Ep 1. Rites of Passage

To the Ends of the Earth is a British historical drama television series that transports viewers back to the 19th century and follows the adventures of a young Englishman named Edmund Talbot as he sets sail for Australia.

In the first episode of season 1, titled Rites of Passage, we are introduced to Edmund who is embarking on a journey from England to Australia aboard the ship, The Osiris. Edmund is a well-bred young man and has been appointed as the personal secretary to the newly-appointed Governor of a convict colony in Australia.

As the ship sets sail, Edmund is excited by the adventure and the journey ahead. He is confident that he will have an exciting time on the ship, but he soon realizes that the voyage will be anything but plain sailing.

The crew and passengers aboard the ship are a motley crew of convicts, soldiers, and sailors, and Edmund struggles to fit in with their ways and customs. He feels like an outsider amongst them and struggles to find his place on the ship.

The first episode is an introduction to the world of the ship, The Osiris, and its inhabitants. We are introduced to some of the more prominent characters on the ship, including Mr. Prettiman, the ship's captain, and Edmund's cabin-mate, Mr. Colley.

One of the most interesting aspects of the episode is the way it portrays the class differences between Edmund and the other passengers. Edmund is from the upper-class, and his sense of entitlement is not well received by the other passengers. He is seen as an outsider and is often the target of their ridicule.

As the journey progresses, Edmund's struggles increase. He is forced to adapt to the customs and ways of the people around him, and he must confront the harsh realities of life at sea.

Overall, the episode lays the foundation for an exciting adventure and sets up the conflict between Edmund and the world he finds himself in. It is a compelling episode that draws viewers in with its intricate characters and intriguing plot.