Ep 1. The Plague

In episode 1 of season 1 of The Stand, titled "The Plague," viewers are introduced to the start of a devastating epidemic that sweeps across the country. The episode begins with a vent in a military lab releasing a deadly virus that quickly spreads to the general population. We watch as several people begin to display flu-like symptoms and become increasingly ill, but doctors are unable to identify the cause of the illness.

Amid the chaos, we are introduced to a few of the show's main characters. Stu Redman, a gas station attendant, is one of the first people infected by the virus but miraculously survives. We also meet Frannie Goldsmith, a young woman who lives with her mother and is afraid of the world changing around her, and her friend Harold Lauder, a socially awkward and resentful young man.

As the virus continues to spread, chaos ensues as news reports serve as the sole source of information for people as they are unsure of what to do or how to protect themselves. Society begins to crumble, with entire communities quarantined, schools closed, and the infected hoarded into makeshift medical facilities. The panic and fear is palpable.

As the episode progresses, we see an array of different reactions to the epidemic. Some are essentially in denial, believing that the virus is not as serious as the media is making it out to be, while others become increasingly paranoid and suspicious of those around them. In the midst of all of this, a few individuals seem to be immune to the virus and may hold the key to finding a cure for the pandemic.

Overall, the first episode of The Stand sets the stage for a gripping, post-apocalyptic drama. The Plague serves as a frightening reminder of how quickly civilization can unravel in the face of a global pandemic, as well as the harsh reality that once normal societal rules are abandoned, anything is possible. For fans of apocalyptic dramas, this is definitely a series to watch.