Ep 1. The Macon 7

Set in the pre-Civil War era, Underground depicts the story of a group of slaves who devise a daring plan to escape their captivity and embark on a treacherous journey to freedom. Season 1 episode 1, titled "The Macon 7," follows the series' protagonists - Noah, Rosalee, Cato, Henry, Ben, and Boo - as they attempt to make their way to the North.

The episode begins with Noah, a slave on the Macon plantation in Georgia, already working on his escape plans. As he sneaks around the plantation's grounds, gathering supplies and information, he encounters Rosalee, another slave who has grown tired of the brutal treatment she and her family endure. Noah, recognizing a fellow traveler, takes Rosalee under his wing and shows her what he has learned about the underground railroad network, which will help them make their way north.

Soon, the two are joined by Cato, a cunning slave who plots to use the escape as a way to further his own agenda, and the rest of the Macon 7. Together, they begin their journey north, using the complicated system of safe houses, codewords, and secret passageways that make up the underground railroad.

As the group navigates the dangers of the wilderness and the hidden threats of the network itself, they face a new set of challenges when they stop at the first safe house, only to find that it has been compromised. Despite the obstacles, the Macon 7 manage to stay true to their mission, staying one step ahead of those who would see them returned to slavery.

Throughout the episode, the story is interspersed with flashbacks, allowing viewers to see the experiences that have led each of the main characters to seek freedom. From Noah's brutal beatings at the hands of the Macon plantation overseer to Rosalee's determination to protect her young brother and sisters, viewers are given a glimpse into the struggles that have led the Macon 7 to take such a dangerous gamble for their freedom.

With stunning cinematography and a tense, gripping storyline, "The Macon 7" sets the stage for what promises to be an intense and captivating series. As the Macon 7 work their way north, viewers are left wondering what dangers they will face next and if they will ultimately reach the safety they seek.