Ep 1. Pilot

In "Red Band Society" season 1 episode 1, titled "Pilot," viewers are introduced to the setting of the show. The story takes place at Ocean Park Hospital in Los Angeles, where a group of teenagers who are all patients reside in the pediatric ward. The show opens with a voiceover by Charlie (Griffin Gluck), who is in a coma. Charlie explains that "it's been said that friendship isn't about being inseparable, it's about being separated and knowing nothing will change."

Throughout the episode, viewers meet the show's main characters. Leo (Charlie Rowe), the charismatic young man who is diagnosed with osteosarcoma, tries to convince new patient Jordi (Nolan Sotillo) to join the Red Band Society clique. Emma (Ciara Bravo), the high-achieving student with an eating disorder, strikes up a flirtation with popular soccer player, Leo.

Kara (Zoe Levin), the sarcastic and mean girl with a heart of gold, immediately takes a disliking to Jordi, who is relatively new to the hospital. Meanwhile, Dash (Astro) is the mischievous boy who is used to getting away with anything and everything.

The show takes a look at each character's struggles, both physical and emotional. For instance, viewers learn that Leo's mother is too busy with work to come visit him in the hospital, while Jordi is trying to get his mother to let him stay in Los Angeles so he can continue receiving treatment for his cancer. Emma feels the pressure to continue excelling academically, while Kara is struggling to deal with the fact that her mother, who is also a doctor at the hospital, rarely visits her. And Dash? He just wants to be a normal teenager again.

Throughout "Pilot," viewers are also introduced to some of the hospital staff. Nurse Jackson (Octavia Spencer) is the tough-love caregiver who looks after the Red Band Society kids, while Dr. McAndrew (Dave Annable) is the doctor in charge of the pediatric ward. McAndrew is something of a newcomer to his position, and he has to adjust to the hospital's unique climate.

The show's first episode is an introduction to the characters and their situations. Viewers get a taste of the drama and emotion that will define the show, as well as the humor that will be woven throughout the story. "Red Band Society" season 1 episode 1 sets the stage for the rest of the series, introducing us to the teenagers who will form the core of the show as well as the adults who are trying to help them.

Overall, "Red Band Society" is a show that tugs at the heartstrings without devolving into sappiness. It efficiently strikes a balance between drama and humor, portraying a group of resilient teenagers who form a support system for one another despite their various illnesses and injuries. The show's first episode deftly introduces us to the characters and sets the stage for the rest of the series, leaving audiences eager to see what's next.