Ep 1. Satan Comes to Salem

As night falls on the town of Salem, Massachusetts, a group of young women gather in the woods for a secret ceremony. What begins as a seemingly harmless game quickly takes a dark turn as the women are accused of practicing witchcraft. With fear and paranoia spreading throughout the town, Salem becomes a powder keg ready to explode.

In Witches of Salem season 1 episode 1, titled "Satan Comes to Salem," viewers are transported back to the turbulent times of the late 17th century. This first episode sets the stage for the drama to come, introducing viewers to key characters and highlighting the tension between the town's Puritan leaders and those accused of witchcraft.

The episode begins with a glimpse of the ritual unfolding in the woods – a group of young women dancing around a fire, calling on the spirits for guidance. The tone is eerie and unsettling, a feeling that is quickly amplified when one of the girls collapses and starts convulsing on the ground. Hysteria ensues as the other girls try to help her, and it becomes clear that something much darker is at play.

As news of the incident spreads throughout town, the Puritan leaders are quick to connect the girls' activities to witchcraft. They call upon a young minister named John Hale, an expert in the subject, to investigate the matter. Hale is earnest in his desire to help the town, but he soon realizes that he's in over his head.

Meanwhile, we're introduced to several key players in Salem's drama. There's Mary Sibley, a married woman with secrets to keep; her friend Tituba, a slave from Barbados with knowledge of voodoo; and Anne Hale, the minister's daughter who is struggling to reconcile her faith with the events unfolding around her.

As the investigation into the girls' activities continues, tensions mount in Salem. Accusations fly and paranoia takes hold, with nearly every resident of the town suspected of witchcraft at one point or another. Even the most innocent actions are viewed with suspicion, such as when Mary Sibley is caught burying something in the woods. Is she hiding something, or is she simply trying to protect herself from the growing hysteria?

As the episode draws to a close, viewers are left with a sense of creeping dread. Salem seems poised on the brink of a massive outbreak of violence, with no one safe from the accusations of witchcraft that are sure to come. The stage is set for a gripping drama that explores the darkest aspects of humanity – fear, suspicion, and mob mentality.

Overall, "Satan Comes to Salem" is a compelling opening to Witches of Salem season 1. With its strong performances, eerie atmosphere, and mounting sense of tension, the episode draws viewers in and leaves them eager to see what comes next. Whether you're a history buff or a fan of gripping dramas, this show is sure to captivate and enthrall.