Ep 1. The Big Surprise

The Haves and the Have Nots, created by Tyler Perry, is a television drama series that aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). The show explores the dynamics of wealth and poverty, love and betrayal, and the complex social hierarchy between two families from vastly different socio-economic backgrounds. In the series premiere, named The Big Surprise, we are introduced to the central characters and the world they navigate, setting off a dramatic and suspenseful chain of events that will unfold throughout the series.

The Big Surprise is a powerful opener that skillfully sets the stage for the intricate web of relationships and secrets that underpin the show's narrative. The episode begins by pulling back the curtain on the lives of the affluent Cryer family and their polar opposites, the struggling Young family. Their lives are destined to intertwine in ways that none of them could predict, revealing the stark contrast between those who have everything and those who are struggling to make ends meet.

Jim Cryer, a wealthy and influential judge with political aspirations, appears to lead a charmed life of luxury with his family in their mansion. He is the epitome of success but carries a sense of entitlement and arrogance that often goes hand in hand with wealth. His wife, Katheryn Cryer, maintains the household with a poised and graceful facade, hiding her personal struggles and the cracks in their seemingly perfect family.

The episode introduces their children, who lead lives of privilege yet grapple with their own sets of issues, ambitions, and entanglements that threaten to unravel the family's reputation and standing in the community. Each character, though surrounded by opulence, deals with their own inner turmoil, loneliness, and desires that money can’t alleviate.

In stark contrast, we meet Hanna Young, a devout and hardworking single mother employed as the Cryer family's housekeeper. Despite her limited means, she is devoted to her job and her family, especially her children, for whom she wants a better life. A woman of strong faith and resilience, Hanna's moral compass and sense of justice often put her at odds with the world of the wealthy she serves.

The Young family dynamic is further complicated by Hanna's son, Benny, who, despite his mother's sacrifices and teachings, finds himself at a crossroads, seeking his own identity and a purpose that might lead him down a precarious path.

Amid the daily routine, the episode sets forth events that will change the lives of both families forever. During a seemingly typical day, an unexpected encounter leads to the uncovering of secrets that have the potential to disrupt the thin veneer of stability and control each family maintains.

The Big Surprise deftly addresses themes of loyalty, deception, and the unyielding quest for power. It weaves a tale of personal ambition clashing with familial duty, exposing the duplicity that often lurks behind closed doors of the most prestigious households. With elegant soirees and pristine lawns serving as a backdrop, the initial episode reveals that not everything is as perfect as it appears in the world of the haves.

The episode moves at a brisk pace, balancing moments of tension with quieter, more reflective scenes. The dialogue is sharp and revealing, offering a glimpse into each character’s true motivations and the lengths they will go to protect their interests and loved ones.

While The Big Surprise lays the groundwork for the series, it also leaves viewers with a sense of anticipation and dread. It teases the unraveling of relationships and alliances, sowing the seeds for future conflicts that promise to escalate as the series progresses. The episode excels in showcasing the stark differences and hidden similarities between the two families, setting up numerous story arcs that will evolve and intersect in surprising ways.

The Big Surprise ends on a cliffhanger, ensuring that viewers will be eager to discover the fate of the Cryers and Youngs. The audience is left to ponder the costs of the characters' actions and the lengths to which they will go to preserve their status, secure their aspirations, or simply survive.

Ultimately, the episode is about the unveiling of the true faces behind the social masks the characters wear, and it makes a strong statement about the nature of wealth and power. It is a masterful beginning to a series that promises to explore the nuances of human relationships and the societal structures that define and confine us.