Ep 1. Episode 1

Unbelievable season 1 episode 1, titled "Episode 1," follows the story of Marie, a young woman who is the victim of a brutal sexual assault and the law enforcement investigation that follows. The episode sets the scene by introducing Marie as a former foster child who has recently aged out of the system and is struggling to adjust to life on her own.

Marie is portrayed as a sympathetic character, and the audience is given insight into her traumatic experience and the emotional toll it has taken on her. The episode details her initial report to the police, which is met with skepticism and disbelief from the detectives assigned to her case. The detectives' handling of the investigation is portrayed in a negative light, highlighting their disregard for Marie's trauma and their insistence on inconsistencies in her story as evidence of falsehood.

As the investigation progresses, the audience is introduced to two other female detectives from a neighboring jurisdiction, Grace and Karen. The two women are assigned to a similar case and, through their investigation, come across similarities to Marie's case. This leads to a collaboration between the detectives, and the episode ends with the discovery of a possible lead in the case.

The episode's pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to fully take in the emotional impact of Marie's experience and the systemic failures of law enforcement. The focus on the detectives' skepticism and their lack of empathy towards Marie is masterfully portrayed and leaves the audience feeling both angry and sympathetic towards her plight.

The themes of trauma and victim-blaming are explored in a nuanced way, highlighting the often damaging and dismissive response of law enforcement towards survivors of sexual assault. The show also examines the impact of these attitudes on survivors, who are often left feeling alone and unsupported.

The direction and cinematography of the episode are exceptional, with vivid and gripping visuals that capture the emotional weight of the story. The use of flashbacks and point of view shots also adds to the audience's immersion in Marie's experience.

Overall, Unbelievable season 1 episode 1 is a powerful and emotional exploration of the trauma of sexual assault and the failures of law enforcement in responding to these crimes. The episode sets the stage for a gripping series that delves into important and often overlooked themes.