Ep 1. Slings and Arrows

The show Outrageous Fortune is a New Zealand-based drama series that follows the West family in their misadventures as a criminal family trying to leave their illegal past behind. In the first episode of season 1 titled "Slings and Arrows," we are introduced to the West family and their complicated lives.

The episode begins with Cheryl West (Robyn Malcolm) being released from prison after serving a sentence for fraud. She returns home to her family's suburban household and tries to reunite with her husband, Wolf (Grant Bowler), who has been out of contact with her for years. However, her efforts are fruitless as he is nowhere to be found.

Meanwhile, her eldest son, Van (Antony Starr), is seen in a police station after being caught stealing from a gas station. His younger brother Jethro (Antony Starr) and sister, Pascalle (Siobhan Marshall), are called to come and bail him out. They reluctantly do so and take him back home where their mother is waiting.

The problems do not end there. Cheryl's father, Ted (Frank Whitten), is in serious debt and is being chased by loan sharks. He is put under pressure to come up with the money he owes, and the situation is getting worse by the day. At the same time, Pascalle is getting herself into trouble by dating a man who is already married, putting her in a dangerous spot.

As she tries to get her life back on track, Cheryl sets her sights on starting a legitimate business, a beauty parlor. However, her plan to use the money she made while in prison as a start-up capital is not well-received by her family members. Jethro also has feelings for the girl who works at the gas station where he was caught stealing, leading to some awkward moments as he tries to win her over.

The show Outrageous Fortune has a lot going on in this first episode, and it sets the tone for the rest of the series. The characters are complex and flawed, but still somehow likable. The family dynamics are realistic, and the show balances humor and drama perfectly. The audience is left wanting more after this gripping first episode.

Overall, the first episode of season 1 of Outrageous Fortune titled "Slings and Arrows" is a compelling start to the series. It introduces the audience to the complicated lives of the West family and their struggles to leave their criminal past behind while dealing with current issues. The characters are well-written, and the performances are excellent. The show is both funny and dramatic, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.