Ep 1. Welcome to Royston Vasey

Welcome to Royston Vasey, the first episode of the first season of The League of Gentlemen, introduces us to the bizarre and twisted world of Royston Vasey, a small, isolated town in the north of England. The episode sets the tone for the series, using dark humor and surrealism to explore the strangeness and darkness that lurks beneath the surface of everyday life.

The episode introduces us to a range of strange and unsettling characters, including the peculiar proprietors of local shop “Londis” - a married couple who speak exclusively in riddles and seem to be hiding a sinister secret. We are also introduced to a seemingly innocent young chap named Benjamin, who is on his way to a job interview in Royston Vasey when he is lured off the road by a sign directing him to a mysterious “secret location”. What he finds is both hilarious and horrifying, and sets the stage for the season.

Other memorable characters we are introduced to in the first episode include a local transvestite taxi driver and a butcher who has a dark secret way of sourcing meat. The episode also dives into the relationship between a hapless veterinarian and his overbearing wife, a dynamic that will become a recurring theme throughout the series.

Despite its dark and bizarre nature, there is a sense of warmth and affection for the town and its inhabitants that permeates throughout the episode. There is a sense that while things may be strange and unsettling within Royston Vasey, the characters are also deeply connected and protective of their strange little corner of the world.

One of the standout aspects of the episode is the exceptional writing and performances, with every actor giving a memorable and idiosyncratic performance that makes the characters come alive. The writing is sharp and witty, full of clever jokes and observations that will keep viewers engaged and laughing throughout.

Overall, Welcome to Royston Vasey is a strong introduction to The League of Gentlemen, setting the stage for the rest of the season with a surreal and darkly hilarious look at one of England’s strangest small towns. Fans of dark humor and offbeat storytelling are sure to love this series, and the first episode sets the bar high for what is to come.