Ep 1. Episode 01

Fauda is a gripping, intense Israeli political thriller that has rightly been lauded for its strong performances, powerful writing and truly heart-pumping action. This show follows the story of a team of Israeli undercover agents as they navigate the murky and dangerous waters of the Palestinian territories, attempting to prevent terror attacks and protect their people.

Episode 01 begins by introducing the viewer to Doron, the leader of the Israeli undercover squad, as he appears to be returned from his missions. Upon his return, he discovers that his former lover, Gali, has committed suicide and feels responsible for it. While dealing with grief, he receives a call from a former colleague, informing him of the location of Taufiq Hammed, a notorious Palestinian leader who had been presumed dead for years. This phone call triggers his return to Palestine after leaving his dangerous job to return to his family. Doron immediately agrees to join the team on a secret mission to capture Taufiq, which incidentally causes the first tragic collateral damage.

As the squad begins their operation, they quickly realise that they will have to go to extreme lengths to succeed in their mission, somewhat at the expense of the civilians caught in the crossfire. The heart-wrenching tension of this episode is palpable, with the viewer feeling every moment of danger and the intense emotions of the undercover agents as they work to keep control of their mission. The authenticity of Fauda, especially in this first episode, is one of its primary strengths, and every moment feels genuine and true to the harsh realities of life in this conflict zone.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable things about this episode is that it manages to juggle intense action scenes with strong character development, all while dealing with weighty and controversial political issues that have real-world stakes. As the Israeli undercover team makes its way through the Palestinian territories, they must navigate the complex and treacherous network of factions that operate within the region. Along the way, they encounter a number of people, including a Palestinian boy who becomes unwittingly involved in the mission, demonstrating the broader complexities of this conflict.

One of the standout performances in this episode is that of Lior Raz's, who plays Doron. Raz manages to perfectly capture the nuances of a man who is torn between his loyalty to his country and his own personal life. He is both empathetic and raw, making it effortlessly easy to identify with his perspective. Additionally, the show does a great job of capturing the real-life experiences of people caught in the middle of this conflict, regardless of whether they are Israeli or Palestinian, powerful or powerless.

Overall, Fauda season 1 episode 1 presents a thrilling and emotionally charged start to the show. With its tightly woven plot, deep characterisation, and authentic setting, it is an incredibly compelling political drama that will keep you hooked from the start. This episode in particular serves to highlight all of the show's strengths, making it a must-watch for any fans of the genre. It is an intelligent, thought-provoking, and dramatic series that manages to both entertain and challenge its viewers. It is without a doubt one of the most exciting shows to come out of Israel in recent years.