The inaugural episode of "Go Ahead, Brother" (Idz przodem, bracie, 2024) immerses viewers in the chaotic life of Oskar, a former elite policeman whose existence is radically altered by an avalanche of calamities. The episode kicks off with a high-stakes police operation, establishing an atmosphere of palpable tension that lingers throughout. Amidst a piercing ringing in his headphones, Oskar is plunged into a paralyzing panic attack as a criminal breaches the room, resulting in the tragic shooting of his comrade, Sokol. This catastrophic event not only terminates Sokol's life but also serves as the catalyst for Oskar's descent into despair, ultimately culminating in his dismissal from the police force following a violent confrontation with his superior.
Back at his domestic stronghold, Oskar is confronted with the stark reality of his father's gambling addiction, which has reduced the family to financial ruin. The emotional burden deepens the next day with the devastating news of his father's suicide, plunging Oskar and his sister, Martha, into a soul-wrenching dilemma: whether to sell their ancestral home to settle their father's debts. Oskar's reluctance to bid farewell to the house, filled with cherished memories and symbolic of their heritage, underscores his profound emotional attachment, despite the pressing necessity for financial solvency.
Two months later, Oskar finds himself toiling as a mall security guard, where he is inexplicably drawn to Yeva, a woman shrouded in mystery and intricately tied to the mall's operations. The arrival of Tax and Customs officers and a subsequent bribery scandal spark Oskar's curiosity, and the sight of a bulky wad of cash tempts him, sowing the seeds of his impending actions.
Meanwhile, Oskar's relationship with his brother-in-law, Sylwek, is stretched thin due to his steadfast refusal to sell the family home, a decision that looms larger in light of Martha's pregnancy. When Oskar kindly offers Yeva a ride home, she declines, and that very night, he attends Sylwek's birthday bash, where he offers an apology for the earlier incident involving Sokol. However, the announcement of a police mission makes Oskar feel increasingly alienated, deepening his detachment from his former life.
The police mission to apprehend a Georgian at a hotel ends abruptly with the grim discovery of the man's lifeless body. Meanwhile, Oskar, now employed at a brothel, crosses paths with Grzesiek Czorny, Yeva's formidable boss. Oskar's decision to trail Grzesiek and surreptitiously place trackers under his vehicles marks the inception of his descent into a life shrouded in criminality, as he resorts to stealing police equipment to facilitate his clandestine surveillance.
The episode reaches its zenith when Oskar, having witnessed Grzesiek's ruthless deeds and shadowy financial transactions with his father, decides to intervene personally. He breaks into Grzesiek's abode, but is confronted by Oleg, Grzesiek's ominous associate. A fierce battle erupts, and just as Oskar's piercing ringing returns, Sylwek dramatically arrives on the scene, guns blazing, to rescue him.
"Go Ahead, Brother" sets the stage for an exhilarating series with its premiere episode, delving into profound themes of loss, desperation, and the hazy dividing line between right and wrong. Oskar's transformation from a respected police officer to a man teetering on the brink of moral ruin is both captivating and cautionary, offering a harrowing glimpse into the abyss that can engulf even the most upright individuals when confronted with overwhelming adversities. The episode concludes with viewers eagerly anticipating the next chapter, pondering how Oskar will navigate the perilous path he has chosen and what repercussions his actions will ultimately entail.
