Kingdom (US) Season 1 Episode 1 Set Yourself on Fire

In the opening episode of the highly acclaimed MMA drama series Kingdom, entitled "Set Yourself on Fire," we are introduced to Alvey Kulina, played by Frank Grillo, a former MMA fighter who now runs a gym with his girlfriend, Lisa (Kiele Sanchez). Alvey and Lisa are struggling to make ends meet, and their financial worries only add to the strained relationship they share.

Alvey's two sons are also a central part of the story. Jay (Jonathan Tucker) is a talented fighter, but his partying ways and substance abuse threaten to derail his promising career. On the other hand, Nate (Nick Jonas) is a gay man who, despite hiding his sexuality from his father, is determined to become a professional MMA fighter.

The episode opens with the Kulina family dealing with the news that Alvey's estranged wife, Christina (Joanna Going), has returned to Los Angeles after being absent for years. The dynamic between the ex-lovers is immediately tense as Alvey reveals he has been seeking full custody of their troubled teenage son, Nate.

As the episode progresses, we see Alvey determined to transform his gym into a profitable business. To do so, he hopes to recruit Ryan Wheeler (Matt Lauria), a former fighter whom Alvey trained years ago. Ryan has just been released from prison and, with his options limited, he reaches out to Alvey hoping to train for a comeback into the MMA world.

Meanwhile, Jay struggles with addiction and the effects it has on his relationships with his brother and girlfriend, who work together in a strip club. Nate, too, faces his own difficulties; he is forced to deal with his father's homophobic comments while reevaluating his relationship with his boyfriend.

The episode culminates in a dramatic scene, where Jay confronts Ryan, asking him to give up the potential comeback so that Jay can take his place. Ryan considers Jay's request, but ultimately, it's Alvey who persuades him to fight again. In a nail-biting scene, Ryan's first fight in years results in an unforgettable victory.

Overall, "Set Yourself on Fire" establishes the Kulina family's complex and flawed personalities, setting the stage for an emotional and thrilling series that explores family dynamics, addiction, and the MMA world. The episode expertly balances drama, action, and character development, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.