Ep 1. Spear and Fang

In the debut episode of Genndy Tartakovsky's Primal entitled “Spear and Fang,” viewers are introduced to the world of prehistoric creatures and the unlikely companionship of Spear, a caveman who suffers a tragic loss in the opening scene, and his new friend Fang, a carnivorous dinosaur.

The episode starts with Spear and his tribe hunting for their next meal. It's evident from the start that Spear is well-versed in survival tactics and is respected by his fellow tribe members. He gives commands and leads them in the chase, but their hunt for a mammoth quickly turns disastrous.

Spear suffers a devastating loss when he witnesses the death of his entire family in the chaos of the hunt, leaving him alone in the wilderness. Spear's raw emotions are expertly portrayed in the wordless opening sequence, conveying rage, sorrow, and the overwhelming struggle of grief.

Afterward, Spear takes up shelter in a cave to mourn. In this moment of solitude, he finds himself confronted by an unusual predator - a dinosaur. Fearful of the beast, Spear doesn't appreciate it when it tries to take shelter with him during a violent storm.

However, the next day, they find out that they are not the only ones in distress. They stumble upon a group of Triceratops and recognize their mutual need for water, leading to a tense standoff between the two groups. Through a tense battle that involves both Spear and Fang, they emerge victorious and gain the respect of one another.

As Spear and Fang continue their journey together, they begin to develop an uneasy bond. Spear demonstrates his survival skills and intelligence to succeed in the dangerous and ruthless world of prehistoric creatures, while Fang is the brawn, with the ability to take down prey much larger than herself.

It is this unlikely relationship between a caveman and a predator that serves as the central theme and driving force behind Primal. There are no lines of dialogue, and the music is minimal, which makes the story more reflective of the world at the time. Genndy Tartakovsky delivers a unique take on the survivalist genre, mixing in intriguing characters and a world that's both mysterious and deadly.

In conclusion, episode one, “Spear and Fang,” is a triumph, showcasing superb animation, expert storytelling, and a captivating world filled with complex and fascinating creatures. The show's unique choice of no dialogue makes it all the more captivating, relying on the soundtrack to help tell the story when its breathtaking visuals might fall short. Primal is a genuinely breathtaking and immersive experience that fans of the survival genre will not want to miss.