Ep 1. From the Ashes

In the first episode of Texas Rising season 1, titled "From the Ashes," viewers are taken back to the chaotic aftermath of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. As Texas struggles to assert its independence from Mexico, Sam Houston (played by Bill Paxton) leads a ragtag group of volunteers and soldiers in an effort to retake the land and claim it for their own.

Against the backdrop of the burning and destruction of the Alamo, Houston and his men begin to regroup and figure out their next steps. Among them are two brothers, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Trevor Donovan, who are seeking revenge for the deaths of their family members in the battle. Meanwhile, a young slave named Emily West (played by Cynthia Addai-Robinson) finds herself thrust into the chaos as she tries to protect her mistress and escape to freedom.

As Houston and his men gather intelligence about the Mexican army's plans, tensions rise among the Texas troops. There are disagreements about strategy, as well as suspicions about whether there is a traitor in their midst. Amidst all of this, Houston is dealing with personal demons, including an addiction to laudanum and a complicated relationship with his ex-wife.

"From the Ashes" sets the stage for the rest of the season as viewers get a sense of the hardships and dangers that the Texas army will face in their quest for independence. With stunning cinematography and a strong ensemble cast, this first episode is a gripping and emotional look at a pivotal moment in Texas history.