Ep 1. 1964

Our Friends in the North is a British television drama series that premiered in 1996. The show follows the lives of four friends as they navigate through various events in British history over the course of three decades, from 1964 to 1995.

Season 1, Episode 1 is titled "1964." The episode is set in Newcastle in the early 1960s, a time of social and political upheaval in Britain. The four main characters – Geordie (Christopher Eccleston), Nicky (Gina McKee), Mary (Anna Friel), and Tosker (Mark Strong) – are introduced as teenagers who are just starting to find their place in the world.

Geordie is a bright student with a passion for politics, while Nicky is an aspiring actress who dreams of escaping her working-class background. Mary is Geordie's girlfriend, who is eager to break free from her strict Catholic upbringing. Finally, Tosker is a self-assured ladies' man who dreams of making it big in the music industry.

The episode begins with the four friends enjoying a day out in Newcastle, where they come across a political rally in the city center. Geordie is immediately drawn to the charismatic speaker, Tony Benn, who is campaigning for a more socialist Britain. Inspired by Benn's message, Geordie becomes convinced that change is possible and that he can be a part of it.

Meanwhile, Nicky is struggling to find her place in the world. Her father's disapproval of her aspirations to become an actress has left her feeling lost and alone. She confides in Mary about her dreams, but Mary is preoccupied with her own issues. Her strict Catholic upbringing is causing her to question her faith, and she is consumed with guilt over her relationship with Geordie.

Tosker, on the other hand, is busy chasing women and dreaming of launching his music career. He and Nicky share a flirtatious moment, but it is clear that their paths are heading in different directions.

As the episode progresses, the four friends begin to experience some of the social and political changes that are occurring in Britain at the time. Geordie becomes involved in the Labour Party and starts to campaign for local elections. Nicky gets a small part in a play, but her father's rejection of her dream leaves her feeling disheartened. Mary's crisis of faith leads her to question her relationship with Geordie, and Tosker's dreams of a music career are derailed when he gets into trouble with the law.

Despite these setbacks, 1964 ends on a hopeful note. Geordie wins his election and begins to make a difference in his community. Nicky lands a bigger role in a play, and her father finally comes around to the idea of her pursuing an acting career. Mary decides to stay with Geordie, and Tosker sees a glimmer of hope for his music career. As the episode comes to a close, the four friends set out on their respective paths, ready to take on whatever the future may hold.

Overall, "1964" is a strong introduction to Our Friends in the North. The episode deftly sets up the four main characters and establishes the social and political context of the show, while also introducing themes that will be explored in greater depth in later episodes. The performances are uniformly excellent, and the writing is both sensitive and insightful. It is clear from the opening episode that this is a series with a big heart and a lot to say about the human condition.