State of Happiness Season 1 Episode 1 Treasure Hunt

In the premiere episode of the Norwegian drama series State of Happiness, we are introduced to a small coastal town named Stavanger in the year 1969. The episode titled "Treasure Hunt" sets the tone for the show with an engaging storyline and well-crafted character arcs.

The episode starts with the arrival of a new employee at the oil company known as Phillips Norway. His name is Axel and he's an engineer who is brought in from Oslo to work at the new refinery which is being constructed. Axel's arrival coincides with that of a new era of prosperity and economic opportunities for the town. We see the excitement among the locals who wait eagerly for the jobs that the refinery will provide.

As the story unfolds, we are introduced to the different players in the town, each with their own perspectives, dreams and motivations. The fishing boat captain Christian is one such character. He's a charismatic and charming man who has been struggling to make ends meet with his business. We follow him as he tries to cope with the changes that the refinery will bring to the town and its people.

Undoubtedly, the most interesting character in the show is Anna. She is a young secretary at Phillips Norway with aspirations of becoming a journalist. Anna is intelligent, rebellious, and constantly pushing against the gender norms of the time. She is unapologetically herself and is not afraid of expressing her opinions and desires. We see her as a symbol of the changing times and the empowerment of women.

Despite the excitement surrounding the refinery, not everything is perfect in Stavanger. The episode touches on the darker aspects of the town which include class tension, political conflict and environmental concerns. We see how the arrival of the oil industry and the promise of wealth and prosperity creates a divide among the people who are forced to confront one another's values and goals.

The highlight of the episode is the treasure hunt competition that takes place. A shipment of oil equipment arrives in Stavanger and the employees of Phillips Norway are tasked with finding a golden wrench hidden among the equipment. The lucky employee who finds it will be awarded a prize of 1000 Kroners. The competition serves as a catalyst for the various conflicts and plot points in the show. It creates a sense of anticipation and excitement that is enjoyable to watch.

The soundtrack of the show is another standout feature. The use of the classic hit songs from the 60s and 70s adds to the show's nostalgic and atmospheric quality. The scenery and production design are also noteworthy, with the showrunners managing to create an authentic and visually appealing representation of the town and its people.

Overall, "Treasure Hunt" is an engaging and well-written episode that sets up the rest of the season effectively. It introduces the main characters, the setting, and the major themes of the show while leaving enough intrigue to keep the viewers invested. The show avoids being one-dimensional by exploring the complex social dynamics and issues that arise with the introduction of a new industry in a small town. Ultimately, it is the compelling characters and their diverse lives that make this show worth watching.