Ep 1. Before the Flood (Pilot)

As the first episode of the series, "Doomsday Castle" sets the stage for exploration into the extreme lengths some individuals go to prepare for a hypothetical doomsday scenario. Before the Flood (Pilot) introduces us to Brenton Bruns, a former military engineer who has made it his life's work to create a fortified fortress in rural South Carolina in order to protect his family from various disasters that he believes may occur in the future.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a tour of the sprawling castle and its various features, from a drawbridge and lookout towers to a garden and farmstead. Brenton also introduces us to his seven adult children, who have been raised with a survivalist mindset and have all contributed to the building of the castle. Each sibling has a unique skill set that will be essential should the world as we know it come to an end. Their father hopes to pass on his knowledge and teachings to them and future generations.

While the Bruns family appears to be well-prepared for most apocalyptic situations, there are still uncertainties when it comes to natural disasters such as floods. In the episode, a team of experts is brought in to assess the castle's ability to withstand a massive flood that could potentially destroy it. The group evaluates the foundation of the castle and walls, which have been built to withstand high winds and projectiles, but may not be enough to survive a massive rush of water.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into Brenton's extreme survivalist lifestyle, including his strict rationing of food and supplies, his training of his children in firearms and self-defense techniques, and his plans to teach his grandchildren how to survive if the need arises. While some may view Brenton's lifestyle as paranoid or unnecessary, he remains steadfast in his beliefs that doomsday is inevitable and that he and his family must be prepared for whatever the future may bring.

Overall, Before the Flood (Pilot) sets the stage for an intriguing exploration into the world of doomsday preppers and survivalists. While some may find the Bruns family's tactics extreme or unnecessary, others may relate to the desire to be prepared for any and all eventualities. The episode leaves viewers with a sense of uncertainty about the future, but also with the realization that it's never too early to start preparing for the worst.