Ep 1. Episode 1
- TV-14
- April 5, 2020
- 58 min
-
7.2 (409)
In the first episode of World on Fire season 1, viewers are introduced to a plethora of characters in a glimpse into their lives before the start of World War II. The episode is set in Manchester, England and demonstrates the rapid changes and fear spreading throughout Europe before the outbreak of war.
The episode starts with Harry Chase, a British soldier, being caught in a passionate moment with a married woman named Lois Bennett. Harry and Lois have an emotional exchange before Harry leaves to fight in Poland, setting up his story arc for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, viewers are introduced to American journalist Nancy Campbell as she tries to make ends meet while reporting on the looming threat of Germany's invasion of Poland. She is a strong and independent character who makes it clear she will not be intimidated by her male counterparts. Her on-screen dynamic with her editor Douglas is entertaining to watch, as it provides a social commentary on the power dynamics between men and women in this era.
We also meet a working-class family in Manchester; the Bennetts. Tom Bennett is a father figure to his daughter Lois and her younger brother, who is determined to join the army. Tom is shown to be quite patriotic and believes that Britain will ultimately triumph over Germany. We also see his daughter Lois struggle with being unhappily married to a boorish man; she is a strong-willed and fiercely independent woman who is unable to fulfill her dreams of singing in a club.
Another family we meet in the first episode is the Rosslers, who are a Polish-Jewish family living in Warsaw. We see how their lives are upended by the invasion of Poland, forcing them to flee their home and begin a journey to reunite with their son who is studying in Paris. The family is divided with one parent going with their younger daughter, and the other staying behind with their son before embarking on a precarious journey out of Poland.
Despite the varying plotlines, the theme of uncertainty looms large throughout the first episode. People are unsure about their future and the onset of war, causing chaos and deeply felt emotions. The episode captures how people across different strata of society try to make sense of the looming conflict threatening their way of life.
There is also a clear representation of how people were grappling with the potential consequences of their decisions. We see how Lois is dealing with a sense of guilt and melancholy after her tryst with Harry before he goes off to fight. Additionally, Tom struggles with a sense of duty of how he can prepare his own child for war in the name of patriotism.
In terms of production, the episode is beautifully made, capturing the motif of Manchester's architecture and the way of life for its people in the era. The camera work is often close up on the characters' faces, emphasizing the emotional turmoil they are experiencing and the stakes involved. The episode also provides a clever commentary on the relationship between the press and politics which is explored through Nancy's character as well as other journalists in the series.
Overall, the first episode of World on Fire season 1 is engaging and sets the tone for the rest of the series. It creates a palpable sense of unease and raises questions about the impact of war on ordinary people and their relationships. A great watch for anyone interested in examining the human element of historical events.