Ep 1. Girl from the North Country

Escape at Dannemora season 1 episode 1, titled "Girl from the North Country," introduces viewers to the seemingly mundane lives of prison employees Tilly Mitchell and Lyle Mitchell at Clinton Correctional Facility in upstate New York. Tilly, played by Patricia Arquette, works in the prison tailor shop and is having a secret affair with inmate David Sweat (Paul Dano). Lyle, played by Eric Lange, is a corrections officer who is struggling to connect with his wife and is often the target of jokes from his fellow COs.

The episode sets the stage for what will eventually become a major prison escape, but it takes its time getting there. Much of the first hour is dedicated to establishing the characters and their relationships. We see Tilly's frustration with her unfulfilling job and her strained marriage to a man who clearly doesn't understand her. We see Lyle's insecurity and his desire to be liked by his colleagues. And we see the daily routines of the prisoners, who are depicted as human beings with hopes and dreams, rather than just criminals.

One of the most striking scenes in the episode involves Tilly and Sweat's relationship. They exchange secret notes and have furtive conversations in the tailor shop, all while Tilly's clueless coworker Joyce (played by Bonnie Hunt) looks on. Sweat seems genuinely affectionate towards Tilly, but it's difficult to know whether she feels the same way or if she's simply using him to escape her miserable life.

Meanwhile, a new prisoner named Richard Matt (Benicio Del Toro) is introduced. He's a charismatic and manipulative man who quickly gains the respect of his fellow inmates. When he learns that Tilly has access to contraband, he enlists her help in smuggling in goods like cigarettes and cell phones. Tilly, desperate for some sort of excitement in her life, eagerly obliges.

As the episode draws to a close, we see Matt and Sweat beginning to hatch a plan for their escape. It's clear that more drama and intrigue is to come, but for now, we're left with the image of two men smoking in a dark cell, plotting their way out of Dannemora.

Overall, "Girl from the North Country" is an effective introduction to the world of Escape at Dannemora. It's a slow-burning drama that takes its time building suspense and establishing its characters, but it's worth the investment. With solid performances from its cast and a compelling true story at its core, Escape at Dannemora has the potential to be a standout series.