Ep 1. In the Beginning

In the Beginning is the first episode of the animated comedy series God, the Devil and Bob. The show centers around the lives of God (voiced by James Garner), the Devil (voiced by Alan Cumming), and Bob Alman (voiced by French Stewart), an average suburban man who is the only one who can save humanity.

In the first episode, God decides to visit Earth to take a break from his heavenly duties. While he is there, he has a conversation with the Devil about the state of humanity. They both agree that humans have become too self-centered and corrupt, and need to be taught a lesson. God suggests that they make a wager to see if one person on Earth can prove that humanity is worth saving.

The Devil proposes Bob Alman, a graphic designer in Detroit, as the person to represent humanity. God agrees and gives Bob a visit, revealing himself to be the deity he is. Bob is understandably skeptical and a bit overwhelmed, but God explains that he has been chosen to be the voice of humanity in the wager between God and the Devil.

Bob is hesitant but eventually agrees to participate in the wager. God and the Devil give him a task: convincing his family to attend church on Sunday. Bob struggles with this task, as his wife and children are not particularly religious and are skeptical of organized religion. He unsuccessfully tries to bribe them with a family breakfast. Bob ultimately decides to tell his family about the wager and how important this is for all of humanity.

Meanwhile, the Devil is working behind the scenes to sabotage Bob's efforts. He sends a demon to possess Bob's son, which causes chaos and destruction in their home. Bob struggles to maintain his composure and faith in God, but ultimately is able to exorcise the demon from his son. Bob's family is impressed with his strength and conviction, and agrees to attend church with him on Sunday.

On Sunday, Bob and his family attend church and witness a miracle when a deaf woman is suddenly able to hear. Bob is overwhelmed with emotion and realizes the power and importance of faith and religion. He seeks out God to let him know that he believes in him and humanity's potential. God is pleased and announces that Bob has won the wager.

The episode concludes with God and the Devil discussing the results of the wager. God is hopeful for humanity's future, while the Devil is skeptical. However, both agree that Bob has proven himself to be an unwavering believer in the power of faith and love.

In the Beginning sets the tone for the rest of the series, establishing the central conflict between God and the Devil and Bob's role as the human representative. It tackles issues of faith, family, and the human condition in a lighthearted and entertaining way.