Ep 1. Part 1 of 4

Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond is a four-part series that explores the life of the man who created one of the most iconic fictional characters, James Bond. The first episode, Part 1 of 4, sets the stage for the fascinating story of Ian Fleming.

The episode opens with Ian Fleming (Dominic Cooper) in his Jamaica home, surrounded by his beloved books and memories of his wartime experiences. We then flashback to his earlier years, where we see him as a reckless young man who struggled to find his place in life.

Born into a wealthy family, Fleming enjoyed a privileged upbringing but continually rebelled against his strict father's expectations. He was expelled from Eton College and indulged in a life of excess in London's high society, which eventually led to him being kicked out of Sandhurst Military Academy.

However, the outbreak of World War II gave him a newfound sense of purpose. After a string of failed attempts to enlist, he finally landed a job as a personal assistant to the head of Naval Intelligence. This role allowed him to use his creativity and resourcefulness to develop plans to defeat the enemy, which would later inspire his Bond novels.

The episode also delves into Fleming's relationships with women, including his mother, who died when he was young, and his first love, Edith (Anna Chancellor). Despite their strong connection, Edith married another man, and Fleming turned to other women to fill the void.

Throughout the episode, we see Fleming's passion for writing and his desire to create a character that would capture the imagination of readers worldwide. He finally found the inspiration he needed during his convalescence after a near-fatal illness. He dreamed up a suave, heroic spy named James Bond and went on to write his first book, Casino Royale.

Part 1 of 4 sets the groundwork for the series by presenting Fleming as a complex, flawed individual who relied on his experiences to create the unforgettable character of James Bond. The episode ends with Fleming arriving in Jamaica, where he begins to develop the persona that would ultimately define him as a writer and a man.

Overall, Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond, Part 1 of 4, is a well-crafted glimpse into the life of Ian Fleming, highlighting the events and people that shaped the man who created one of the most beloved literary and film characters of all time.