Ep 1. The Hunting Party

The Hunting Party is the first episode of Strange Empire season 1, a Canadian Western television series that transports viewers to the fashion of the Wild West. The show paints a picture of the 1869 Canadian West, where struggles for survival and power thrive in a time when women were considered property.

The show's first episode opens with the aftermath of a terrible massacre in a remote area of the West, where a group of people was brutally wiped out by unknown attackers, leaving only a handful of survivors. The show's protagonists, Kat Loving, Isabelle Slotter, and Rebecca Blithely, all women with different backgrounds, find themselves in an uncertain and perilous situation in this choatic landscape.

Kat, played by Cara Gee, is an indigenous woman who works as a healer and spiritual guide for her tribe. Her skills and knowledge of traditional medicine make her invaluable to her community, but with the arrival of some newcomers in their land, her position becomes vulnerable, and her people's existence is put at risk.

On the other hand, Rebecca, portrayed by Melissa Farman, is a widowed mother who came to the West with her son, where they hoped to lead a new life. She finds herself stranded with no direction, and her only hope seems to be Isabelle Slotter.

Isabelle, played by Tattiawna Jones, is a wealthy entrepreneur who has recently inherited her late husband's saloon and brothel. Her ambition and business skills make her feared and admired among the locals, but she is often at odds with the traditional, patriarchal society of the West.

As the survivors regroup and try to make sense of what happened, they discover a possible connection between the mysterious attackers and Isabelle's husband's death. In an attempt to get to the bottom of things and protect themselves, they team up to form a hunting party and track down the culprits.

The show features a dynamic mix of genres, combining elements of Western, horror, supernatural, and feminist themes into a riveting narrative. The pilot sets the tone for the series, building a sense of intrigue and danger that captures the audience's attention.

The show's cinematography captures the natural beauty of the Canadian West, with stunning landscapes and striking imagery. The soundtrack also delivers a haunting and eerie atmosphere, adding to the show's overall intensity.

Overall, The Hunting Party is a strong premiere episode for Strange Empire season 1, delivering a fast-paced and captivating story that sets up the show's main characters and themes. With strong performances and a unique mix of genres, the show promises to be a thrilling ride through the wild and unpredictable West.