Ep 1. Descendants

In the first episode of the Disney Channel original movie series 'Descendants', we are introduced to a world where the heroes we know and love from classic Disney movies have settled down and started families. The story takes place in the fairy tale kingdom of Auradon, where King Beast and Queen Belle rule over a peaceful land where villains have been banished to the Isle of the Lost. These villains are the descendants of some of the most infamous characters in fairy tale history, including Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil.

We meet our main character, the teenage son of Maleficent, named Mal. She is joined by the children of the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil: Evie, Jay, and Carlos. These four characters are sent from the Isle of the Lost to Auradon by Prince Ben (son of King Beast and Queen Belle) as part of his first royal decree. The decree allows for the children of the Isle to attend school in Auradon, offering them a chance to be rehabilitated and prove that they are not like their villainous parents.

Despite their initial reluctance, the four villains' kids quickly adapt to their new surroundings and begin to embrace their inner goodness. They are all paired with famous Disney sidekicks, including Carlos with an electronic dog named Dude, Evie with Snow White's Magic Mirror, Jay with Aladdin's sidekick Abu, and Mal with her mother's pet raven, Diablo. They begin attending classes at Auradon Prep, where they learn to be heroes in their own right.

Mal, in particular, struggles with her newfound goodness and constantly battles her internal struggle between being true to her villainous roots and wanting to be a hero. She ultimately decides to embrace her good side, but not without some bumps in the road.

Meanwhile, the villain community on the Isle of the Lost is not happy about the children being taken to Auradon. Maleficent and other villains begin hatching a plan to steal Fairy Godmother's wand and use it to take over Auradon. The episode ends with a cliffhanger as the villains' plot is set into motion, setting up the rest of the series.

Overall, the first episode of 'Descendants' sets up a fun and exciting premise that offers a new take on classic Disney characters. The young cast is talented and engaging, and the storyline offers a fresh perspective on themes of good versus evil. The combination of classic Disney aesthetics with modern-day storytelling makes for an enjoyable viewing experience for all ages.