Ep 1. Pilot

In the first episode of the FX anthology series "Feud: Bette and Joan," titled "Pilot," we are introduced to Hollywood legends Bette Davis (Susan Sarandon) and Joan Crawford (Jessica Lange) during the filming of their seminal 1962 movie "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" The episode opens with a sequence showing both actresses preparing for the first day of filming, with Davis dealing with her difficult co-star's diva-like demands and Crawford brooding over her fading star power.

As the film's director, Robert Aldrich (Alfred Molina), tries to keep the peace between the two actresses, tensions continue to rise as Davis and Crawford battle for screen time and dominance on set. The episode also explores the personal lives of both women, with Davis facing marital problems and Crawford struggling to maintain control over her public image.

In addition to the drama on set, the episode also touches on the broader societal issues present in the entertainment industry during the 1960s, such as ageism in Hollywood and the pressure on female stars to maintain youthful appearances. We see this firsthand as Crawford undergoes a brutal cosmetic surgery procedure in an attempt to regain her former beauty.

Overall, "Pilot" sets the stage for the fierce and bitter rivalry between Davis and Crawford that would come to define their careers and personal lives. The episode features strong performances from both Sarandon and Lange, who perfectly capture the complex personalities of the two Hollywood icons. Fans of classic Hollywood and behind-the-scenes drama won't want to miss this engaging and insightful series.