Year of the Rabbit Season 1 Episode 1 Episode 1

Year of the Rabbit is a British comedy series set in Victorian-era London and follows the exploits of detective Inspector Rabbit and his team of misfits as they try to solve crimes in the city.

Season 1 episode 1, simply titled "Episode 1," starts off with Inspector Rabbit (played by Matt Berry) on the hunt for a notorious gang of Victorian street thugs known as the Three Fingered Man. Rabbit is a hard-boiled detective with a no-nonsense attitude and a tendency to use violence to get the information he needs. He's also prone to calling his partner, Strauss (played by Freddie Fox), by different names like "Chalky" and "Sausage" much to Strauss' annoyance.

The episode introduces us to the main characters of the series, including Rabbit, Strauss, and their boss, Chief Inspector Wisbech (played by Keeley Hawes). Wisbech is a no-nonsense, stern boss who often clashes with Rabbit over his unconventional methods.

As Rabbit closes in on the Three Fingered Man, he discovers that they are plotting a major heist that could destabilize the entire city. Rabbit and Strauss team up with a new recruit, Mabel Wisbech (played by Susan Wokoma), who is the Chief Inspector's daughter, to stop the gang.

Mabel comes from a wealthy background and is not used to the rough and ready world of policing, but she's eager to prove herself and becomes an integral part of the team. Her relationships with Rabbit and Strauss become increasingly complex as the show progresses.

The episode is a mix of action, comedy and drama, with plenty of witty one-liners and physical comedy from Matt Berry, who steals the show as Rabbit. Rabbit is a flawed hero who is as likely to solve a crime with his fists as he is with his mind. His camaraderie with Strauss is another highlight of the episode, with Strauss being the more level-headed of the two.

Year of the Rabbit also features a number of supporting characters who add to the humor and drama of the show. There's the eccentric coroner, Dr. Baxter (played by Lydia West), who has a strange fascination with death, and the cockney gangster, Rabbit's informant, played by Paul Kaye, who has a grudging respect for Rabbit's methods.

The production design and cinematography of the series are also noteworthy. The Victorian-era setting is depicted in all its dirty, gritty glory, with dark alleys, gas lamps, and foggy streets. The costumes and props are also spot-on, giving the show an authentic feel.

Overall, Season 1 episode 1 of Year of the Rabbit sets the tone for the series, introducing us to the characters and the world they inhabit. It's a funny, action-packed adventure that promises to deliver more of the same in future episodes.