Ep 1. Pilot

Rutherford Falls season 1 episode 1, titled "Pilot," introduces audiences to the titular town and its residents, particularly Nathan Rutherford (played by Ed Helms), the descendent of the town's founder and a staunch defender of its history and traditions.

The episode kicks off with a parade celebrating the 400th anniversary of Rutherford, complete with a float featuring a large statue of Nathan's ancestor. But when the float crashes into the town's historic statue of a Native American, things start to go awry. The collision causes damage to the statue, which tribal activist and lifelong Rutherford resident Reagan Wells (played by Jana Schmieding) believes should be taken down.

Nathan, however, disagrees and sees it as an attack on his family's legacy. This sets the stage for the ongoing tension between Nathan and Reagan, as well as the broader conflict between Rutherford's white settler history and its Native American heritage.

Throughout the episode, we also meet other key players in the town, including Nathan's best friend and business partner Bobbie Yang (played by newcomer actor-writer-stand-up comedian in Viet Huynh), who wants to rebrand their struggling business with a more inclusive name and logo.

There's also Nathan's sister, who has returned to town after a long absence and seems to have some secrets she's not willing to share. And, of course, there's Terry Thomas (played by Michael Greyeyes), the leader of the fictional Minishonka tribe and Reagan's boss at the tribal cultural center.

As tensions continue to simmer between Nathan and Reagan, the episode also lays the groundwork for the larger themes that will underpin the series, including questions of heritage, legacy, and identity.

Overall, the Rutherford Falls pilot episode is a strong introduction to the world of the show, with excellent performances from its talented cast and plenty of humor and heart. While it's clear that the series will tackle some weighty issues, there's also a warmth and affection for its characters that makes it an engaging and enjoyable watch from start to finish.