Dopesick Season 1 Episode 1 First Bottle

Dopesick is a gripping new drama series that sheds light on the opioid epidemic that has plagued America for decades. Season 1 kicks off with an episode titled "First Bottle," which delves into the origins of the crisis and introduces the key players who will be at the forefront of the fight against addiction.

The episode begins in the late 1990s, when Purdue Pharma introduces a new drug called OxyContin to the market. It's marketed as a miracle painkiller that is non-addictive, but the truth is far more sinister. Through a clever marketing campaign, Purdue Pharma convinces doctors to prescribe the drug for everything from minor aches and pains to chronic pain management.

The episode's main protagonist is Dr. Finnegan, a small-town physician who is initially skeptical of the drug's claims. He has a patient named Jesse who is suffering from chronic back pain, and Finnegan decides to prescribe OxyContin to see if it will help. Jesse is hesitant at first, but Finnegan assures him that the drug is safe and non-addictive.

Elsewhere, we are introduced to a young woman named Betsy, who works for the DEA. She's just starting out in her career and is eager to make a name for herself. When she sees the number of prescription drug overdoses skyrocketing, she becomes determined to do something about it.

Meanwhile, a sales rep for Purdue Pharma named Rick is living the high life. He's making a fortune selling OxyContin to doctors and hospitals, and he doesn't care about the damage it's causing. He's ruthless and greedy, and he'll do anything to make a sale.

As the episode progresses, we see the devastating effects of OxyContin on Jesse. He becomes addicted after taking just one pill, and his life spirals out of control. His girlfriend, who is also his supplier, ends up overdosing and dying, leaving Jesse alone and desperate for his next fix.

Betsy, meanwhile, is starting to uncover the truth about OxyContin and Purdue Pharma's role in the epidemic. She meets with a group of activists who are fighting back against the drug company, and she realizes that she needs to take a stand.

Dr. Finnegan is also starting to realize the danger of OxyContin. He sees firsthand how it's destroying his patients' lives and he begins to question the drug's safety. He's torn between his obligation to help his patients and his growing fear that he's contributing to the problem.

Finally, the episode ends with a devastating scene that underscores the toll that the opioid epidemic is taking on communities across the country. As Betsy and Finnegan look on in horror, a young man collapses on the street, overdosing on OxyContin. It's a stark reminder that this crisis is far from over.

Overall, "First Bottle" is a gripping and powerful introduction to Dopesick. It sets the stage for a series that promises to be both heartbreaking and inspiring, as it shines a light on the opioid epidemic and the people who are working to end it. With strong performances from an all-star cast and a compelling storyline, this is a show that is not to be missed.