The Cazalets Season 1 Episode 1 Episode 1

The Cazalets is a historical drama set in England during the tumultuous years of World War II. In season 1 episode 1, we are introduced to the titular family, the Cazalets, and their various domestic issues. The show is based on a series of novels by Elizabeth Jane Howard, and the first episode sets the scene for the characters and their relationships.

We first meet the parents of the Cazalet family, William and Kitty, who are preparing for a family reunion at their sprawling country estate. William is a successful businessman, but his health is failing, and he struggles with the idea of stepping down from his role in the family business. Kitty, meanwhile, has a strained relationship with her daughter-in-law, Zoe, and is worried about her son's unhappy marriage.

The Cazalet children are a varied bunch, with different personalities and challenges. Edward is the eldest son and heir to the family business, but he is trapped in a loveless marriage and struggling with his own secret desires. Hugh is the easy-going middle son, married with children, but he is struggling financially and has a strained relationship with his wife. Meanwhile, Rupert is the youngest son, a carefree artist with a tendency to flit from one romantic relationship to the next.

Also attending the family reunion are the various Cazalet grandchildren, including Louise, Polly, and Clary, who are all struggling with their own adolescent dramas. Louise is the eldest grandchild and on the verge of womanhood, but she is frustrated by the restrictions placed upon her gender. Polly is the middle grandchild, a sensitive girl who feels overshadowed by her siblings, while Clary is the youngest and most innocent of the trio.

As the family gathers at the estate for their summer holiday, tensions begin to rise. There is a sense of unease in the air, as the threat of war looms and various family secrets are revealed. Edward's affair with his secretary is exposed, causing a scandal, while Hugh's financial woes come to a head, and Rupert's latest girlfriend causes a rift in the family.

Despite these issues, the Cazalets attempt to maintain a sense of normality, with cricket games and picnics in the countryside. However, as the episode draws to a close, news of the war reaches the family, and they are forced to confront the reality of their situation.

Overall, season 1 episode 1 of The Cazalets sets the stage for a complex family drama, with a rich cast of characters and various plotlines to explore. The period setting is beautifully recreated, and the actors bring a sense of authenticity to their roles. Fans of period dramas and family sagas will find much to enjoy in The Cazalets.