Ep 1. Episode 1
- October 5, 2018
Elite is a Spanish teen drama web television series that follows the story of three teenagers from working class backgrounds who are given scholarships to attend an elite private school called Las Encinas. The series is created by Carlos Montero and Darío Madrona and premiered on Netflix on October 5, 2018. The show deals with themes of class, sexuality, and rivalry, and has been praised for its performances and storytelling.
Episode 1 of season 1 starts with a voiceover from Samuel, who introduces himself as a scholarship student at Las Encinas. He and his brother Nano are seen working in a grocery store, where an incident takes place that sets up the overall story of the season. The episode then cuts to a flashback, where the audience is introduced to the wealthy students of Las Encinas. We see a typical day in their life, where they party, drink, and indulge in their privileges.
The episode then introduces the three scholarship students, Samuel, Nadia, and Christian, who are shown arriving at Las Encinas for the first time. They are met with hostility from the other students who see them as outsiders and not belonging in the elite school. It is clear from the beginning that the class divide is a significant theme in the show.
Samuel, who is the main protagonist of the show, is shown to be an earnest, hardworking student. He tries his best to fit in with his new classmates but can't seem to get past their prejudices. Nadia, on the other hand, is a smart, ambitious student who wants to succeed academically. Her wearing a hijab is a source of conflict, and she struggles to find her place in the new environment. Christian is the flamboyant, party-loving student who doesn't seem to care about his studies and wants to have a good time. He immediately finds himself drawn to the other students' lifestyle and gets picked on by Lu, who is the queen bee of the school.
Lu is a character who represents the entitlement and privilege of the wealthy students. She is snobbish, manipulative and immediately takes note of the new students. She is dating Guzmán, who is the son of a wealthy businessman and the leader of a clique at the school. Guzmán is initially hostile towards the scholarship students but soon develops an interest in Nadia, which adds a layer of complexity to their relationship.
The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Samuel finding out about an incident that involves Nano and Marina, Guzmán's sister. This incident sets up the central mystery of the season, and the rest of the episodes deal with the repercussions of it. The first episode creates a strong sense of tension and sets up the dynamics between the characters. It introduces the themes and conflicts that drive the show, and the performances are strong, particularly from Samuel and Nadia.
In conclusion, Episode 1 sets up the story of the series, and while it may not be as action-packed as later episodes, it is essential for the overall narrative. It introduces the characters and themes that drive the show and sets up the mystery that will keep the audience hooked throughout the season. Elite is a thrilling, engaging show that is well worth watching, and the first episode is an excellent introduction to the world of Las Encinas.