Castle Rock Season 1 Episode 1 Severance

The show Castle Rock follows a series of interconnected stories set in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine, which is often featured in the works of author Stephen King. Season 1 Episode 1, titled "Severance," introduces us to Henry Deaver (Andre Holland), an attorney who receives a mysterious call from Shawshank State Penitentiary requesting his assistance in representing an anonymous inmate.

As Henry returns to his hometown of Castle Rock, he is haunted by memories of his past, including the disappearance of his adopted father, Reverend Matthew Deaver (Adam Rothenberg). He soon discovers that the inmate he is representing is a young man (Bill Skarsgård) who has been held in solitary confinement for over 27 years, with no explanation as to why. The inmate, known only as ‘The Kid’, begins to reveal to Henry a force of evil that has been long buried beneath Castle Rock.

Meanwhile, we meet Sheriff Alan Pangborn (Scott Glenn), an old friend of Henry's and a longtime resident of Castle Rock. He is investigating a gruesome discovery in the woods and seems to be harboring a dark secret of his own.

As the episode progresses, we are introduced to a number of different characters, each with their own demons to face. There's Molly Strand (Melanie Lynskey), a real estate agent with a psychic gift that she keeps hidden from the town, and Jackie Torrance (Jane Levy), a true crime fanatic who is revealed to be the niece of The Shining's infamous Jack Torrance.

The episode is full of references to King's many works, from nods to The Shawshank Redemption to direct tie-ins to The Dead Zone and The Dark Tower. It is a slow burn of a premiere episode, setting the stage for what promises to be a captivating and eerie journey through the twisted town of Castle Rock.

Overall, "Severance" sets the tone for the entire series, introducing viewers to a dark and foreboding world populated by enigmatic and troubled characters, all working to uncover the secrets buried deep beneath the town of Castle Rock. It is a testament to King's storytelling prowess, brought to life by the talented actors and creative team behind the show.