Ep 1. Reality Check

After testifying against a member of the New York mob, former gangster Frank Tagliano (Steven Van Zandt) is put in the federal witness protection program. However, instead of heading to a location in the US, Frank chooses to start a new life in Lillehammer, Norway, after becoming enchanted with the town during the 1994 Winter Olympics.

In the series premiere, titled "Reality Check," Frank arrives in Lillehammer and takes on the identity of a deceased citizen named Giovanni Henriksen. Frank/Giovanni quickly finds out that life in Norway is not what he expected, as he struggles to adjust to the culture shock and the language barrier. But he's determined to make a new life for himself and sets his sights on opening a nightclub.

Throughout the episode, Frank/Giovanni runs afoul of several locals, including a group of young men who mock him for his strange behavior and clothing. After a violent confrontation, Frank/Giovanni seeks out the advice of his new neighbor, Torgeir (Trond Fausa), a soft-spoken and kind-hearted man who works as a cleaner at a local ski resort.

Frank/Giovanni also experiences a run-in with the local police, who question him about his identity and intentions in Lillehammer. He manages to charm them with his smooth talking and is eventually let go with a warning.

Despite the challenges, Frank/Giovanni continues to pursue his dream of opening a nightclub. He meets with a local real estate agent, who shows him a promising location for the club. However, Frank/Giovanni soon realizes that the club's current owner is a member of a biker gang and may not be willing to sell.

As the episode draws to a close, Frank/Giovanni attends a local community event, where he catches the eye of both the town's mayor and a local businesswoman named Sigrid (Marian Saastad Ottesen). However, his attempts to impress them both go hilariously awry.

Overall, "Reality Check" sets the stage for Lilyhammer's unique blend of dark comedy, crime drama, and fish-out-of-water storylines. The series offers a fresh take on the traditional mobster narrative, while also showcasing the stunning landscapes and culture of Norway. Fans of The Sopranos, where Steven Van Zandt played the enforcer Silvio Dante, will appreciate his dry wit and captivating screen presence in this entertaining and offbeat series.