'We Were the Lucky Ones' Episode 1 Takeaway: Bella's bold influence pushes Halina Kurc to a risky decision
Contains spoilers for 'We Were the Lucky Ones' Episode 1
RADOM, POLAND: Hulu's latest historical drama series, 'We Were the Lucky Ones', premiered on Thursday, March 28, releasing its first three episodes. The show is an adaptation of Georgia Hunter's book, which is based on the true story of her own family.
Featuring a stellar cast that includes Joey King, Logan Lerman, Hadas Yaron, Michael Aloni, and Sam Woolf in key roles, 'We Were the Lucky Ones' unfolds the tale of a Polish Jewish family during the 1940s.
They are forced to separate and flee from the Nazis, spreading across the globe to escape persecution.
In the final moments of Episode 1, Halina (Joey King) decides to join Bella (Eva Feiler) on a risky journey to East Lvov as World War II starts to flare.
What could be the reason for Halina to make such a dangerous decision? We're here to talk about it all!
Halina Kurc is unhappy with her newly adjusted lifestyle
At the beginning of 'We Were the Lucky Ones' Episode 1, all the young men in the Kurc family, including Genek (Henry Lloyd-Hughes), Jakob, and Selim (Michael Aloni), are called up to serve in the war. Only Sol, being an older man, remains behind.
The Kurc family, once peaceful, faces disruption due to the draft, with Mila (Hadas Yaron) carrying her one-year-old daughter Felicia.
Halina is deeply disappointed by the government's new regulation, as she values the unity of her family above all else. Hearing of her brothers' conscription only intensifies her desire to stand by them.
From the opening of the episode, it's evident that she shares a close bond with her brothers, further fueling her longing to join them in their struggle.
In the face of adversity, the Kurc women are forced into unfamiliar roles as they seek employment to survive.
Halina, previously accustomed to the comfort of home, finds herself toiling in the fields, her days filled with grueling labor and the constant threat of intimidation from occupying soldiers.
The sight of a fellow woman subjected to violence for defiance leaves an indelible mark on Halina's psyche, serving as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of their new existence.
Halina's fear of separation intensifies when her father confesses to stealing potatoes from the factory to support the family. This revelation sparks a burst of rage from Halina, driven by her concern for their safety and well-being.
Halina Kurc makes a reluctant decision
As Halina vents her frustrations and throws a tantrum at home, Bella arrives with distressing news: Selim, Mila's husband, is missing. This news weighs heavily on Halina, leaving her emotionally and mentally distraught.
Later that night, Bella and Halina discuss the challenges faced by the men at the border, feeling helpless in their inability to assist them. In this moment of vulnerability, Bella proposes an idea to Halina: she plans to journey to Lvov and suggests that Halina accompany her.
Despite her initial reluctance, Halina finds herself drawn into Bella's plan to journey to East Lvov in search of her love Jakub. Her resolve is fortified by the bonds of family and the uncertainty of the road ahead.
Will Halina and Bella make it to East Lvov safely or will they be apprehended by the German soldiers? We'll have to watch the next episode to find out.
The first 3 episodes of 'We Were the Lucky Ones' are now streaming on Hulu.
