Looking for Alaska Season 1 Episode 1 Famous Last Words
- TVMA
- October 18, 2019
- 54 min
-
8.0 (671)
Looking for Alaska follows the journey of teenager Miles “Pudge” Halter, who enrolls in a boarding school to seek a deeper understanding of life. In the first episode of the series, titled “Famous Last Words,” viewers are introduced to Miles, his reasons for leaving his hometown, and his first encounters with his new classmates.
The episode begins with Miles’ narration, reciting the last words of famous individuals such as poet Walt Whitman and legendary author F. Scott Fitzgerald. Miles has always been obsessed with famous last words, and his fascination with the topic is a big part of his character throughout the show.
We learn that Miles is a bit of an outcast with a love for literature and a lack of friends. For this reason, he chooses to attend Culver Creek, a boarding school in Alabama with a unique community, rather than his local public school. Miles’ parents are skeptical of his decision, but they still support his ambition to explore deeper thinking and understanding.
Upon his arrival at Culver Creek, Miles is immediately overwhelmed by the sheer size of the campus and the number of people who inhabit it. He is given a brief tour by the Student Government Association (SGA) President, Takumi. On his tour, Miles meets his new roommate, Chip “The Colonel” Martin, who immediately takes him under his wing and introduces him to their friends, Takumi and Alaska Young.
Alaska is a striking character, with long, curly blonde hair and a magnetic personality that draws everyone in. It’s easy to see why Miles and his classmates are so drawn to her from the very beginning. She’s outgoing, witty, and confident, which are all the traits that Miles is lacking and hoping to find within himself.
Throughout the episode, we see Miles grow more comfortable with his new friends as they navigate their way through the school year. Miles has a particular fascination with Alaska and constantly seeks her out, hoping to learn more about her. The group of friends spends most of their free time plotting elaborate pranks against the wealthy, entitled Weekday Warriors, who attend a nearby school.
The episode’s title, “Famous Last Words,” comes into play towards the end of the episode when Miles shares a quote from the writer Francois Rabelais with his new friends. The quote, “I go to seek a Great Perhaps,” resonates with Miles and his desire to find more meaning and excitement in his life. It’s clear that Miles’ journey at Culver Creek is just beginning, and there’s much more to come in the rest of the series.
Overall, “Famous Last Words” is an excellent introduction to the world of Looking for Alaska. It sets the tone for the show by introducing us to Miles and his quest for understanding, while also giving us an idea of the type of people he surrounds himself with. The characters are all well-developed, and the chemistry between them is palpable from the first scene. The episode leaves viewers wanting more, eager to see where Miles’ journey will take him.