Ep 1. Between the Toes

Ramy Hassan is a first-generation Egyptian-American who is trying to find his place in the world. In the first episode of Ramy, titled "Between the Toes," we are introduced to Ramy's family, friends, and his struggles with his identity and religion.

The episode opens with Ramy on a date with a Jewish woman named Talya. They seem to hit it off until Talya asks Ramy if he's ever been to Israel. When Ramy tells her he's from Egypt and his family is Muslim, she becomes uncomfortable and makes an excuse to leave. This exchange highlights one of Ramy's main struggles throughout the series: his desire to connect with people from different backgrounds, but constantly feeling rejected because of his religion and ethnicity.

We then meet Ramy's family, including his parents, sister, and uncle. His father is a successful businessman who wants Ramy to follow in his footsteps, but Ramy is more interested in pursuing his passion for photography. His sister is married and pregnant, but we quickly learn that her marriage is anything but perfect. And his uncle is newly divorced and living with Ramy's family while trying to figure out his next move.

One of the most interesting aspects of the show is the way it explores different perspectives on religion. Ramy's father is very religious and wants Ramy to follow strict Muslim traditions, while Ramy's mother is more liberal and open-minded. Ramy struggles with his own beliefs and ultimately decides to try fasting during Ramadan as a way to connect with his faith.

Throughout the episode, we see Ramy navigating his various identities. He feels disconnected from his Egyptian roots but also doesn't quite fit in with his American friends. When he goes to a party with his friends, he feels out of place and ends up going home early. But when he goes to a mosque to pray, he feels like an outsider there too.

One of the most poignant moments in the episode comes when Ramy is sitting on the couch with his uncle, who is drinking and smoking pot. Ramy asks his uncle if he ever regrets getting divorced and his uncle replies, "I regret not doing it sooner." This moment highlights the conflict between tradition and modernity that Ramy and his family grapple with.

Overall, the first episode of Ramy is a strong introduction to the series. It sets up the main characters and their relationships, as well as Ramy's struggles with his identity and religion. The show tackles complex issues with humor and heart, and it will be interesting to see where the story goes from here.