Ep 1. Chapter One - Welcome to Casa De Phelps

Shining Vale season 1 episode 1, named Chapter One - Welcome to Casa De Phelps is a dark-comedy horror show. The episode introduces us to Patricia “Patty” Phelps, a writer who was once famous but now is struggling to write her second novel. Patty has a husband, a teenage daughter, and a 10-year-old son. She is an alcoholic and suffers from writer’s block, which is ruining her life.

Patty and her family have moved to a new house, Casa De Phelps, which is a Victorian-style mansion in the suburbs. They have moved here to start afresh, leaving behind their old lives. However, Casa De Phelps has a dark past, which the family is unaware of.

Patty's husband, Terry, is a recovering drug addict who is now clean and is making efforts to reconnect with his family. Meanwhile, their daughter, Shay, is a rebellious teenager who loves to party and comes across as rude and disrespectful to her parents. Their son, Jake, is a sensitive child who is still trying to adjust to the new house and surroundings.

As soon as they arrive at the house, they encounter a strange occurrence. The doors, which were locked before, are suddenly open, and there are creepy noises coming from inside. Shay dismisses it as a joke, but Patty is convinced that something is not right.

Their new neighbors, a couple named Ursula and Victor, seem friendly at first, but their behavior becomes increasingly peculiar as time goes by. Ursula warns Patty not to go into the woods behind their house, but she doesn't explain why.

As the episode progresses, dark secrets of Casa De Phelps start to reveal themselves. Patty starts to hear mysterious noises and sees strange apparitions in the house. She finds a hidden room in the basement, which contains an old typewriter and an unfinished manuscript written by the previous owner of the house.

The manuscript is about a demon called Agatha who possesses women and forces them to do her bidding. Patty reads the manuscript, and she starts to experience strange dreams and visions. She becomes convinced that she is possessed by Agatha, and the demon is trying to take control of her.

Patty's mental health deteriorates rapidly, and she starts to behave erratically. She drinks more alcohol and becomes convinced that she is becoming a monster. Terry tries to intervene and help her, but Patty refuses to listen to him.

The episode ends with Shay discovering a disturbing secret about the previous owner of the house, which sheds some light on the strange occurrences happening in Casa De Phelps. The family now realizes that they might be in grave danger.

Overall, Shining Vale season 1 episode 1 is a thrilling introduction to the series, which sets the stage for an eerie and suspenseful tale. The episode effectively combines horror and comedy, creating a unique tone that makes the show stand out. The acting performances are top-notch, and the production design is highly impressive. The story is engaging, and the episode lays the groundwork for a promising storyline.