Ep 1. Episode 1

In the first episode of Catch-22, we are introduced to the central character of the series, Captain John Yossarian. We see Yossarian, played by Christopher Abbott, meet and interact with his squad, including the charismatic Hungry Joe, the anxious Chaplain and the optimistic Clevinger. The setting for the show is a US Air Force base on the Italian coast during World War II.

Right from the start, Catch-22 establishes the tone of the show as being satirical and absurd. Yossarian is shown participating in a bombing mission where everything goes wrong, from the chaotic orders from his superior to his equipment failing to work properly. The humor in the show is dark, with the death and destruction of war serving as a platform for the absurdity of military bureaucracy.

Throughout the episode, Yossarian is struggling with his desire to stay alive and the inevitable death that comes with being a soldier. He tries to get out of flying missions by faking illness, filing reports that he's seeing double and even attempting to flee the base. However, his efforts are thwarted at every turn by the rules and regulations of the military, specifically the titular Catch-22.

The concept of Catch-22 is introduced and explained in this episode. It is a loophole in the military code that means if a soldier is deemed insane and wants to be discharged, his request will be denied, as the desire to avoid danger is a rational response to the reality of war. This circular logic is used to keep Yossarian and the other soldiers on the front lines, regardless of their mental state or desire to leave.

We also get a glimpse into the personal life of Yossarian outside of the war. He is shown having a fling with a local Italian woman, giving us a look into the physical and emotional needs that exist for soldiers outside of their duties. However, the relationship is cut short when Yossarian is called back to the base.

The episode ends with Yossarian's pleas to Chaplain Tappman for help falling on deaf ears, as the Chaplain is more concerned with his own crisis of faith. This highlights the theme of the individual being powerless against the greater system, as even those who are meant to provide guidance and support are wrapped up in their own battles.

Overall, Episode 1 of Catch-22 sets up the absurd and satirical tone of the show while introducing us to the characters, setting and the central conflict of Yossarian's desire to stay alive. The combination of dark humor, commentary on war and bureaucracy, and themes of powerlessness and the individual vs the system make for an engaging and thought-provoking first episode.