Ep 1. I Was Just Passing

In the first episode of Gentleman Jack titled "I Was Just Passing," we are introduced to Anne Lister, a wealthy landowner and self-proclaimed "queer" woman living in 19th century England. Anne is shown riding into Shibden Hall, her ancestral home in West Yorkshire, after a long trip abroad. We see her quickly taking charge of the estate and interacting with her tenants, who seem to both fear and respect her.

Anne's arrival also catches the attention of the locals, including the nearby coal miners. We are introduced to Thomas Sowden, a timid coal miner who is infatuated with Anne's good friend, Ann Walker. Anne and Ann have a tense first meeting, but there is clearly something more than friendship between them. Ann is shown to be naive and sheltered, while Anne is confident and knowledgeable about the world.

Throughout the episode, we see flashbacks of Anne's travels abroad, including a particularly poignant scene where she visits an ancient temple in India and takes a moment to reflect on her sexuality and her place in the world as a queer woman. We are also introduced to Anne's family, including her sister Marian and her formidable aunt, Anne Rawson, who disapprove of Anne's lifestyle.

As the episode progresses, we learn of Anne's plans to open a coal mine on her land, which would bring great wealth to her family and tenants. However, she meets resistance from her male counterparts who are not accustomed to a woman having such power and wanting to participate in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

At the same time, we see Anne's growing relationship with Ann Walker. Anne is determined to make Ann her "wife" and even proposes marriage to her, but Ann is unsure and hesitant. We see the power dynamics at play between the two women, with Anne using her intelligence and charm to try and sway Ann to her side.

Overall, the first episode of Gentleman Jack sets up a complex and fascinating character in Anne Lister. We see her as a woman ahead of her time, navigating the intricacies of class, gender, and sexuality in a society that does not value or understand her. The show promises to be an intriguing exploration of a remarkable woman, her relationships, and her journey towards self-acceptance.