Episode 1 of *Black Rabbit* opens with a dazzling introduction to the eponymous restaurant, a veritable mecca for the city's elite. It's the kind of place where everyone who matters gathers, a sprawling establishment that boasts multiple levels: a casual burger joint, an upscale fine dining section, a trendy bar, and a pulsating nightclub. At the helm is Jake, the charismatic owner, whose magnetic personality draws patrons in like moths to a flame. Yet, beneath the surface of camaraderie and celebration, there's a simmering tension between Jake and his close friend, Wes, all stemming from a woman named Estelle.
As Jake raises a glass in a toast, the atmosphere is abruptly shattered when two masked robbers burst in, their eyes set on a collection of diamond-encrusted watches. They demand Jake's prized possession, only to discover it's a fake. When Jake refuses to hand it over, the situation quickly escalates, with Wes stepping in to try and mediate the chaos.
The scene then shifts back in time, to a month prior. The restaurant is abuzz with anticipation, preparing for the arrival of a New York Times food critic. The staff is on edge, knowing that this review could make or break their reputation.
Meanwhile, Jake's brother, Vince, is leading a very different life. He's a frequent visitor to the casino, a drunken junkie with a gambling problem. Desperate for cash, he attempts to sell his father's coin collection, only to find himself in a violent altercation when the buyers try to rob him. In a moment of panic, Vince accidentally kills one of them.
Amidst the chaos of the restaurant business, Jake is also juggling the challenges of partial custody of his teenage son, Hunter. Despite his hectic schedule, he makes a concerted effort to be there for his son, cherishing every moment they spend together.
Jake is understandably anxious about the upcoming critic's visit, but his manager, Mel, assures him that everything is under control. Anna, the bartender designated to serve the critic, raises eyebrows among the staff when she stumbles home looking visibly intoxicated. Yet, no one takes her condition seriously enough to intervene.
Back to Vince, he rushes home in a panic, packing his bags as his landlord berates him for unpaid rent. As he hastily throws on a watch, it's noticeable that it bears a striking resemblance to Jake's.
Meanwhile, Jake is engrossed in a meeting, discussing plans to expand the restaurant's reach. His train of thought is derailed when Vince bursts in, pleading for his help. Jake hesitates, torn between familial loyalty and personal judgment, but ultimately books Vince a flight to New York City. The news sends ripples through the staff, who are divided in their opinions. It's revealed that Vince played a pivotal role in building the restaurant and even owned it at one point, before a near-disastrous incident almost led to its demise.
The brothers shared a heartwarming reunion, but the atmosphere soon soured as Vince spun a tale of woe and begged Jake for $10,000. Exasperated, Jake had had enough of his brother's antics. Vince also seemed to have a daughter, Gen, whom he hadn't seen in ages. Jake, wary of Vince's intentions, arranged for him to stay at their mother's place, which he was in the process of selling. Their father had been a drunk, and the house was a financial drain, especially since Vince had taken out a loan and never repaid it.
Just then, Anna called and refused to step inside. Jake, determined to have everything perfect, impulsively fired her. Meanwhile, Vince was out drinking with an old friend, Mattie, both of them harboring a touch of bitterness towards Jake's success. Vince hinted at some unfinished business before his eyes lingered on a girl. Unbeknownst to him, two men were tailing him closely.
It was the night of the critic's much-anticipated visit. Chaos reigned as there was no one to fill Anna's shoes, forcing Jake to step in. Roxie, the head chef and partner, had to juggle teaching Jake the signature drinks while also preparing the main course.
The two men, who turned out to be loan sharks, ambushed Vince, who owed them a staggering $140,000. Just as they were about to unleash their wrath, Vince revealed that they could recoup their money from the sale of the house, which was due in two weeks. As collateral, they seized his watch, a precious gift from his father.
Back at the bar, Jake was swamped, but Vince arrived just in time to save the day. The critic was thoroughly impressed with the service. After closing up, the staff celebrated alongside Wes and his girlfriend, Estelle. It emerged that Wes, Jake, and Vince had been close friends in the past. Reluctantly, Jake admitted that they made a good team and offered Vince the bartender's position until the house was sold. Vince feigned hesitation before agreeing, and they shared a brief smile.
However, the present moment was fraught with tension. Wes attempted to mediate, but one of the thieves suddenly shot him. Jake stood in shock as the thief tried to grab his watch. An armed guard sprang into action, trying to fend off the attackers, but another innocent bystander was caught in the crossfire and shot.
