Ep 1. America Divided

In the first episode of The American West Season 1, titled America Divided, viewers are taken back to the late 19th century, a critical point in America's history marked by the Civil War's aftermath and the country's expansion westward. This episode sets the tone for the rest of the series by exploring the complex relationship between the people and forces of the West.

The show's narrator, actor and musician, Trace Adkins, takes the audience on a journey through this period, highlighting events and people that shaped the American West. The episode begins by examining the political and social landscape of the time, with tensions high between the Union and Confederate armies and Native American tribes caught in the middle. The show also addresses the aftermath of the Civil War, with many soldiers returning home to find their families and communities struggling to rebuild.

One of the central characters of the episode is Col. John Chivington, who led a massacre against Cheyenne and Arapaho people in Sand Creek, Colorado. Through historical accounts and reenactments, the show depicts the devastating impact of the massacre on the Native American tribes and their way of life. The show also examines the political and social climate that allowed such an atrocity to occur.

In addition to the military and political conflict, the episode delves into the economic factors that influenced the growth and development of the West. The Transcontinental Railroad, completed in 1869, connected the West Coast to the rest of the country, changing the way people and goods traveled across the country. The episode explores the challenges and accomplishments of building the railroad, from the dangerous work conditions for laborers to the technological innovations that made it possible.

The episode also features several other iconic figures of the American West, including Jesse James, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Wyatt Earp. Through historical accounts and reenactments, viewers get a glimpse into their lives and legacies. The show juxtaposes these figures' larger-than-life reputations with their human flaws and weaknesses, personalizing their stories.

While the episode focuses primarily on the Western expansion from the white man's perspective, it also acknowledges the Native American experience. The show highlights the struggles that the Native American tribes faced, from broken treaties to forced relocation, and their attempts to resist subjugation and preserve their culture. A poignant moment in the episode is when Native American leader Red Cloud delivers a speech at the opening of the new Transcontinental Railroad, expressing his grief and anger at the loss of his people's land and way of life.

Overall, the first episode of The American West sets the stage for the rest of the series by exploring the various factors that shaped the American West. Through historical accounts, reenactments, and personal narratives, the episode touches on themes of conflict, innovation, and cultural resistance. The show's attention to detail and historical accuracy, along with its expertly crafted visuals and score, make for a compelling and thought-provoking viewing experience.