Ep 1. Episode 1

National Treasure is a British television drama series created by Jack Thorne. It explores the story of Paul Finchley, a successful comedian who is accused of historic sexual abuse. The show highlights the impact of social media, the justice system, and relationships on the main character's life. Season 1 kicks off with "Episode 1," which follows Paul as he prepares for a career-defining award ceremony.

As the episode begins, we see Paul (played by Robbie Coltrane) and his wife Marie (played by Julie Walters) preparing for the ceremony. Paul has been nominated for a lifetime achievement award, and he is nervous about delivering a speech in front of a packed audience. Marie, on the other hand, is excited about the event and can't wait to see her husband receive the award.

As the couple make their way to the ceremony, Paul is swarmed by paparazzi and fans who want to take pictures with him. He is polite but distant, unable to fully embrace his fame and success. Meanwhile, Marie is busy making small talk with the other guests, soaking up the glitz and glamour of the showbiz world.

During the ceremony, Paul delivers his speech, thanking his fans, colleagues, and family for their support over the years. He is emotional and heartfelt, openly acknowledging the ups and downs of his career. The audience applauds him warmly, and Marie is beaming with pride.

After the ceremony, Paul and Marie attend the after-party, where they mingle with other guests and pose for more pictures. It is here that we see the first hints of trouble brewing in Paul's life. A young woman approaches him, claiming to be a fan, and asks for a selfie. Paul obliges, but the encounter makes him uncomfortable, and he quickly moves on.

Throughout the episode, we also get glimpses into Paul's personal life. We see him visiting his daughter Dee (played by Andrea Riseborough), who is struggling with drug addiction. Paul is supportive and loving, but Dee is distant, resentful, and angry. We also see him grappling with the aftermath of a recent affair, which has strained his relationship with Marie.

As the night wears on, and the party becomes more raucous, Paul and Marie start to argue. Marie accuses Paul of cheating on her, and he admits that he made a mistake but insists that he still loves her. The argument escalates, and they are interrupted by a phone call. It is the police, informing them that Paul is being investigated for historic sexual abuse.

The episode ends on this cliffhanger, leaving us wondering what lies ahead for Paul and his family. "Episode 1" is a strong start to the series, introducing us to the characters and setting up the central conflict in a gripping and engaging way. The writing is sharp, the acting is superb, and the production values are top-notch. National Treasure is a must-watch for fans of dramatic TV shows.