Ep 7. New Beginnings

The Pillars Of The Earth season 1 episode 7 titled "New Beginnings" follows the aftermath of the devastating fire that destroyed Kingsbridge. Following the fire, Jack sets out to find his mother but is unsuccessful. Aliena and Richard go back to her father's castle to try and secure his support for rebuilding Kingsbridge. Meanwhile, Philip decides to rebuild the cathedral and chooses Tom to be the master builder. As they begin the rebuilding process, they face a lot of obstacles, including opposition from Prior James and Archbishop Waleran. Meanwhile, William Hamleigh continues to scheme against Aliena and Richard and prepares to confront them.

The episode opens with Jack surveying the ruins of Kingsbridge after the fire. He desperately searches for his mother, Ellen, but is unable to find her. Meanwhile, Aliena and Richard return to her father's castle to try and convince him to support the rebuilding of Kingsbridge. Her father is initially hesitant, but Richard manages to convince him to support their cause. Later, they are attacked by William and his men, but Richard manages to fight them off and they escape unharmed.

Back in Kingsbridge, Philip decides to rebuild the cathedral and Tom is chosen to be the master builder. They face a lot of obstacles, including a shortage of materials and opposition from Prior James and Archbishop Waleran. Prior James believes that Tom is not fit to be the master builder and tries to convince Philip to choose someone else. Archbishop Waleran also opposes the rebuilding process as he believes it will cost too much and will not benefit the church. However, Philip is determined to rebuild the cathedral and is not deterred by the opposition.

As the rebuilding process begins, Tom faces a lot of challenges. He is inexperienced and struggles to manage the workers and resources effectively. He also has to deal with Jack, who pesters him constantly to be his apprentice. Meanwhile, Prior James plots to oust Tom and convinces one of the workers to sabotage the rebuilding process.

William Hamleigh continues to scheme against Aliena and Richard and prepares to confront them. He tries to get support from his father, but is disappointed when his father tells him that he will not help him to attack Aliena and Richard. William then sets out to confront Aliena and Richard himself, but is stopped by Richard who challenges him to a duel. The episode ends with the two men preparing for the duel.

Overall, "New Beginnings" is an episode that sets the stage for the rebuilding of Kingsbridge and the cathedral. It introduces new obstacles and challenges for the characters but also shows their determination to overcome them. The episode builds tension and drama as William continues to plot against Aliena and Richard and the rebuilding process faces opposition from Prior James and Archbishop Waleran. It also includes moments of humor and heart as the characters struggle to adapt to their new circumstances.