Ep 1. Pilot

In the first episode of the groundbreaking drama series Pose, titled "Pilot," viewers are transported back to 1987 and introduced to the vibrant world of New York City's ballroom culture. The episode opens with Blanca Rodriguez (MJ Rodriguez), a young transgender woman who has recently been diagnosed with HIV, leaving her "house mother" Elektra (Dominique Jackson) and striking out on her own to form her own house. Along the way, she meets Damon (Ryan Jamaal Swain), a gay teenager who has been kicked out of his home for his sexuality and dreams of becoming a dancer.

Blanca takes Damon under her wing and brings him into her new house, the House of Evangelista. Together, they begin to recruit other members and prepare for the upcoming ball, a competitive event where members of the ballroom community come together to showcase their talent and compete for prizes. Meanwhile, Damon auditions for a performing arts school and receives a scholarship, but must keep his enrollment secret from his disapproving father.

The episode also introduces viewers to the House of Abundance, led by the fierce and glamorous Elektra and her acolytes, including the aspiring "Mother of the Year" Angel (Indya Moore) and the young and ambitious Candy (Angelica Ross). The two houses are frequent rivals on the ballroom circuit, and their competition heats up as the House of Evangelista begins to gain momentum.

Beyond the glitz and glamour of the ballroom scene, the episode also explores the struggles faced by the characters outside of their chosen family. Blanca grapples with her diagnosis and the fear of rejection from potential romantic partners, while Damon must deal with the fallout of his father's disapproval and the harsh realities of life as a homeless teenager. The characters' lives intersect with the larger cultural and political issues of the time, including the AIDS epidemic and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

Overall, the Pilot episode of Pose sets the stage for a thrilling and emotional journey through the lives of its ensemble cast of characters, offering a glimpse into a world that has rarely been depicted on mainstream television. With its diverse and talented cast, powerful storylines, and infectious dancing and music, Pose is a groundbreaking series that is not to be missed.