The Great Fire Season 1 Episode 1 Episode 1

The Great Fire is a British historical drama television miniseries set in London during the Great Fire of 1666. The show premiered on ITV in the United Kingdom on October 16, 2014.

The first episode of season 1, simply titled "Episode 1," sets the stage for the devastating events to come. We are introduced to a cast of characters living in the bustling city of London. The episode begins with King Charles II returning to his throne following a period of exile, and the citizens are eager to celebrate his return. However, tensions are already brewing as the city is experiencing a worsening outbreak of the plague.

The first major character we meet is baker Thomas Farriner, who is struggling to make ends meet and support his family. His daughter, Sarah, is engaged to Samuel Pepys, a government official who is tasked with reporting on the state of the city. Pepys is concerned about the number of houses that have been built too close together, creating a fire hazard. He tries to bring this issue to the attention of the authorities but is met with resistance.

As the celebrations for the king's return continue, the tension in the city continues to build. Farriner's apprentice, a young man named Will, is caught up in a street fight and ends up in jail. Meanwhile, the king and his court are staying in Whitehall Palace, which is located in the heart of the city. The palace is overcrowded and unsafe, with an open fire burning in the main hall.

The episode then takes us to the home of a wealthy merchant, whose daughter, Elizabeth, is hoping to marry a young man named James. We see glimpses of the strict societal norms of the time and the pressure placed on young women to marry for status and wealth.

As night falls, a small fire breaks out in Farriner's bakery. He manages to put it out and believes that the danger has passed. However, as viewers of history know all too well, this is just the beginning.

The tension builds as we see the spark that ignites the Great Fire. We are taken on a heart-pounding journey as the fire quickly spreads throughout the city. The episode ends with chaos in the streets as people try to flee and save what little they can. We are left wondering how the characters we have come to know and care about will fare in the devastating aftermath.

Overall, "Episode 1" is a gripping and emotionally charged introduction to The Great Fire. The cast is strong, the historical setting is vividly brought to life, and the tension is palpable. Viewers who enjoy historical dramas or just appreciate a good disaster story will find much to enjoy in this miniseries.