Ep 1. Episode 1

In The Mill season 1 episode 1, titled "Episode 1," we are introduced to a group of workers in a textile mill located in rural England during the 1830s. The episode begins with the arrival of new owner John Greg (played by Jamie Draven), who has inherited the mill from his father. He is determined to modernize the operations of the mill and increase productivity for the company's financial benefit.

We are then introduced to a diverse group of workers, including Esther Price (played by Kerrie Hayes), a young woman who has recently moved to the area and begins working in the mill; William Greg (played by Matthew McNulty), John's younger brother who is struggling to find his place in the family business; and Daniel Bate (played by Craig Parkinson), a seasoned worker who is skeptical of the changes John is implementing.

As the episode progresses, we see John implement strict rules and regulations in the mill, such as enforcing a dress code and implementing punishments for workers who do not meet their quotas. This causes tensions to rise between the workers and the new owner, leading to a potential strike.

Meanwhile, Esther faces her own challenges as she deals with unwanted attention from one of her male co-workers, as well as trying to support her younger siblings who are living in poverty.

The episode ends with the workers receiving their pay, which is much lower than they expected due to the new rules and regulations that have been implemented. This leads to further unrest and tension between the workers and John.

Overall, "Episode 1" sets up the premise of the show as we see the struggles of the working class during the Industrial Revolution and the potential for conflict between management and labor. It also introduces a diverse group of characters and their individual struggles, making the audience invested in their stories and the future of the mill.