Tom Jones Season 1 Episode 1 Review: Episode One

A coming-of-age story with bouts of whimsy and solid comedic timing makes for a fun period dramedy and an entertaining introduction to this cast of characters on Tom Jones Season 1 Episode 1, “Episode One.”

The first hour introduces the core cast of characters, with a focus on the titular young man, Tom Jones, and the young woman who would be heiress, Sophia Western. Tom is abandoned by his mother, a schoolteacher who refuses to name the father. When the magistrate, Squire Allworthy finds the baby, he decides to raise him.

There’s an air of whimsy throughout the hour, a feeling that comes from the narration by Sophie Wilde’s Sophia Western, a young girl whose entire life is upended and moved to England courtesy of her grandfather and great aunt.

The narration adds levity to the story despite the frank discussions of classist ideals and the harsh realities of the world in this period.

“Episode One” does an admirable job of laying everything out, clearly connecting the dots in a fun and entertaining way, building out the world these two young people find themselves in. By the end of the hour, it’s clear who’s who and what sides everyone’s on.

Speaking of sides, one of the intriguing aspects of the hour and the introduction of the Blifil/Allworthy household is how audiences see the one-sided rivalry between the cousins. Tom’s seemingly admired by those around him and commended for his good heart, and it’s clear to see why when he’s willing to do the right thing with Molly as well as get Black George the job with the Western estate.

All the while, William seems preoccupied with what he’s to inherit and brooding about how admired his cousin is when he has nothing to his name and his birth actively works against him.

Despite not knowing his father, his snootiness and holier-than-thou attitude seems to have stuck to young Blifil.

The tension in every scene these characters share makes the love triangle carry some weightier stakes.

Granted, I’m not the biggest fan of love triangles. But this specific one is a triangle in the loosest sense, with Sophia’s affections clearly spoken for before the final scene ends.

While she’s in love with the young man with no title to his name or even a “family name,” the Westerns have other ideas as they work with the Allworthy’s to set her and William’s match up.

The pace of the hour doesn’t give you much time to sit with many of the developments we get, but the romantic notes of Tom and Sophia’s budding relationship is mostly at the fore. The chemistry is off-the-charts, making them almost instant connection as young adults even more convincing.

The lightheartedness and adorable interactions between the pair only endear you to them more, announcing the final scene stand out and set viewers up for what’s presumably to come.

Pearl Mackie as Honour is a delight as we get commentary about country life. It’ as hilarious as it is insightful as she imparts her own advice to Sophia as she adjusts to the country and all that comes with being an heiress of marrying age.

Honour: You don’t want to give your heart to a bad boy, miss.

Having never read the source material, this first hour is an entertaining, funny introduction to the world and I’m excited to see where it goes next.

Random Thoughts

• Molly’s parting words are fantastic and should absolutely be heeded in Tom’s case.

What did you think of this episode of Tom Jones? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

Tom Jones airs Sundays at 9/8c on PBS.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

What to Stream in May: The Great, American Born Chinese, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story