Ep 1. Actus Reus

Harrow is an Australian television drama series that revolves around Dr. Daniel Harrow, a forensic pathologist who has an unorthodox way of solving criminal cases. In the first episode, titled "Actus Reus," we are introduced to the brilliant but eccentric Dr. Harrow, whose unique attitude and methods have made him a renowned expert in his field.

The episode begins with an ominous scene of a young woman who has fallen from a balcony. After the opening credits, we're introduced to Dr. Harrow, who is seen performing an autopsy on a cadaver. This autopsy scene provides a glimpse into the doctor's expertise and attention to detail as he dissects the body with precision and care, uncovering clues that others might miss.

The plot thickens when we're introduced to Harrow's daughter, Fern, who is a teenager struggling with addiction issues. Harrow is clearly a distant father who is more concerned with his job than his family, which is an issue that will become more important as the series progresses. Meanwhile, we learn that the balcony victim is a young woman who was a student at Fern's school, putting the doctor and his daughter on a collision course with the case.

As Harrow delves deeper into the case, he begins to unravel layers of deception and lies, uncovering a web of secrets that could bring down the entire school community. Along the way, he partners with a young detective named Sergeant Soroya Dass, who becomes Harrow's reluctant protégé.

The episode is full of twists and turns that keep the audience engaged, and the writing is superb. The acting is top-notch, with Ioan Gruffudd delivering a standout performance as the enigmatic and complex Dr. Harrow. The character is equal parts brilliant and flawed, making him an interesting and dynamic protagonist.

One of the standout features of Harrow is its use of flashbacks. Throughout the episode, the viewer is given glimpses into Harrow's past, slowly revealing the events that have shaped him into the man he is today. These flashbacks add depth to the character and provide insight into his motivations, giving viewers a more nuanced understanding of the protagonist.

The episode also showcases the beautiful Australian landscape, with gorgeous shots of the city of Brisbane and its surroundings. The cinematography is visually stunning, and the use of color is particularly effective in conveying the mood of the scene.

Overall, "Actus Reus" is an excellent introduction to the series. It does a great job of setting up the characters and the world they inhabit, while also delivering an engaging mystery that keeps the audience guessing until the end. It's a well-crafted episode that leaves the viewer excited to see where the series will go from here.