Ep 1. Night I

When We Rise season 1 episode 1, titled Night I, explores the beginnings of the LGBT rights movement in San Francisco in the 1970s. The episode introduces us to several activists who are struggling to find their place in a society that doesn't accept them.

The episode opens with Cleve Jones (played by Austin P. McKenzie), a young gay man who has just arrived in San Francisco. He is immediately drawn to the vibrant community of LGBT people who are protesting for their rights on the streets of the city. Cleve meets Ken Jones (played by Michael K. Williams), an African-American Vietnam War veteran who is also a gay rights activist. The two become friends and allies in the struggle for LGBT rights.

The episode also introduces us to Roma Guy (played by Emily Skeggs), a lesbian activist who is working to provide social services for the city's LGBT community. Roma's girlfriend, Diane (played by Fiona Dourif), is involved in the women's liberation movement, and the two women find themselves at the forefront of the fight for gender equality.

We also meet Richard Socarides (played by Jonathan Majors), a closeted gay man who is working for a conservative senator in Washington, D.C. Richard is struggling with his identity and his desire to be accepted by his family and society at large.

As the episode progresses, we see how these activists' lives intersect and how they begin to form a united front against the discrimination and oppression they face. They organize protests and demonstrations, and they work to create safe spaces for LGBT people in the city.

The episode also explores the personal relationships of the characters. We see Cleve fall in love with a fellow activist named Scott (played by Charlie Carver), and we see Roma and Diane navigate their relationship in the face of societal pressure.

Throughout the episode, there is a sense of urgency and desperation among the characters. They know that their fight is a difficult one, and they are willing to risk everything to achieve equality and justice. There are moments of hope and triumph, but there are also moments of heartbreak and setback.

In the end, Night I is a powerful and moving portrayal of the early days of the LGBT rights movement. The episode lays the foundation for the rest of the series, which will continue to examine the struggles and triumphs of these activists as they fight for their rights and their dignity. It is a story of courage, resilience, and love, and it is a story that is still being written today.