Episode 1 of "Feud: Capote vs. The Swans," titled "Pilot," opens with Truman Capote offering solace to Babe Paley. Her husband, Bill, has embarked on an affair with the governor's wife, Happy Rockefeller, who, weary of playing the role of mistress, resorts to a gruesome revenge that leaves a trail of blood. Truman listens intently to Babe's rants about the humiliation she's endured, assisting her in navigating her next steps. She finds such comfort in his presence that she even indulges in a tender embrace with him.
The narrative takes us back to the glamorous decade of the 40s, marking the first encounter between Truman and the Paleys. Bill holds a disdainful view of Truman's effeminate demeanor, yet Babe takes an immediate liking to him. Truman, however, is a master of attracting crowds and charming even the most reluctant of hearts, including Bill's. He possesses all the gossip, and during a dull dinner gathering, he spills the beans on the rumored demise of William Woodward Jr. It was rumored that his wife, Ann, trapped him into marriage by getting pregnant, and when he attempted to leave her, she shot him. His mother covered up the incident as a botched burglary to protect her grandchildren.
After the dinner, Truman witnesses Bill engaging in a secret liaison, while Babe confides in him, revealing her own secret - a tragic accident that led to a reconstruction of her face. Truman assures her of his discretion, and their bond deepens, eventually blossoming into a profound friendship.
The story jumps ahead to the vibrant 70s, where Truman has transformed into a drunken shadow of his former self, unable to write and squandering the publisher's money with reckless abandon. His long-time partner, Jack Dunphy, is exhausted by his antics. Truman, however, remains unperturbed and enters a liaison with John O'Shea, a young, closeted married man. They begin spending time together, and Truman introduces John to his circle of elitist friends, known as the "Swans".
It is revealed that Babe stands as Truman's number one Swan, a perfect reflection of elegance and sophistication. They share a close bond that transcends mere acquaintance. Following closely is Slim Keith, who rose to fame through her marriage to a wealthy man and now rubs shoulders with the cream of society. The third guest is C.Z. Guest, a wealthy woman with a green thumb and a penchant for gardening. Together, the five of them dine, engaging in high society chatter about who's been seen with whom.
However, when John excuses himself from the gathering, the Swans attempt to dissuade Truman from replacing Jack with John as his manager, finding him unsuitable for the role. The episode ends on a tense note, foreshadowing the brewing feud between Truman and the Swans that will unfold in the episodes ahead.
As Ann Woodward unexpectedly arrived, the serene atmosphere of the lunch was rudely shattered. Their once-close relationship was now fraught with tension, as Ann's heart was wounded by Truman's portrayal of her as a murderer in his latest tome. Truman, unfazed, lashed out, accusing her of whispering slander behind his back, and so he'd taken his revenge. In a fit of anger, Ann splashed water on him, but Truman remained unperturbed. Slim, watching the exchange, sternly warned him to back off, but Truman merely smirked in response.
Later, over a discussion about Truman's drunken exit from the Swan's company via the subway, John proposed a daring idea for Truman's next book - an expose on the Swans themselves. No one knew their secrets, their scandals, quite like Truman did. The suggestion piqued his curiosity, and soon he was publishing excerpts that detailed Ann's alleged murderous deeds and Bill Paley's bloody affair.
The fallout was devastating. Ann, unable to bear the shame, took her own life, while Babe was left humiliated and furious, lashing out at her husband. As the first episode of "Feud: Capote vs. The Swans" drew to a close, Slim comforted a distraught Babe, vowing that they would unite and seek revenge against Truman. He had destroyed Ann, and now they would make him pay, crushing him until his death was a slow and agonizing one.
