Ep 1. Manhattan

In the first episode of the series "Manhattan," viewers are transported to New Mexico in 1943. This is the height of World War II, and the military is ramping up its efforts to develop the first atomic bomb. The show follows a group of scientists, engineers, and their families who have been brought to a top secret facility in Los Alamos to work on this project.

The episode opens with a young woman, Abby Isaacs, driving across the desert. She passes through a military checkpoint and eventually arrives at the facility where her husband, Charlie, is working on the bomb. Charlie is a brilliant but erratic physicist who is struggling to balance his work with his family life. Abby is a photographer who is trying to adjust to life in this highly secretive and isolated community.

As the episode progresses, we meet some of Charlie's colleagues. There is Frank Winter, a brilliant and driven physicist who is leading the team working on the bomb. Others include Glen Babbit, a mathematician who is struggling to fit in, and Paul Crosley, an engineer who is confident and charismatic.

The scientists work long hours in intense secrecy, and tensions are high. There is a sense of urgency behind their work, and they are constantly reminded of the importance of their mission. They are forbidden from leaving the facility, and their conversations are monitored by the military police. They are even instructed to refer to the bomb as "the gadget" to avoid drawing attention to their work.

As the episode progresses, we see Abby struggling to adjust to life in Los Alamos. She is isolated and lonely, and the constant secrecy is taking its toll. She tries to connect with the other wives in the community, but they are all just as guarded and secretive as their husbands. Abby is also worried about her husband's mental health. Charlie is brilliant but temperamental, and he seems to be on the verge of a breakdown.

Meanwhile, tensions between the scientists and the military are growing. The scientists are frustrated with the military's constant interference in their work, and they fear that their research could be used for evil purposes. They are also worried about the potential consequences of their work. They are creating the most destructive weapon in human history, and they are struggling to come to terms with what they are doing.

As the episode comes to a close, the scientists are preparing for a critical test of the bomb. They have been working around the clock to prepare for this moment, and the tension is palpable. The episode ends with a dramatic cliffhanger, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Overall, the first episode of "Manhattan" is a gripping and intense introduction to the series. The show does an excellent job of capturing the sense of urgency and secrecy surrounding the Manhattan Project, and the characters are all complex and intriguing. The episode also raises important questions about the ethics of scientific research and the role of government in controlling it. It is a thought-provoking and compelling start to what promises to be an excellent series.