Ep 1. Episode 1

Parade's End is a British drama-miniseries set in the early 20th century, based on the novel of the same name by Ford Madox Ford. The series follows the life of Christopher Tietjens, an English aristocrat, and his wife Sylvia, who struggle to maintain their marital bond amidst the tumultuous events of World War I and the societal changes that followed.

Episode 1 of the series begins with a captivating introduction to the life of Christopher Tietjens, a brilliant statistician and respected member of the elite class in Edwardian England. Tietjens is a man of great intelligence, with an unwavering sense of duty and an unyielding moral code. He is well-known for his loyalty and commitment to his wife, Sylvia, despite her infidelities and erratic behavior.

As the story unfolds, we are introduced to Sylvia, a stunningly beautiful woman who is married to Tietjens, but is openly having an affair with another man named Potty Perowne. Sylvia is selfish, volatile, and manipulative, often using her charm and wit to get what she wants. Despite her husband's dedication to her, she is constantly flirting with danger and taking risks that could destroy both their lives.

As the first episode progresses, we see Tietjens and Sylvia attending a large social gathering on the night before World War I breaks out. The tense political climate of the time is evident, as news of the war reaches the guests in attendance. Among them is Lady Macmaster, a loyal friend of Tietjens, who laments the inevitable loss of life and urges her companions to do what they can to avoid the conflict.

In the midst of the party, Sylvia becomes jealous and suspicious of her husband's interactions with a young suffragette named Valentine Wannop. Sylvia accuses Tietjens of being unfaithful, and a heated argument ensues. Tietjens defends himself, insisting that he is loyal only to her and that he will never desert her, no matter what.

The episode ends with Tietjens being called away to serve in the war effort, leaving Sylvia alone and vulnerable in their luxurious estate. As Tietjens prepares to leave, he is seen reflecting on the uncertainty of the coming war, the morality of his duties as a soldier, and the complex dynamics of his marriage.

Overall, Episode 1 of Parade's End is a gripping introduction to the characters and themes of the series. It presents a compelling exploration of the complexities of love and loyalty, duty and responsibility, and the challenges of maintaining personal integrity in a rapidly changing world. With excellent performances from the cast and a beautifully crafted period setting, it sets the stage for the epic story to come, leaving viewers eager to see what the next episodes have in store.