Ep 1. Episode 1

Episode 1 of the highly acclaimed horror series, The Haunting of Hill House, follows the lives of the Crain family as they move into the eponymous Hill House in rural Massachusetts. The episode begins with the Crain family in their current lives, as adults, and then flashes back to 1992 when they were a happy family of seven, ready to begin their new life in Hill House.

Hugh and Olivia Crain are determined to flip Hill House for profit. They pack up their five children, Steve, Shirley, Theo, Luke, and Nell, and make the long drive to their new home. Upon arriving at Hill House, they are greeted by the caretakers, Mr. and Mrs. Dudley, who are quick to warn the family of the house's dark history. Mr. Dudley tells them that Hill House has a history of death and destruction, and that it's not a place for children.

Despite initial reservations, the Crains begin to settle in. However, it doesn't take long for strange things to start happening. A door to a previously locked room creaks open on its own, and shadows move across the walls. The children are particularly affected, with Nell claiming that she's being haunted by a ghost that wants to be her friend.

Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of the future, where the adult Crains are still struggling with the events that took place in Hill House. Steve, now a successful author, refuses to write about his experiences in the house. Shirley owns a funeral home and is constantly trying to distance herself from her past. Theo is a child psychologist, but her ability to feel people's emotions makes it difficult for her to connect with others. Luke is a drug addict who claims to have seen ghosts his whole life, and Nell is struggling with mental illness.

Back in 1992, as the Crains begin to investigate the strange happenings in the house, they discover that Hill House has been designed in a way that is meant to disorient and confuse those inside. The layout of the rooms is constantly changing, and the family finds themselves getting lost in the hallways and staircases. The more they investigate, the more they realize that there is something sinister at play.

As the episode comes to a close, we see the Crains each experiencing a terrifying encounter with a ghostly figure. The episode ends with the family huddled together in a room, terrified and unsure of what to do next.

Overall, Episode 1 of The Haunting of Hill House is a strong start to the series. The episode effectively introduces viewers to the Crain family and sets the stage for the horror to come. The atmosphere is eerie and unsettling, and the performances from the cast are excellent. Whether you're a fan of horror or not, this episode is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.