Ep 1. Ashwathama

In Sacred Games season 1 episode 1, titled "Ashwathama," we are introduced to inspector Sartaj Singh, a veteran cop who is struggling with his inner demons. He is shown as a man who is unhappy with the corruption present in his department and the lack of progress he has made in his career.

One day, during a normal workday, Singh receives a phone call from a mysterious man named Ganesh Gaitonde, a notorious criminal who has been missing for the past sixteen years. Gaitonde tells Singh that he has just twenty-five days to save Mumbai, as he believes that something catastrophic is going to happen soon. He gives Singh a reference to a book that he should read, which will help him understand the situation and stop the calamity.

The episode then cuts to a flashback where we see Gaitonde's rise to power in Mumbai's criminal world. From being a nobody to becoming one of the most powerful gangsters, his story is captivating. We see him getting involved in numerous illegal activities alongside his trusted ally, Bunty. As Gaitonde's power grows, his enemies also start to increase, eventually leading to his abduction by a rival gang.

The episode then jumps back to the present, where Singh is seen meeting with his colleagues and superiors to discuss what he had heard from Gaitonde. They do not take him seriously and dismiss his claim as a figment of his imagination. Singh is left feeling frustrated and alone, with nobody to turn to.

Meanwhile, we see Gaitonde's incarceration by a mysterious man who calls himself "The Third Father." Gaitonde is baffled by the person's identity and why he's been kidnapped. The Third Father reveals that he knows everything about Gaitonde and that he is the architect of his downfall. He forces Gaitonde to tell him the story of his life, from the beginning until his abduction.

As the episode comes to a close, we see Singh's struggle to get to the bottom of the situation as he tries to convince his superior to take him seriously. He reads the book recommended by Gaitonde and tries to unearth the roots of the problem. In the final moments, Singh gets a break in the case that leads him to a shocking discovery.

Overall, Sacred Games season 1 episode 1 is an excellent start for the series, with a gripping storyline that will leave viewers wanting more. The episode's pacing is perfect and never feels slow or overstays its welcome. The characters are well defined and relatable, particularly Singh, who we empathize with due to his constant struggle to do what is right. The episode uses its runtime effectively, introducing us to the world of Sacred Games and its key players while leaving enough questions to keep us hooked for the rest of the series.