Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell Season 1 Episode 1

Ep 1. The Friends of English Magic

  • TV-14
  • May 17, 2015
  • 59 min
  • 8.0  (604)

In "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell" season 1 episode 1, titled "The Friends of English Magic," viewers are transported to a world where magic is widely believed to be a myth. Set in the early 19th century in England, the episode introduces us to a society of scholars and intellectuals who are fascinated by the idea of English magic and its long-lost traditions.

The main character, Mr Norrell, is a reclusive and arrogant magician who is determined to revive the practice of English magic. He is known for his collection of rare books and manuscripts on magic, which he keeps locked away in his private library. Norrell is obsessed with proving to the world that magic is real and can be resurrected from the past.

On the other hand, Jonathan Strange is a handsome but reckless young man who has no interest in the academic pursuit of magic. However, he discovers that he has a natural talent for it and begins to delve deeper into the subject. Strange is fascinated by Norrell's work and seeks to learn more from him.

The first episode follows the two men as they cross paths and form an uneasy alliance. Norrell agrees to take Strange on as his apprentice, but is hesitant to share too much of his knowledge. Strange is eager to learn and starts to immerse himself in the world of English magic. However, the relationship between the two men is complicated, with Norrell becoming increasingly jealous of Strange's natural abilities and popularity.

In the first episode, we also meet other characters in the story. Lady Pole, a wealthy socialite, has been enchanted by a fairy and is under a curse that causes her to dance uncontrollably each night. Norrell agrees to help her, but his methods are unorthodox and create more problems than they solve.

Meanwhile, the reigning monarch, King George III, is plagued by mental illness and is unable to perform his duties as a ruler. His son, the Prince Regent, is eager to take over and seeks to secure his own power by aligning himself with Norrell and the world of English magic.

Overall, "The Friends of English Magic" sets up the world of "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell" and introduces us to the main characters and themes of the show. It is a slow-paced episode that focuses on world-building and character development rather than action or plot twists. However, it is intriguing enough to leave viewers wanting more and sets the stage for the rest of the season.

Description
Watch Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell - The Friends of English Magic (s1 e1) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Season 1 Episode 1, is available to watch and stream on BBC one. You can also buy, rent Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell on demand at Google Play online.
  • First Aired
    May 17, 2015
  • Content Rating
    TV-14
  • Runtime
    59 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.0  (604)