Ep 1. Episode 1

In episode 1 of SS-GB season 1, viewers are introduced to a chilling and dystopian world set in an alternate history where the Nazis have won the Second World War and have successfully invaded and occupied Great Britain. The episode opens with a haunting montage of London, which is now under occupation by the SS, as enemy planes fly overhead and the Union Jack flag is replaced by the Nazi swastika.

The story then follows Detective Douglas Archer, a Scotland Yard detective who is tasked with investigating a murder case involving a well-known antique dealer. As Archer begins his investigation, it is clear that the murder victim had secret connections with the resistance movement in Great Britain, and the plot thickens as suspicion falls on a group of Jewish refugees who are trying to flee the country.

As Archer digs deeper into the case, he is confronted with the realities of life under Nazi occupation. The episode brilliantly portrays the sinister, dystopian world that has emerged under Nazi control, where totalitarian rule prevails and civil liberties are ignored. There are constant reminders of the Nazi domination, with propaganda posters depicting Adolf Hitler plastered on buildings and Nazi soldiers patrolling the streets with menacing authority.

The central theme of the episode is the moral complexity that Archer must grapple with as he tries to solve the murder case. On the one hand, Archer is a loyal servant of the state who is expected to enforce the law and protect the interests of the occupying Nazi regime. On the other hand, he is also a Briton who understands the injustices that have been perpetrated on his people and the evil that the occupying forces represent. This internal conflict is depicted brilliantly by actor Sam Riley, who gives a nuanced, subtle performance as Archer, evoking his vulnerability, fear, and sense of duty.

The production values of the show are top-notch, with some striking visual imagery and set design that transport the viewer straight into the world of SS-GB. The use of light and dark and contrasting colors and shades is particularly evocative, creating an oppressive, sinister atmosphere that underscores the tense, bleak mood of the drama.

The episode also introduces several key characters apart from Archer, including his love interest, Barbara Barga, who is a passionate resistance fighter, and Huth, an SS officer who is Archer's immediate superior and who clearly relishes the power that his position gives him. These secondary characters are well-etched and add depth and complexity to the story.

Overall, episode 1 of SS-GB season 1 is a gripping and powerful start to the series, setting the tone for what promises to be a compelling drama that explores the devastating consequences of fascism and dictatorship. The episode raises important ethical questions about the nature of justice and culpability, and probes deeply into the human psyche to examine how people deal with trauma and fear in the most extreme circumstances. All in all, a must-watch for fans of historical drama and dystopian thrillers alike.