Ep 1. Episode 1

In the first episode of the hit British drama series This Is England '86, we are introduced to a group of friends living in the Nottingham area in 1986. The episode begins with Shaun, a young boy who lost his father in the Falklands War, struggling to deal with his grief and loneliness. He spends his time hanging out with his best friend, Smell, and her brother, Chesney, who are both unemployed and living with their mum.

Meanwhile, Shaun's mother, Cynthia, is trying to make ends meet by working in a factory, where she faces harassment from her boss and coworkers. She is also dealing with the fallout of having an affair with a married man, which has left her feeling guilty and ashamed.

The episode takes a turn when Shaun meets a group of skinheads, who take him under their wing and introduce him to their lifestyle. At first, Shaun is hesitant to join in, but he soon finds a sense of belonging among the group. They take him to their hangout spot, where they listen to music, drink beer, and talk about their frustrations with the world around them.

At the same time, we are introduced to the other members of the group, including Woody, Milky, Combo, Lol, and Kelly. Woody is the de facto leader of the group, and he is struggling to keep everyone together as they face pressure from the police, rival gangs, and their own personal demons. Milky is the newest member of the group, and he is initially met with suspicion and hostility from the other skinheads due to his race.

Combo, on the other hand, is a former member of the group who has just been released from prison. He comes back with a chip on his shoulder and a new attitude, which causes tension within the group. Lol is Woody's girlfriend, and she is dealing with her own issues, including an unwanted pregnancy and a strained relationship with her father.

As the episode unfolds, we see the characters navigating through the complexities of their lives and the uncertain world around them. They are dealing with unemployment, poverty, racism, and the aftermath of a war that has left many scars. Despite all of this, they still find moments of joy and camaraderie, whether it be through dancing to their favorite songs or simply hanging out together.

Overall, the first episode of This Is England '86 sets the stage for what is sure to be a powerful and emotionally charged series. The characters are complex and multifaceted, and the writing is sharp and insightful. It is a portrait of a time and a place that feels both familiar and distant, and it is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost or alone in a world that doesn't quite make sense.