Ep 1. Savage Season

Hap and Leonard is a television series that follows the lives of two best friends and their adventures in the 1980s. The first episode of the series, titled "Savage Season," introduces viewers to the characters and sets the scene for an intriguing and sometimes harrowing tale.

The episode opens at a nearby lake where two young boys, who were out fishing, come across a car that has been submerged in the water. When they investigate further, they discover the body of a woman in the trunk of the car. Meanwhile, the audience is introduced to Hap and Leonard, the show's protagonists. Hap is a white laborer, who was just recently fired, and has a love of books and a bit of a drinking problem. Leonard, on the other hand, is a black, gay Vietnam veteran who works as a mechanic. The two are best friends and are often together, sharing stories and getting into trouble.

The discovery of the car and the body sets off a chain reaction of events that quickly draws Hap and Leonard into the investigation. As they try to figure out who the woman was and why she was killed, they find themselves up against the corrupt local police department, a group of dangerous criminals, and a mysterious woman who seems to know more about the case than she is letting on.

As if that weren't enough, the drama in the small town continues to escalate as a white supremacist group, led by a man known as Soldier, begins to gain more power and influence. Their presence is felt throughout the episode, and it becomes clear that they will be an important force in the series moving forward.

Throughout the episode, there are moments of humor and levity, particularly in Hap and Leonard's banter and quips. They both have a sharp wit and a no-nonsense attitude that makes them instantly likable, and their interactions with the other characters are often the highlight of the episode.

However, there are also moments of intense violence and brutality, particularly towards black characters, that are difficult to watch. The show does not shy away from addressing issues of racism and intolerance, and this first episode sets up a world where these issues are still very much present.

Overall, "Savage Season" is a strong opening for the series. It establishes the characters and the setting effectively, and sets up plenty of intrigue and drama for the season ahead. Hap and Leonard are compelling protagonists, and their friendship is a joy to watch on screen. However, the show does not sugarcoat the harsh realities of life in the 1980s, and there are moments of violence and darkness that may be difficult for some viewers to handle. Still, for those looking for a gritty and engaging crime drama, Hap and Leonard is worth checking out.