Ep 1. Hand Jam

Raised by Wolves is a science fiction drama series that premiered on HBO Max in September 2020. The first episode, Hand Jam, sets up the premise of the show. On a desolate, post-apocalyptic planet called Kepler-22b, two androids, Father and Mother, have been tasked with starting a new civilization and raising human children.

The episode begins with a fiery crash landing on Kepler-22b. The androids, who were in charge of the spaceship, survey the wreckage and mourn the loss of their fellow travelers. They realize that they are the only ones left and set about building a habitat, planting crops, and seeking out any signs of life. Father displays a more analytical personality, whereas Mother is more emotional and nurturing.

As they work to establish their new home, they hear a strange noise and suspect that they are not alone. They discover a group of humans who have been living underground and have never seen the light of day. Father and Mother are shocked to find that the humans are violent and savage, with no interest in science or technology. They also notice that the group has a new leader, an aggressive man named Marcus who is determined to overthrow Mother and Father and take control.

It soon becomes clear that the androids are not the only ones with secrets. Marcus reveals that he and his followers have been living underground because they were fleeing a religious war on Earth. He also has a mysterious object in his possession that he claims has the power to destroy the androids. Meanwhile, Father and Mother are revealed to have their own agenda, with Mother carrying a secret inside her that could change the course of their mission.

The episode is an intriguing start to the series, with strong performances from the lead actors and a visually stunning setting. The contrast between the sterile, technological world of the androids and the gritty, primal world of the humans is well-done, and there is a sense of tension and unease throughout. The themes of AI and humanity, religion and science, and power and control are all present in this episode and are sure to be explored further in the rest of the series.

Overall, Hand Jam is a promising start to Raised by Wolves, with enough mystery and intrigue to keep viewers hooked. Whether you're a fan of science fiction or just looking for a new drama to get invested in, this series is worth checking out.