Ep 1. Episode 1
Meteor Garden is a popular Taiwanese drama that has been remade in various countries and languages. The first season of the show is divided into 27 episodes, with the first episode titled "Episode 1". The episode introduces us to the main protagonist, Shan Cai, who is a bright and determined high school student. She comes from a humble background and studies at the prestigious Ying De Academy, where the wealthy and elite students dominate the social hierarchy.
At the start of the episode, we see Shan Cai's best friend, Xiao You, getting bullied by her classmates. Shan Cai rushes to her rescue and confronts the bullies, but instead of being grateful, Xiao You blames Shan Cai for causing more trouble. This sets the tone for their complicated friendship, which is based on loyalty but also marred by misunderstandings and disagreements.
As the episode progresses, we also meet the four male leads of the show, collectively known as F4. They are the richest and most popular boys in Ying De Academy, and they have the power to make or break a student's reputation. The members of F4 are Dao Ming Si, Hua Ze Lei, Mei Zuo, and Xi Men. Each of them has a distinct personality and background, and they are all vying for the attention of Shan Cai.
Dao Ming Si is the arrogant and hot-headed leader of F4, who is used to getting his way and does not take kindly to rejection. He takes an instant dislike to Shan Cai when she speaks out against his bad behavior, and he decides to bully her in retaliation. The other members of F4 also join in, making Shan Cai's life at school even more difficult.
Hua Ze Lei is the silent and brooding member of F4, who seems to have a deeper understanding of Shan Cai's struggles. He is often seen playing music on his violin, and his talent and sensitivity are contrasted with Dao Ming Si's brashness. Mei Zuo and Xi Men are the other two members of F4, who are mostly seen as Dao Ming Si's lackeys. They enjoy teasing and flirting with the girls at school, but they also seem to have a softer side.
In this first episode, we see Shan Cai trying to navigate her way through the complex social dynamics of Ying De Academy. She is often bullied and excluded by her classmates, but she refuses to give up or conform to their expectations. Her determination and resilience make her stand out, and she catches the attention of both F4 and some of their admirers.
Despite the initial animosity between Shan Cai and Dao Ming Si, he seems to develop a grudging respect for her. He is intrigued by her strength and defiance, and he starts to pay more attention to her. However, his interest in her is also fueled by his desire to win a bet with his friends, where they have challenged him to make Shan Cai fall in love with him.
Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of the rich and glamorous world that F4 inhabits. They drive expensive cars, wear designer clothes, and throw lavish parties. However, we also see that their lives are not without problems and conflicts. Mei Zuo and Xi Men are dealing with issues related to their families and relationships, and Hua Ze Lei has a secret that he is keeping from his friends.
Overall, this first episode of Meteor Garden sets up the main characters and their relationships in a way that will keep viewers hooked. The high school drama is interspersed with moments of humor and romance, and the cliffhanger ending leaves us wondering what will happen next.