Ep 1. Out of the Past

In the first episode of Altered Carbon titled "Out of the Past," the viewer is thrown into a futuristic world where humans can digitally store their consciousness, or "soul," in a device called a cortical stack. This means that after death, a person's stack can be placed into a new body, or "sleeve," making immortality achievable for the wealthy.

The story begins with the awakening of Takeshi Kovacs, a former super soldier who has been brought back to life in a new body after being "on ice" for 250 years. He wakes up in a luxurious high-rise and quickly realizes that he has been brought back to solve a murder. The victim is a wealthy businessman named Laurens Bancroft, who hired Kovacs to find out who killed him and why.

As Kovacs investigates, the viewer is introduced to this new world of technology and wealth. We see elaborate parties, flying cars, and the stark contrast between the wealthy and poor. During his investigation, Kovacs learns that Bancroft was killed in his own home, but the surveillance footage was mysteriously erased. The main suspect is Bancroft's wife, Miriam. However, as Kovacs delves deeper into the case, he discovers that there could be other motives for the murder.

Throughout the episode, we see Kovacs struggle with adapting to a new body and the world he is now living in. He is haunted by memories of his past life and the people he has lost. We also see flashbacks to his life before being put on ice, including his relationship with a rebel leader named Quellcrist Falconer.

As Kovacs works to solve the case, he crosses paths with several interesting and dangerous characters, including a cop named Kristin Ortega who has a personal vendetta against Bancroft and his family. He also meets a mysterious man named Vernon Elli, who becomes an unexpected ally in his investigation.

Overall, the first episode of Altered Carbon sets up a fascinating world filled with complex characters and a murder mystery that leaves the viewer wanting more. The show blends elements of sci-fi, action, and mystery seamlessly, making for a thrilling and engaging watch. As the first episode ends, the stage is set for an epic journey that will explore themes of identity, power, and immortality.