Ep 1. Episode 1

In "Doctor Thorne" season 1, episode 1, viewers are introduced to the central conflict of the series. The episode opens with a voiceover explaining the history of the Gresham family, which has fallen on hard times. Roger Gresham, the patriarch of the family, had made a fortune as a railway speculator, but after his death, his son, Sir Louis, mismanaged their finances. Now, the family estate is heavily mortgaged and Sir Louis is deeply in debt.

The main action of the episode revolves around the arrival of Sir Louis's sister, Augusta, and her son, Frank, who have come to stay at the family estate. Frank is heir to a large fortune, but his mother is determined that he marry money as well. She has her eye on the wealthy Miss Dunstable, who is soon to inherit a large sum of money from her father. Frank, however, has other ideas. He's more interested in Mary Thorne, the niece of Doctor Thorne, the family physician.

Mary is an orphan who was taken in by Doctor Thorne as a baby. Despite her humble origins, she's grown up to be intelligent, well-educated and beautiful. She's also secretly in love with Frank. However, she knows that their social status makes any kind of relationship between them impossible. When Frank declares his love for her, she gently rebuffs him, telling him that they can never be together.

Meanwhile, Sir Louis is facing financial ruin. He owes a large sum of money to a moneylender, Mr. Moffat, who threatens to call in the debt if it isn't repaid immediately. Sir Louis is also under pressure to marry into money himself. His advisor, Mr. Gazebee, introduces him to Lady Arabella, an aristocratic widow with a large fortune. Sir Louis is initially reluctant to marry her, but he comes around when he realizes that it's the only way to save the family estate.

The episode ends with tensions at an all-time high. Frank is in love with Mary, but is being pressured to marry Miss Dunstable for her money. Mary loves Frank, but knows their relationship is impossible. Sir Louis is about to marry Lady Arabella for her money, but the family estate is still in danger of being lost. And Doctor Thorne is stuck in the middle of it all, trying to help his friends while also being true to his principles.

Overall, "Doctor Thorne" season 1, episode 1, sets up a compelling period drama with complex characters and high stakes. The sharp divide between the upper and lower classes is palpable, with characters constantly reminded of their place in society and the importance of wealth and connections. The episode does an excellent job of laying the groundwork for the rest of the series, introducing the key players and setting the stage for the conflicts to come. Fans of historical dramas will find much to enjoy in "Doctor Thorne."