Ep 1. Episode 1

Hidden: First Born is a Welsh television drama series which premiered on BBC One Wales on December 6, 2018. The series is created and written by Mark Andrew and Ed Talfan, and directed by Gareth Bryn. The show stars Sian Reese-Williams, Rhodri Meilir, Sion Alun Davies, and Gwyneth Keyworth in lead roles.

The show is set in Wales and follows the story of DI Cadi John and DS Owen Vaughan as they investigate a series of murders that have been haunting their picturesque Welsh town. The series begins with the discovery of a body of a young woman, Mali Pryce, on a vast estate located near a Mining town in Snowdonia. The team of police officers headed by Cadi John, who is estranged from her family on the estate, race to uncover the harsh truths behind Mali's death.

The first episode opens on a suitably haunting note. A lone figure in a hoodie is seen trudging through the dark snow-covered landscape, with nothing but the haunting sounds of a distant cry to keep them company. Even as the police officers are scouring the scene of the crime, Cadi is clearly perturbed by the sight of the corpse, and her evident sense of responsibility for solving the case drives the episode forward.

The case quickly establishes itself as a deeply personal one for Cadi, as it becomes clear that the victim lived on her estranged family's estate. The complex relationship between the family members and Cadi slowly opens up as the show moves forward, providing a rich tapestry of character development as well as the investigative work the police team are doing.

Soon, Cadi and Owen are piecing together the fragments of her past and uncovering some distressing secrets about her life, including her relationship with her mother. We also see the developing attraction and palpable chemistry between Owen and Cadi as they work closely together in the investigation.

The episode is ominous and tense throughout, with numerous red herrings and clues that seem to point in different directions. The tension builds with each passing minute, as more evidence is uncovered and the motives behind the murder become murkier.

Despite the fact that Hidden is about solving a murder, it is also a story about family, both as those who raised us and as those we surround ourselves with. The themes are dark and at times gruesome, but the excellent writing, directing, and acting draw us in with a heartfelt sense of emotion. It grapples with the intricacies of family relationships, secrets and regrets, and it's a great character study done brilliantly.

All of these elements make the opening episode of the series compelling and engaging, setting the tone and standard for what promises be a high-quality series. In addition, the Welsh countryside stands in imposing contrast to the darkness of the unfolding investigation, with the cinematography taking on a life of its own even as the investigation progresses. It's a fitting tribute to the beautiful landscape of Wales that provides the backdrop for this show.

In conclusion, the first episode of Hidden: First Born sets up the story and characters in a gripping manner that hooks you right from the start. The storyline is full of suspense and keeps you guessing all the way. The acting is top-notch, and the cinematography is breathtaking. It is no wonder that the show has been critically acclaimed and widely praised for its nuanced storytelling. Overall, the show is definitely worth a watch if you're looking for a murder mystery with a twist.