Ep 1. Only the Rocks Live Forever

Centennial Season 1 Episode 1 - Only the Rocks Live Forever

In the sweeping and epic historical drama series, "Centennial," based on James A. Michener's best-selling novel, viewers are transported back in time to the early 18th century, exploring the rich tapestry of American history through the lives of several generations. Season 1 Episode 1, "Only the Rocks Live Forever," serves as the captivating introduction to this multigenerational saga, delving into the tumultuous beginnings of an American frontier community and its inhabitants.

The episode opens to the breathtaking beauty of the Colorado wilderness, untouched and unexplored by man. As the camera pans across the majestic landscape, we are introduced to several indigenous tribes who have called this land their home for centuries. Their way of life is intricately connected to the earth, and their traditions are steeped in a deep respect for nature.

Enter Arapaho chief Lame Beaver, an elder statesman revered throughout the tribe for his wisdom. Lame Beaver finds himself torn between the demands of his people and the encroaching white settlers, who bring with them an insatiable hunger for land and resources. Through Lame Beaver's story, we witness the profound conflict between tradition and progress, as two worlds collide with potentially devastating consequences.

Meanwhile, an ambitious and shrewd Scottish fur trader named Alexander McKeag sets foot in the Centennial settlement, setting the stage for the development of the town and its surrounding frontier. McKeag sees the vast potential in the untamed West and establishes a trading post, offering goods and supplies to both Native Americans and white settlers alike. As the primary catalyst for change, McKeag becomes intricately intertwined with the destiny of Centennial.

The episode takes a closer look at the challenges faced by the pioneer families who brave the journey West, seeking a fresh start and new opportunities. Among them is the Grebe family, who become the first permanent settlers in Centennial. Driven by their own desires and dreams, they face the hardships of taming the land, while also grappling with the moral implications of their actions upon the indigenous inhabitants.

As more settlers arrive in Centennial, tensions mount, and conflicts arise over issues of land ownership, cultural differences, and the desire for progress. The episode explores the complexities of relationships forged in this rapidly evolving town, as personal histories become entwined amidst the backdrop of the larger historical narrative.

"Only the Rocks Live Forever" skillfully sets the stage for the series, deftly weaving together the intertwined stories of both Native American tribes and white settlers. It serves as a prologue, highlighting the clash of cultures and the transformative power of the American frontier. From the Arapaho tribe's struggle to preserve their way of life to the determined, yet morally ambiguous actions of the settlers, this episode lays the foundation for the themes that will resonate throughout the rest of the series.

The cinematography and attention to historical detail transport viewers to a vivid and authentic portrayal of 18th-century Colorado. The performances are captivating, bringing to life the diverse characters who form the backbone of this multifaceted narrative. The episode masterfully captures the essence of Michener's sprawling novel, providing a compelling blend of drama, history, and human emotion.

As the opening installment of "Centennial," Season 1 Episode 1, "Only the Rocks Live Forever," immerses viewers in a sprawling and captivating tale of the American West. It serves as a bridge between the past and present, echoing the echoes of history, reminding us that every generation is shaped by those who came before, and that the choices we make today ripple through time to impact the future. Welcome to Centennial, a place where legends are born, and where the rocks bear witness to the stories of those who have lived, and died, forever etched into the land they call home.