Ep 1. Answered By Fire - Episode 1

Answered by Fire is a Canadian television drama series featuring a group of United Nations peacekeepers sent to war-torn East Timor in 1999. The series explores the complex political and personal dynamics of peacekeeping operations and the challenges faced by those tasked with maintaining peace in dangerous and volatile regions.

The first episode of Answered by Fire introduces us to the key characters and sets the stage for the drama that will unfold in later episodes. The episode opens with a group of UN peacekeepers arriving in Dili, the capital of East Timor, which has recently declared independence from Indonesia. The peacekeepers, led by Company Sergeant-Major Alan James (played by David Cubitt), are assigned to a small compound in the city where they are to provide security and support for the local UN mission.

As the peacekeepers settle into their new surroundings, tensions in the region begin to escalate. Pro-Indonesian militias are increasing their attacks on East Timorese civilians, and the peacekeepers find themselves caught in the middle of a bitter conflict. Meanwhile, the East Timorese people are struggling to rebuild their shattered country after decades of brutal occupation by the Indonesian military.

One of the key themes of the first episode is the challenge of communication in a multinational peacekeeping mission. The peacekeepers come from a variety of countries and speak different languages, and they often struggle to understand each other and the local population. This is particularly evident when James and his team try to communicate with a group of East Timorese women who have sought refuge in their compound. Although they share a common goal of peacekeeping, the cultural and linguistic barriers between the peacekeepers and the locals highlight the difficulties and complexities of this work.

The episode also introduces us to some of the personal dramas taking place among the peacekeepers. Private Kelly Watt (played by Brooke Satchwell) is struggling with the trauma of a recent mission in Somalia, and her PTSD is exacerbated by the violent situation in East Timor. Meanwhile, Captain Sarah Archer (played by Lisa McCune) is dealing with the challenges of being a female officer in a predominantly male environment. Her relationship with her ex-husband, who is also a member of the peacekeeping mission, adds another layer of tension to the already volatile situation.

Despite the personal challenges and political tensions, the peacekeepers are determined to do their best to protect the East Timorese people and support the fledgling government. Their efforts are put to the test when the militias launch a major assault on the city, killing and injuring civilians and peacekeepers alike. The episode ends with a sense of uncertainty and danger as the peacekeepers prepare for what promises to be a prolonged and deadly conflict.

Overall, Answered by Fire - Episode 1 is a gripping and thought-provoking introduction to the series. It sets the stage for the complex personal and political dramas to come, and offers a glimpse into the challenging and often dangerous world of peacekeeping operations. With its strong cast, intricate plot, and attention to detail, Answered by Fire promises to be a must-watch series for fans of political dramas and military history.