Ep 1. One Armed Bandits

The Dukes of Hazzard was an American television series that aired from 1979 to 1985. It was a popular show that followed two brothers, Bo and Luke Duke, as they tried to stay out of trouble with the law while still managing to save their family farm from being taken away by the corrupt county commissioner, Boss Hogg.

Season 1 Episode 1, titled “One Armed Bandits,” begins with Bo and Luke Duke driving their famous orange Dodge Charger, the General Lee, through the countryside of Hazzard County, Georgia. They are on their way to a charity fundraiser for the hospital when they see a group of bandits robbing the Hazzard County Bank.

The duo successfully stop the robbers and recover the stolen money, but they soon discover that the heist was actually orchestrated by Boss Hogg as part of his plan to raise money for his own political campaign. The brothers are now faced with the task of retrieving the money from Boss Hogg and returning it to the bank.

As they plot their plan, they receive help from their cousin Daisy Duke, who is also a skilled driver and mechanic. Together, they use their wits and driving skills to outsmart Boss Hogg and his cronies, including the bumbling Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane.

Along the way, the episode showcases the different personalities of each character. Bo is the more impulsive of the brothers and is often quick to jump into action. Luke, on the other hand, is more levelheaded and calculated in his approach. Daisy is not just a pretty face, as she can hold her own against the boys and is not afraid to take charge when she needs to.

The episode is also filled with action-packed car chases and stunts, which became a signature of the show. The General Lee is put to the test as it jumps over creeks, crashes through fences, and dodges obstacles in its path.

As the episode comes to a close, Bo and Luke successfully retrieve the stolen money and return it to the bank, but not before narrowly escaping the clutches of Boss Hogg and Sheriff Coltrane. The brothers and Daisy celebrate their victory by driving off into the sunset in the General Lee.

Overall, “One Armed Bandits” sets the tone for the rest of the series with its blend of action, humor, and family values. It introduces the main characters and their dynamics while also showcasing the beauty of the Southern countryside. Fans of the show will surely enjoy revisiting this classic episode.