Ep 1. Episode 1

Explained is a documentary series that aims at providing viewers with details on a variety of topics while remaining brief, concise, and easy to understand. Each episode focuses on a different topic and explains it in-depth within the runtime of half an hour. With the help of experts in the field, unique animations, and real-life examples, Explained aims to satisfy everyone's curiosity with the hope of making the world a better place.

The first episode of Explained is all about "Monogamy." It's an interesting topic as monogamy is one of the most conventional relationship structures at present and has been around for centuries. But despite its prevalence, many people have queries about monogamy and its role in society.

The episode begins by providing viewers with an idea about what the concept of monogamy means. It then goes further into explaining the evolution and history of monogamy. The episode uses animation and video footage in discussing the changes that occurred in human relationships. Early humankind lived in a more primitive society, where the primal instinct of survival led to behaviours including polyamory and polygamy. Marriage, as we currently understand it today, did not exist. Before the concept of monogamy, people lived in societies where sex was a means of procreation and not something that was reserved for emotional intimacy or romantic partnerships.

The episode also dives into the biological and psychological factors that contribute to humans' inclination toward monogamy. The experts highlight patterns in the mating behaviour of animals and how they often involve staying together for longer periods, whereas others prefer short-term relationships that are aggressive and brief. Humans, with their complex social structures, fall under the former category; they often engage in long-term relationships, which have proven advantageous for the individual as well as society.

Explained then delves into the inconsistencies specifically found within monogamous relationships. While monogamy has long been held up as the ideal, there are doubts about how realistic that is for modern-day society. The experts discuss the high divorce rates and whether it is truly realistic to expect people to stay with the same person their whole lives. In the episode, they draw particular attention to the fact that despite society's views on monogamy, it's still common for people to have extramarital affairs. The episode explains how the internal conflict between desires and society's expectations can lead people to engage in illicit behaviors and how the question of whether humans are meant to be truly monogamous remains unanswered.

The episode continues by discussing the importance of love in a monogamous relationship. Experts explain how love has developed and evolved in humans. They detail the different chemical reactions, particularly in the brain, that influence our emotions, actions, and decisions with regard to relationships. The episode stresses that being in love is an evolving and maturing experience, and a long-term, mature love is what ultimately provides long term compatibility in a relationship, which is why it's necessary in a monogamous relationship.

The episode goes on to explain the concept of serial monogamy, which is different from conventional monogamy, in that it allows people to be exclusive with different partners throughout their lifetime. The show explores the benefits and drawbacks of these societal versus individualistic approaches to relationships while acknowledging that there's no one "correct" way to approach them.

In conclusion, the Explained episode on Monogamy does an excellent job of explaining the topic in question. Through a combination of history, biology, and psychology, the episode comprehensively tackles the topic while acknowledging the limitations of traditional monogamous relationships. Whether the viewer is married, single, or dating, they can expect to learn something new and potentially useful from this episode. Overall, Explained Season 1 Episode 1 is a captivating and in-depth exploration of monogamy in modern society.