Ep 1. Old Habits/New Beginnings

"Strangers with Candy" season 1 episode 1 titled "Old Habits/New Beginnings" introduces us to the irreverent and offbeat world of Jerri Blank. Jerri is a 46-year-old ex-con and a former drug addict who has just been released from prison. She's decided to go back to high school to restart her life and make up for lost time.

Jerri meets her new teacher, Mr. Jellineck, who's confused about why someone her age would enroll in high school. Jerri tells him that she wants to start over and make something of her life. Mr. Jellineck doesn't seem to know what to think of Jerri, but he agrees to give her a chance.

Jerri also meets Principal Blackman, who's even more confused about her enrollment. But, he's a man who believes in second chances, and he welcomes Jerri to the school as a student.

The first day of school isn't easy for Jerri. She's not used to being in a classroom, and her fellow students seem to be wary of her. While eating lunch, Jerri meets two students, Tammy Littlenut and Megawatti Sukharnabhoutri. Tammy is a Christian girl with a big heart, and Megawatti is a boy who's always looking for a good time. They invite Jerri to hang out with them, and Jerri is grateful for the acceptance.

Jerri also meets a man named Chuck Noblet, who's a teacher at the school. Chuck is a bitter and sarcastic man, who's not thrilled with Jerri's presence at the school. Jerri finds herself taking an instant dislike to Chuck.

As the episode progresses, Jerri tries to assimilate herself into high school life. Her first assignment is a science fair project, and Jerri decides to do hers on the effects of artificial sweeteners on rats. She enlists the help of her fellow students, Tammy and Megawatti, to make her project a success.

Meanwhile, Chuck is also working on his science fair project. He's doing his on the effects of alcohol on rats, and he's determined to prove that Jerri's project is a fraud. Chuck is openly hostile to Jerri, and the two of them clash both in and out of the classroom.

As Jerri tries to make a new life for herself at the school, she's continuously confronted by her past. Her old drug dealer, who she owes money to, shows up at the school, demanding payment. Jerri is terrified, and unsure of what to do.

In the end, Jerri's science fair project goes wrong, and chaos ensues in the classroom. Chuck tries to pin the blame on Jerri, and the two of them have a heated confrontation.

"Old Habits/New Beginnings" sets up the series in a dark and witty way. The humor is uncomfortable, and the subject matter can be difficult at times, but the show never crosses the line into being mean-spirited. The episode sets up Jerri as a fascinating and complex character, who's just trying to do the best she can in a world that has abandoned her. The show confronts issues of addiction, poverty, and the American education system head-on, without pulling any punches. Overall, the "Strangers with Candy" season 1 episode 1 is a solid introduction to the series, and it sets the stage for the offbeat and hilarious episodes to come.