Ep 1. Mama Dearest

Russian Dolls season 1 episode 1 Mama Dearest follows the parallel and complicated lives of three Russian dolls living in New York City. The episode begins with Nadia, a young software engineer, rushing out of her friend's birthday party to make it to her own. As she crosses the street, she is hit by a taxi and dies. This isn't the end of Nadia's story though, as she finds herself back at her friend's party, repeating the same night over and over again.

Confused and disoriented, Nadia tries to make sense of what's happening to her. She starts to realize that she's stuck in some sort of time loop, reliving the same night every time she dies. As she tries to figure out how to break the cycle, she discovers that she's not alone. Another Russian doll, Alan, is going through the same thing.

As the episode progresses, Nadia's history is revealed through flashbacks. We learn that she had a rough childhood, with a mentally ill mother who eventually committed suicide. Nadia has a strained relationship with her aunt, Ruth, who raised her after her mother's death and tried to shelter her from her mother's illness. Nadia is also dealing with the aftermath of a recent break-up with her long-term boyfriend, who she still has feelings for.

Meanwhile, Alan is also struggling with his own demons. A wealthy businessman, Alan seems to have it all on the surface, but he's dealing with a failed marriage and a sense of emptiness that he can't shake. Alan's sister tells him that he needs to confront his ex-wife, and he agrees to meet her at their favorite restaurant. However, as he tries to leave the restaurant, he finds that he's also caught in the time loop with Nadia.

As the episode comes to a close, Nadia and Alan work together to figure out what's causing the time loop and how to break it. They explore the possibility that it's connected to their childhoods, as both of them have unresolved trauma from their past. Nadia also reconnects with her ex-boyfriend, who seems to have moved on, and she confronts her aunt about the way she was raised.

Overall, Mama Dearest is a compelling and intriguing start to the Russian Dolls series. The show draws you in with its unique premise and complex characters, and the episode sets the stage for the mystery that will drive the story forward. While there are some dark themes explored in this episode, there's also a sense of humor and playfulness to the show that keeps it from becoming too heavy. Overall, it's a must-watch for fans of time-bending dramas and character-driven storytelling.