Ep 1. Episode 1

In the premiere episode of the acclaimed miniseries The Thorn Birds, we are introduced to the sweeping saga of the Cleary family and their journey through life in the Australian outback.

Set in the early 20th century, Episode 1 begins with the arrival of Father Ralph de Bricassart, a young and ambitious Catholic priest who has come to the small town of Gillynulla to help build a new church. Father Ralph is immediately captivated by the beauty of the rugged landscape and the people who make their lives there. He quickly becomes a trusted friend and confidante to the Cleary family, who are struggling to make a living on their sheep station.

The matriarch of the family is Fiona Cleary, a strong-willed woman who holds her family together through thick and thin. Her husband, Paddy, is a hard-drinking man who has never quite lived up to his potential. Their sons, Frank and Bob, both dream of escaping their rural life and making something of themselves in the wider world. But it is their youngest daughter, Meggie, who captures the hearts of both Father Ralph and the audience.

As Meggie grows up, she becomes increasingly aware of the tensions that are simmering beneath the surface of her family. Her mother is fiercely protective of her children, but her father's drinking and gambling threaten to tear them apart. Meggie develops a close relationship with Father Ralph, who promises to help her achieve her dreams of going to school and learning about the wider world.

But as the relationship between Father Ralph and the Cleary family grows deeper, it becomes clear that there are secrets lurking beneath the surface. Father Ralph harbors his own ambitions and desires, which threaten to collide with his commitment to the church. Meanwhile, Meggie's growing feelings for Father Ralph deepen into a love that she knows she should not feel.

The first episode is a stirring introduction to the world of The Thorn Birds, full of sweeping vistas, lush orchestration, and strong performances from its talented cast. The series is based on the bestselling novel by Colleen McCullough, and its themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice still resonate with audiences today. Episode 1 sets the stage for a saga that will span generations and cross continents, exploring the complex relationships between families, lovers, and the divine.