Ep 1. Episode 1

The Family Man is an Indian action-drama web television series that premiered on Amazon Prime Video in September 2019. The story revolves around a middle-class man named Srikant Tiwari, who works as a senior analyst in the fictional Threat Analysis and Surveillance Cell (TASC) of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) in Mumbai.

In the first episode, we are introduced to Srikant's routine life as he juggles his work and domestic responsibilities. He lives with his wife Suchitra, their two children, and his aging parents. Srikant's struggles are portrayed with a striking realism that takes viewers inside the urban middle-class lifestyle of Mumbai.

At the office, Srikant deals with the tensions of balancing the sensitivity of his work with the expectations of his bosses. He tries to hold his ground amidst the usual office politics that take place in any bureaucracy, while also trying to live up to his responsibilities as a family man. His interactions with his quirky colleagues highlight the complexity of their mission, the significance of their work, and the strain that it takes on their personal lives.

The episode takes an intriguing turn when Srikant is handed over an important task, and he sets out on a mission to investigate potential terrorist attacks in the city. The buildup of suspense, secrecy, and danger drives the narrative forward and keeps the audience engaged. It is this risk-taking and daring nature of his job that provides the underlying tension that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

The show also has a significant aspect of police work in it, with a well-portrayed portrayal of the city's law enforcement officials. From the organized crime bosses to the street-level drug dealers, the show gives us an insight into the various levels of the city's criminal underworld.

We are also introduced to the other aspects of Srikant's life, such as his sports-playing son and the brewing conflict with his aging father. These sub-plots provide valuable depth to Srikant's character, making him more relatable to the audience. We see him juggling his work and personal life, struggling to keep his emotions in check, and at the same time, trying to save his marriage.

With an excellent performance from the lead actor Manoj Bajpayee, The Family Man takes viewers through a gritty and realistic portrayal of Mumbai's middle-class family life and the inner workings of the city's intelligence agencies. The show tries to stay away from glamorizing the world of espionage and instead portrays it as a messy, challenging, and often dangerous profession. The pacing is deliberate, and the stakes are high, with each episode leaving the audience wanting more.

Overall, the first episode of The Family Man sets the tone for an intense and gripping thriller, with intriguing sub-plots that make it more than just an espionage drama. The show also hints at the bigger picture, with the introduction of various players in the game of espionage, crime, and terrorism, making it increasingly clear that Srikant's investigation will have repercussions on a much larger scale.