The Halcyon Season 1 Episode 1 Episode 1

The Halcyon is a British television drama series set in World War II London. Season 1, Episode 1 opens with the luxurious and elegant Halcyon Hotel preparing for a celebratory event to mark the return of Lord Hamilton, a wealthy businessman and the hotel's owner, from his American trip. As preparations for the evening unfold, the hotel's staff, each with their own stories and secrets, are introduced.

The hotel's manager, Richard Garland, played by Steven Mackintosh, is busy making sure everything runs smoothly, while his daughter Emma, portrayed by Hermione Corfield, is returning to the hotel from a stint as a performer in a band. The hotel's head chef, Lucian D'Abberville, played by French actor Alexandre Willaume, is overseeing the preparation of a mouthwatering feast, while hotel maid, Peggy Taylor, played by EastEnders star Kara Tointon, is struggling with her responsibilities beyond her hotel job.

As the hotel is getting ready, the guests begin arriving. Among them are Lady Hamilton, played by Olivia Williams, and her teenage son Freddie, played by Jamie Blackley. Also arriving is American journalist Joe O'Hara, portrayed by Matt Ryan, who is in London on a mission to interview Lord Hamilton and report back to his publication in New York.

As the evening progresses, tensions rise and secrets begin to unravel. Lady Hamilton is having an affair with D'Abberville, while Joe is struggling with his loyalty to his journalistic duty and his attraction to Emma. Peggy is dealing with her own personal struggles, overlooking the finer points of her job as a maid. Meanwhile, the hotel's doorman is harbouring a secret that is bound to cause some trouble.

As the night unfolds, it becomes apparent that there is a lot more to the Halcyon Hotel and its staff than meets the eye. From the clandestine affairs to the scandalous secrets, there is a lot of intrigue brewing beneath the Halcyon's glamorous façade.

The first episode of The Halcyon is filled with a lot of intrigue and drama, setting the perfect tone for the rest of the season. With an impressive ensemble cast, stunning period costume and set design, this show is a must-watch for fans of period dramas. The Halcyon is a nod to the old school 'upstairs, downstairs' dramas, with a unique spin on it that is bound to keep viewers hooked.