Ep 1. Pilot

Jack & Bobby season 1 episode 1, titled Pilot, introduces viewers to the McCallister family and sets the groundwork for the rest of the series. The show is centered around two brothers, Jack (Matt Long) and Bobby (Logan Lerman), and their mother, Grace McCallister (Christine Lahti), who is a college professor and a single parent.

The episode begins with a glimpse of the future, in which Jack is the President of the United States, and Bobby is not around. The show then takes viewers back in time to 2004, where we see a 16-year-old Jack and a 12-year-old Bobby living with their mother in Hart, Missouri, a small town in the heartland of the United States.

The boys are shown to be very different from each other. Jack is confident, outgoing, and athletic, while Bobby is more introverted and intellectual. Despite their differences, the brothers share a close bond, and we see them playing together, exploring their town, and talking about their dreams and aspirations.

Meanwhile, their mother is busy with her job, which involves teaching political science at the local university and doing interviews with the media about the upcoming presidential election. Grace is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who is devoted to her work and her children.

As the episode progresses, we see the family dealing with various challenges. Jack is struggling with his grades and his relationships with girls. Bobby is being bullied at school and has trouble fitting in with the other kids. Grace is facing criticism from her colleagues for her views on politics and education.

Despite these obstacles, the McCallisters remain a tight-knit family. They have dinner together every night, they go on weekend trips, and they support each other through their struggles.

Towards the end of the episode, we see glimpses of Jack's future as the President of the United States. Through a series of flash-forwards, we see him delivering speeches, visiting the White House, and being interviewed by the media. We also see that Bobby is not around in the future, and that his absence is a mystery.

The episode ends with Grace talking to her sons about the future and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. She tells them that the world is full of possibilities, and that they should never give up on themselves or each other. The scene is emotional and heartfelt, and it sets the tone for the rest of the series.

Overall, Jack & Bobby season 1 episode 1 is a compelling and well-written pilot that introduces viewers to the show's characters, themes, and tone. The performances are strong, especially by Long, Lerman, and Lahti, who all bring depth and nuance to their roles. The episode sets up a number of interesting storylines, including Jack's rise to the presidency and Bobby's mysterious disappearance. It also explores themes of family, politics, and the American Dream, making it a must-watch for fans of drama and politics.