Ep 1. Episode 1

The show River is a six-part British television drama series, which launched on BBC One in 2015. The show follows Detective John River, played by Stellan Skarsgård, as he investigates the murder of a young woman named Erin Fielding.

The first episode of River sets the tone for the series, introducing us to the main character and the case he will be working on. The episode opens with River questioning a young boy about a stabbing that took place on a south London estate. River's gentle demeanor and careful questioning suggest that he is a veteran detective who knows how to deal with witnesses and suspects.

From there, we are introduced to River's partner, Detective Sergeant Jackie 'Stevie' Stevenson, played by Nicola Walker. Stevie is a tough, independent woman who seems to have a good working relationship with River. She is tasked with keeping an eye on River and making sure he takes his medication, as he is known to struggle with mental health issues.

The main focus of the episode, however, is the murder of Erin Fielding. Erin's body is found in the Thames, and River is determined to find out who killed her. As River investigates the case, we learn more about Erin's background and her relationship with her family. The Fielding family is a wealthy, influential one, and River quickly discovers that they are not being entirely honest with him.

As River delves deeper into the case, he starts to see visions of Erin and other people involved in the case. These visions are both a hindrance and a help to River, as they often give him insights into the motivations of those involved in the case. However, they also make River seem unstable to his colleagues and raise questions about his mental state.

Throughout the episode, we are introduced to several other characters, including River's boss, the coroner, and a new recruit to the team, Detective Sergeant Ira King. King is an ambitious young detective who seems to be in awe of River. He is also the only one who seems to be able to see River's visions, which creates an interesting dynamic between the two of them.

The first episode of River is a slow-burner, taking its time to introduce the characters and set up the case. However, it is clear from the start that this is a high-quality drama with excellent writing and performances. Skarsgård is particularly impressive as River, managing to convey the character's vulnerability and strength in equal measure.

One of the most interesting aspects of the episode is the way it deals with River's mental health. River is clearly a talented detective, but his struggles with depression and anxiety make him an unusual protagonist for a crime drama. The show approaches mental health with sensitivity and realism, showing the impact it can have on both the person struggling with it and those around them.

Overall, the first episode of River is an excellent start to the series. It manages to introduce the characters and set up the case in a way that engages the audience and leaves them wanting more. With its strong performances and complex characters, River is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.