Decline and Fall Season 1 Episode 1
Decline and Fall
Season 1

Ep 1. Episode 1

  • TV-NR
  • April 1, 2017
  • 58 min
  • 7.5  (94)

Based on the 1928 novel by Evelyn Waugh, "Decline and Fall" is a British comedy-drama television series that originally aired on BBC One in 2017. The first episode of the first season sets the stage for a satirical exploration of the British class system and the misfortunes of the story's protagonist, Paul Pennyfeather.

In Episode 1, we are introduced to Paul Pennyfeather, a rather unassuming and passive individual who is unexpectedly thrust into a series of unfortunate events that dramatically alter the course of his life. Pennyfeather is a theology student at the fictional Scone College in Oxford, where his primary concern is to maintain a steady academic progress. However, life has other plans for Pennyfeather, upending his quiet existence, and pushing him onto an entirely unexpected path.

The episode opens with a glimpse into the insular world of Oxford, where traditions run deep, and the pressure to fit in is palpable. Pennyfeather, ever the diligent student, finds himself at the wrong place at the wrong time, resulting in a scandalous incident that quickly spirals out of control. This embarrassing debacle promptly leads to unjust consequences for him, marking the start of what will be a series of downfalls and misadventures.

Following his ejection from the reputable Scone College, Pennyfeather's fortunes take a nosedive. With his academic career suddenly cut short, he grapples with the harsh realities of his new social standing and the need to seek out employment to sustain himself. The episode follows Pennyfeather’s reluctant adaptation to life outside the ivy-clad walls of Oxford, as he begins to seek employment in a world for which his education has ill-prepared him.

To make ends meet, Pennyfeather is forced to accept a role far from the life of an Oxford scholar. He finds himself in the precarious position of a schoolmaster at Llanabba Castle, a substandard boys' school in Wales. This dilapidated institution is run by a colorful cast of eccentric and inadequate staff, which serves as a stark contrast to Pennyfeather's previous existence within the esteemed university. Among these characters, we meet a vibrant assortment of staff and pupils, whose quirks and antics will become a central focus of the series.

As Pennyfeather navigates his new role, he encounters the headmaster Dr. Fagan, whose questionable educational principles and desperate financial straits set the tone for a farcical satire of the British educational system. The school, with its lack of discipline and academic rigor, provides a humorous setting for Pennyfeather's attempts to adapt to this foreign environment.

Pennyfeather’s innocence and naiveté make him an ideal target for the eccentricities and machinations of those around him. The episode adeptly introduces the brewing tensions and dynamics amongst the faculty, hinting at the undercurrents of deception and incompetence that underlie the school’s operation. Against this backdrop, the pupils present a range of challenges, their mischief and disrespect embody a place where education is of little consequence, and teachers are merely there to fill a role rather than inspire.

The episode's narrative is interspersed with moments of dry wit and slapstick humor, which serve to both elevate and complicate Pennyfeather's predicaments. His personal struggles and the bizarre occurrences at Llanabba Castle are poised against the broader themes of societal decay and decline implicit in Waugh’s original story. Moreover, the setting in the 1920s affords the show a period appeal, with attention to the costumes, sets, and mannerisms that evoke the era.

Throughout the episode, Pennyfeather’s journey is imbued with the comedy of errors, as his every attempt to regain his footing seems to be met with further comical misfortune. We begin to see how Pennyfeather represents everyman, someone who falls prey to the vagaries of fate and the irrationality of those in positions of authority.

Episode 1 of "Decline and Fall" serves as a foundation for the rest of the series. It establishes the tone, setting, and characters, leaving viewers intrigued by the potential growth of Pennyfeather as he contends with the absurd world in which he's landed. The series promises to be an exploration of the human condition through the lens of satire, and this opening episode invites audiences to bear witness to how humor can emerge from the most unexpected downfalls, both personal and societal.

Description
Watch Decline and Fall - Episode 1 (s1 e1) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Decline and Fall, Season 1 Episode 1, is available to watch and stream on Acorn TV. You can also buy, rent Decline and Fall on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Amazon, Hoopla, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    April 1, 2017
  • Content Rating
    TV-NR
  • Runtime
    58 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (94)