Ep 1. Pilot

Devious Maids season 1 episode 1, titled 'Pilot,' introduces viewers to an ensemble cast of maids who work for wealthy families in Beverly Hills. The episode opens with a quote from Mark Twain: "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society," setting the tone for the show's emphasis on the lives of those working in service to the wealthy.

The four maids at the center of the show are Marisol (Ana Ortiz), Zoila (Judy Reyes), Rosie (Dania Ramirez), and Carmen (Roselyn Sánchez). Marisol is the newest addition to the group, posing as a woman of means in order to get close to a family involved in a murder case. Zoila is the strict and traditional housekeeper for the Powells, a wealthy couple with marital problems. Rosie, a Mexican immigrant, works for the Miller family, caring for their young son and dreaming of bringing her own son to America. Carmen is an aspiring singer and personal assistant to the pop star Evelyn Powell (Rebecca Wisocky).

The episode begins with a shocking event - one of the maids, Flora, is found murdered in the home of her employer, Evelyn Powell. This sets off a chain of events that will bring the maids closer together and reveal the secrets of those they work for. Marisol, who is not yet working as a maid, attends the Powell's party as a guest and befriends Taylor Stappord (Brianna Brown), a woman who is involved in the murder case and a target of suspicion. When Marisol reveals that she is a maid, Taylor hires her in an effort to gather information about the case.

The other maids are all affected by the murder as well. Zoila is troubled by the fact that her employer, Genevieve Delatour (Susan Lucci), has a habit of hiring ex-convicts and wonders if Flora's killer could be among her staff. Rosie is also affected, as the Millers are friends with the Powells and she fears for the safety of her own son. Carmen becomes obsessed with getting her demo tape to her boss, which leads her to cross paths with Sam Alexander (Wolé Parks), a record executive who takes a liking to her.

Throughout the episode, the theme of class differences is explored. The maids are shown working tirelessly to maintain the homes of their wealthy employers, while dealing with their own personal struggles. They are often ignored or demeaned by the families they work for, highlighting the power dynamics at play. Additionally, the show touches on race and immigration issues, with Rosie and her husband facing the constant threat of deportation and Zoila's daughter struggling to get a job because of her last name.

Despite its serious themes, the show also has a lighthearted tone. The interactions between the maids are comedic at times, particularly when Carmen and Zoila butt heads over Carmen's singing career. The show also features a number of daytime soap opera veterans, including Susan Lucci, who bring a campy, melodramatic flair to their performances.

Overall, Devious Maids season 1 episode 1 sets the stage for a show that is equal parts drama, comedy, and satire. The murder of Flora serves as a catalyst for the maids to come together and support each other, while also revealing the secrets of those around them. The show's emphasis on the lives of those who work in service to the wealthy is refreshing, and gives voice to those who are often overlooked in popular culture.