North Korea From the Inside With Michael Palin Season 1 Episode 1 Episode 1

In the first episode of "North Korea From the Inside With Michael Palin," the iconic British comedian and travel writer embarks on a journey to one of the world's most reclusive nations: North Korea. Palin is known for his globe-trotting adventures, but this trip is unlike any he's ever taken. He's entering a country that's been off-limits to most foreigners for decades.

Palin's first stop is the capital city of Pyongyang, where he observes the imposing architecture and the statues of North Korea's two past leaders, Kim Il-sung and his son Kim Jong-il. Despite the city's grandeur, there's a sense of emptiness in the streets. The citizens, who have been raised on a strict diet of propaganda, appear to be going through the motions.

Palin's guide for the trip is a woman named Mrs. Ri, who accompanies him everywhere he goes. She's friendly and welcoming, but her primary responsibility is to ensure that Palin doesn't stray from the official party line. He's not allowed to speak to anyone outside of his designated minders, and he must stick to a strict itinerary.

During the episode, Palin visits several museums and landmarks, including the Grand People's Study House, a vast library filled with thousands of books on North Korean ideology. He also goes to the DMZ, the heavily fortified border between North and South Korea. Here, he meets with soldiers and hears about their training and daily routines.

Palin also visits the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren's Palace, a massive complex where gifted children attend after-school programs that include singing, dancing, and military drills. He watches a performance by the school's students, who demonstrate their impressive martial arts skills. However, there's a sense of sadness in the music and dance numbers, as if the children know they're performing for tourists and not for themselves.

The episode ends with Palin attending the Arirang Mass Games, a massive spectacle involving tens of thousands of performers who dance and flip in unison to tell the story of North Korea's revolutionary history. The show is a marvel of choreography and precision, but Palin can't shake the feeling that it's all a performance for the outside world.

"North Korea From the Inside With Michael Palin" offers a rare glimpse into a country that remains a mystery to most of the world. Palin's wry humor and keen observations provide a counterpoint to the regime's official message, and the first episode sets the stage for a fascinating exploration of a complex nation.