Ep 1. DTLA

Good Trouble is an American drama television series, and in Season 1's Episode 1, titled DTLA, we see the continuation of the two sisters Callie and Mariana’s story, who we were introduced to in The Fosters. The series is set in downtown Los Angeles and revolves around the two sisters as they begin their new lives as young adults, navigating their way through the complexities of adulting, with the backdrop of an emerging and diverse city in downtown LA.

The first episode of Good Trouble begins as Callie and Mariana move into a new apartment in downtown Los Angeles. We see the two sisters unpacking their belongings as they discuss their new single lives, expressing their excitement for what's to come. However, as they explore the city, they begin to realise that it is not all what it seems to be. Downtown LA is a far cry from the San Diego suburbs they grew up in and are used to.

Callie, a recent law school graduate, begins her internship at the courthouse. She is optimistic about making strides in her career, but quickly learns the harsh reality of working in the justice system. Her colleague, Judge Wilson, assigns her a case that involves a man named Jamal who is facing a harsh sentence for a non-violent drug crime. Callie quickly realises that Jamal’s case is riddled with injustice and begins to question the ethics of her justice system. This event becomes a catalyst for Callie to fight against the system and realise her true calling.

Meanwhile, Mariana begins her job at a tech start-up, where she is the only female engineer in her group and quickly discovers the discrimination and sexism that exists in the workplace. The men she works with often belittle her and dismiss her ideas. However, Mariana refuses to be pushed aside and uses her voice to fight against the discrimination that she experiences.

DTLA serves as an introduction to the city and the characters we will get to know throughout the season. We are introduced to a cast of diverse characters who will play a crucial role in the sisters’ lives and add to the complexities of the series. We also see the sisters reconnect with their old friend, Gael, who has a complicated relationship with Callie's landlord, who happens to be his ex-girlfriend.

The episode also touches on heavy themes such as discrimination, corruption and racial injustices in both the tech industry and the justice system. Good Trouble does not shy away from addressing these issues and taking on difficult conversations that many series tend to avoid. This is a testament to the show's creators and their desire to portray the complexities of real life, making it more than just a series centered around the lives of millennials.

In conclusion, DTLA sets the scene for the season, introduces the central themes of the series and provides insight into the backgrounds of the characters we will come to know and love. It is an excellent start to the Good Trouble series, highlighting the struggles and complexities of life in downtown LA, and sets the foundation for the remainder of the first season.