Life in Squares Season 1 Episode 1 Episode 1

"Life in Squares" is a British drama television series that chronicles the lives of the Bloomsbury Group, a set of influential intellectuals that flourished in the early 20th century. In season 1 episode 1, we are introduced to the main characters of the series – Vanessa Bell, her sister Virginia Woolf, and their close friends, Lytton Strachey, Clive Bell, and Duncan Grant.

The episode starts by showing Vanessa and Virginia as children, playing hide and seek in the garden of their family home. From there, we are fast-forwarded to their young adult years, where we see them mingling with the famous artists and writers of their time. The Bloomsbury Group is known for their unconventional lifestyle – they live together, have open relationships, and refuse to conform to societal norms.

The episode primarily focuses on Vanessa and her marriage to Clive Bell. We see their relationship evolve over time – from their initial flirtations to their eventual marriage. Despite Vanessa's close ties with Duncan Grant, who is also in love with her, she chooses to settle down with Clive. However, their marriage is far from conventional – they have an open relationship, and Clive often sleeps with other women.

Apart from Vanessa's personal life, we also see the group's creative pursuits. Lytton Strachey, a writer, is shown working on his biography. Duncan Grant is shown making a painting for an exhibition. We see Virginia struggling with her writing – she wants to write a novel but is unsure about how to go about it.

The episode ends on a slightly ominous note, with Vanessa and Virginia discussing the future. Virginia is worried that they will grow old and lose their creativity. Vanessa reassures her, saying that their bond will keep them together and inspire their work.

Overall, season 1 episode 1 of "Life in Squares" sets the stage for the series. We are introduced to the major players, their relationships with each other, and their creative pursuits. The episode's non-linear narrative, which jumps back and forth between the past and present, is a little confusing at first, but it adds to the overall atmosphere of the show. "Life in Squares" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of the Bloomsbury Group and the social contexts in which they lived and created.