Ep 1. The Cuckoo's Calling: Part 1

C.b. Strike season 1 episode 1 titled The Cuckoo's Calling: Part 1 introduces us to Cormoran Strike, an ex-military personnel who has turned private detective. The episode opens with the introduction of Strike's character. He is shown living in his office and in debt. His girlfriend left him and he is struggling to make ends meet.

Strike's life takes a turn when he is approached by John Bristow, the brother of his childhood friend, the famous model Lula Landry. Lula was found dead, ruled as a suicide, but John believes that she was murdered. Strike initially resists taking up the case, but eventually agrees when he realizes that it could be a big break for him.

Strike begins his investigation by interviewing Lula's friends, family, and acquaintances. He meets Lula's boyfriend Evan Duffield, her half-brother Jonah Agyeman, and her personal driver Andow. Strike also visits the scene of the crime, Lula's luxurious apartment, and inspects it for evidence. He discovers that there were some inconsistencies in the police report and that Lula was not alone on the night of her death.

Meanwhile, we also see Strike's personal life unfolding. We are introduced to his assistant Robin Ellacott, who has just joined him on a temporary basis. Despite Strike's initial reluctance, Robin proves to be a valuable asset to him. Robin's fiancé Matthew is not at all happy with her job, and this creates some tension between the two.

As Strike delves deeper into the case, he discovers that Lula had a lot of secrets. She had a troubled past, a drug addiction, and a history of mental health issues. He also meets another model who had worked with Lula, Ciara Porter, who reveals some startling information about Lula's last few days. Strike begins to piece together the events leading up to Lula's death, and he realizes that her death was not a suicide, but a murder.

The episode ends with Strike confronting John Bristow about the true motive behind his hiring him for the case. Although John had insisted that he only wanted to uncover the truth about Lula's death, Strike suspects that there is something more to the case than meets the eye.

Overall, C.b. Strike season 1 episode 1, The Cuckoo's Calling: Part 1, sets the stage for a gripping murder mystery. We are introduced to the central characters of the show, Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott, and the world they inhabit. The episode is well-paced, and the tension and suspense build up gradually. The show feels like a classic British detective drama, with a touch of contemporary flair. The acting is superb, and Tom Burke as Cormoran Strike manages to portray the character's roughness and vulnerability in equal measure. The cinematography is excellent, with some stunning shots of London's streets and landmarks. All in all, The Cuckoo's Calling: Part 1 is a promising start to the series, and it leaves the viewer wanting more.