Ep 1. Episode 1

Wanderlust Season 1 Episode 1 "Episode 1" Introduces the opening chapter of what promises to be a riveting portrayal of relationships, emotional entanglements and the fragility of monogamous love.

At the helm of this quirky, melancholic drama is Joy Richards (Toni Collette), a relatable therapist who suggests to her patients that their lack of sexual intimacy with their respective partners may be due to boredom and a need for exploration. She seems to have it all: a loving husband, Alan (Steven Mackintosh), two well-adjusted teenagers Tom (Joe Hurst) and Naomi (Emma D'Arcy), a stunning house in Manchester, and a fulfilling career.

However, as the episode progresses, it becomes apparent that Joy's life is anything but perfect. After a freak cycling accident which leaves her with a broken collar bone, she begins to re-evaluate her priorities and, more specifically, her marriage to Alan, whom she has been with for two decades.

Their muddled relationship is the driving force of this episode, and we see snippets of their life through tiny, intimate moments of affection, disagreements, and even the everyday routine of making toast together. It's clear that they are comfortable with each other but the spark and passion are missing and they struggle to even kiss each other sexually.

As Joy's sessions with her patients delve deeper, her own dissatisfaction with her sex life comes more into focus. She experiments secretly with self-pleasure, and in the process, catches the eye of her biking companion, a charming single dad. It culminates in a raunchy, albeit poignant, sex scene with personal revelations that is a stark departure from the saccharine, predictable template we are accustomed to in romantic TV shows.

The episode perfectly sets the ground for the rest of the series, not just by illuminating Joy's own desires but by hinting at broader conversations about marriage, infidelity, modern attitudes towards sex, and relationships, that will make for an intriguing watch. It's not merely about cheating or running away from problems, rather the show presents how and why people may be genuinely drawn to multiple partners without being shamed or judged for it.

All this is portrayed with high production values, attention to detail in every character, and an exploration into human behavior that keeps you engrossed from start to finish.

Wanderlust is an entertaining mix of quirk and contemplation that packs an emotionally charged punch. It's a testament to its creator, Nick Payne, who has an uncanny ability to create fascinating, multidimensional characters complete with flaws and quirks, and to the cast, who delivers some nuanced and authentic performances that make you root for these characters even when they're making questionable decisions. Overall, Wanderlust promises to be a bold, refreshing take on modern love that will stand out in the crowded world of TV.