Ep 40. Indian Summers: Episode 1

In the first episode of the hit series Indian Summers, set in the summer of 1932 in the beautiful hill station of Simla, India, viewers are introduced to a cast of British characters who have journeyed to this stunning location to escape the sweltering heat of Delhi. However, the idyllic backdrop of the show belies a simmering tension and a web of secrets and lies that threaten to tear apart the community.

At the heart of the story is Ralph Whelan (Henry Lloyd-Hughes), a confident and ambitious civil servant who has been appointed as the Private Secretary to the Viceroy of India. He is accompanied by his younger sister Alice (Jemima West), who is looking forward to the freedom of living in Simla and escaping the expectations of society in England.

Ralph's arrival in Simla coincides with the start of the social season, which sees the British elite gather for lavish parties and picnics. Among the guests are Cynthia Coffin (Julie Walters), the owner of the Royal Simla Club, and her right-hand man, Dougie Raworth (Craig Parkinson). Cynthia is a charismatic and powerful figure and is determined to keep the expatriate community in order.

Also present is the scheming missionary, Reverend Samuel Parker (Alex Wyndham), who is more than meets the eye, and Sarah Raworth (Fiona Glascott), the wife of Dougie and one of the most enigmatic figures in Simla.

But it's not just the British who have a presence in Simla. There are also the locals who live on the outskirts of the town, including Aafrin Dalal (Nikesh Patel), a young clerk in the Indian Civil Service who is torn between his loyalty to his country and his growing feelings for Alice. He is friends with Sooni Dalal (Aysha Kala), his sister, who is a budding writer and activist, and Naresh Banerjee (Arjun Mathur), an aspiring politician who is seen as a threat to the British government.

As the episode progresses, the lives of these characters become increasingly intertwined as they navigate the complex social and political landscape of Simla. The arrival of a mysterious woman from Ralph's past adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story, while the simmering tensions between the British and the Indians threaten to ignite at any moment.

Indian Summers: Episode 1 sets the stage for a thrilling and dramatic series, with stunning scenery, excellent performances and a gripping storyline that will keep viewers hooked from beginning to end.