Ep 1. The Australian Dream

Miriam Margolyes: Almost Australian is a travel documentary series where Miriam Margolyes, an Australian-British actress and comedienne, embarks on a personal journey to discover Australia and what it means to be an Australian. Season 1, Episode 1, titled "The Australian Dream," follows Margolyes as she sets off on her journey to explore the many facets of Australia's culture and history.

The episode begins with Margolyes reflecting on her life, her career, and her identity. She talks about her background as a Jew, and how her family's experiences during the Holocaust shaped her worldview. She then introduces herself as an almost Australian, having lived in the country for over 50 years, and yet not feeling fully assimilated into its culture.

Margolyes then sets off on her journey, starting in Sydney, Australia's largest city and a melting pot of cultures. She visits the iconic Sydney Opera House, chats with locals in a park, and explores the markets of Chinatown. Along the way, she discusses Australia's history of immigration, and the impact it has had on the country's identity. She also reflects on her own experiences as a British immigrant, and the challenges of fitting in to a new country.

The episode then takes a detour into the world of Australian football, or footy as it's known. Margolyes heads to Melbourne, the home of Australian Rules Football, and attends a match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. She meets fans, players, and ex-players, and learns about the passion and pride that Australians have for their national sport. She also shares her own experiences of sport back in England, and how different it was from the Australian way of playing.

As the episode continues, Margolyes delves deeper into Australia's history, visiting museums and monuments that tell the story of the country's past. She learns about the indigenous peoples of Australia, and the trauma that they have experienced at the hands of European settlers. She hears stories of the Stolen Generations, and visits Uluru, one of the country's most sacred sites. Through these experiences, Margolyes gains a greater appreciation for the complexity of Australia's history, and the ongoing struggles for reconciliation and understanding.

The episode ends with Margolyes reflecting on her journey so far, and what it means to be almost Australian. She questions whether she will ever truly feel like she belongs in the country, or whether her identity will always be shaped by her early experiences in England. Nevertheless, she is grateful for the opportunity to explore Australia in all its diversity and complexity, and to gain a deeper understanding of the country that has been her home for so long.

Overall, "The Australian Dream" is an engaging and thought-provoking introduction to the series. Margolyes brings her trademark wit and charm to the screen, while also tackling serious and complex issues with sensitivity and insight. The episode offers a tantalizing glimpse into the many layers of Australia's culture and history, and sets the stage for an enlightening and entertaining journey to come.