Ep 1. Augurs of Spring

In Strange Angel Season 1 Episode 1, "Augurs of Spring," the audience meets the brilliant yet enigmatic Jack Parsons, played by Jack Reynor. The year is 1930, and Parsons is a janitor by day and an amateur chemist by night, working on experiments in his garage. He dreams of becoming a rocket scientist, but struggles to gain the respect of the scientific community due to his unconventional methods.

The episode begins with Parsons summoning a demon in the middle of the night, using a ritual he found in a book. This scene sets the tone for the rest of the series, as Strange Angel is a show that explores the collision between science and the occult.

The next day, at his day job, Parsons meets a new co-worker named Richard Onsted, who quickly becomes his friend. Onsted is a wealthy young man who is interested in Parsons' experiments and offers to fund his research. Parsons is grateful for the support, but wary of Onsted's motives.

Later that night, Parsons attends a party at Onsted's mansion where he meets the beautiful and mysterious Susan, played by Bella Heathcote. Parsons is instantly smitten with Susan, and she seems to return his affections. However, Susan has a dark secret that she is keeping from him.

The rest of the episode follows Parsons as he tries to balance his mundane job, his experiments, and his newfound social life. He also becomes involved in a group called Thelema, which is led by the infamous occultist Aleister Crowley. Thelema is a cult that practices sex magic and believes in the power of the individual will.

Parsons becomes obsessed with Thelema and its teachings, believing that they hold the key to unlocking the secrets of the universe. He begins to neglect his work and his friends, leading to a confrontation with Onsted.

The episode ends with Parsons performing a dangerous experiment in his garage. He is so consumed by his quest for knowledge that he puts himself in harm's way, with potentially fatal consequences.

Overall, "Augurs of Spring" is a captivating introduction to the world of Strange Angel. The writing is sharp and the performances are strong, particularly Reynor as Parsons. The show's blend of science and the occult is intriguing, and the episode sets up several intriguing plotlines that will be explored throughout the rest of the season.