whether you are a fan of the original series or are coming to this story for the first time, you will not want to miss this stunning new adaptation.