Ep 1. Episode 1

In "Years and Years" season 1 episode 1, viewers are introduced to the Lyons family living in Manchester, England. The family consists of parents Stephen and Celeste, their three adult children - Daniel, Rosie, and Edith - and their respective partners and children.

The episode starts with the family gathering around the television to watch the results of a general election. The outcome is a surprise as Vivienne Rook, a controversial businesswoman, wins a seat in Parliament as part of a new populist political party. Her victory sets off a series of events that will change the country and the lives of the Lyons family forever.

As the years go by, we see how the family members are affected by the changing world around them. Daniel and his husband Ralph have two young children and are struggling to make ends meet. Rosie has a son with her partner and is working as a debt collector, barely able to keep up with the bills. Edith is a political activist, living a nomadic lifestyle and advocating for refugee rights.

Meanwhile, Stephen works as a financial advisor and is struggling with his own mortality. Celeste is a successful physician, but her job is becoming more and more difficult as the health system deteriorates.

Throughout the episode, we also get glimpses of the political and social changes happening in the UK and internationally. There are tensions between the US and China, the US has withdrawn from NATO, Russia is funding far-right political parties across Europe, and climate change is wreaking havoc on the planet.

Despite all of this, the Lyons family tries to navigate their own lives and relationships. Daniel and Ralph consider emigrating to Spain for a better life, but their plans are disrupted when their son has a medical emergency. Rosie struggles to collect debts from a family that can barely afford to put food on the table. Edith becomes involved in a protest against a detention center for refugees and is arrested.

As the episode ends, the family gathers together again to watch another election unfold. This time, Vivienne Rook is running for Prime Minister and her message of populist nationalism is gaining traction. The Lyons family is forced to confront the reality of a world that is changing faster than they could have ever imagined.

"Years and Years" season 1 episode 1 is a gripping and thought-provoking start to the series. It explores themes of family, politics, social change, and the interconnectedness of global issues. The characters are complex and relatable, making the audience invested in their fates. The episode sets the stage for a series that promises to be both entertaining and relevant to the current political and social climate.