Ep 1. Episode 1

"Episode 1" of Flesh and Blood is the gripping first installment of the British drama, which introduces viewers to the Lyons family - made up of widowed mother Vivien and her adult children, Helen, Jake and Natalie. In the opening moments, a police investigation is underway after an incident at the Lyons's home leaves Vivien injured and disorientated.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that tensions run high within this seemingly idyllic family unit. Family secrets, long-held grudges, and simmering resentments quickly bubble to the surface as each member of the family reacts to the fallout of the incident. As Vivien recuperates in hospital, her children begin to tentatively explore the possibility that she may have been involved in the altercation that caused her injuries. However, their efforts to piece together the events of that evening are thwarted by their mother's reluctance to explain what really happened.

Over the course of the episode, viewers are introduced to a cast of intriguing supporting characters, including Vivien's new boyfriend, retired surgeon Mark, and her long-time friend and confidant Mary. Meanwhile, police detective DCI Barclay doggedly pursues clues that may connect the Lyons family to a recent local crime. With each new revelation, viewers are left questioning the true motivations of the central characters, and wondering how deeply this dark family drama can go.

"Flesh and Blood" distinguishes itself with its skilled characterisation. Actress Francesca Annis delivers a standout performance as the enigmatic Vivien, who sidesteps probing questions with a carefully maintained veneer of impish charm. Simultaneously, Imelda Staunton is pitch-perfect as Mary, whose relationship with Vivien is the bedrock of the Lyons family dynamics. The younger generation of actors - Lydia Leonard as successful businesswoman Helen, Russell Tovey as struggling private school teacher Jake, and Claudie Blakley as insecure divorcee Natalie - all manage to imbue their characters with a sense of depth and nuance that belies their surface-level definitions.

The show's setting, in a sleepy coastal town on the brink of gentrification, adds an additional layer of complexity to the storytelling. Director Louise Hooper manages to evoke a sense of stifling claustrophobia that encircles the Lyons family, despite the beautiful surroundings. Meanwhile, the soundtrack - which ranges from contemporary indie rock to iconic '80s hits - subtly underscores the generational divide between the family members.

All in all, "Episode 1" of "Flesh and Blood" is a deftly written and stylishly produced thriller that won't disappoint fans of the genre. With its intricate plot twists, expertly crafted characters, and tense pacing, it's a show that will keep viewers guessing until the very end.