Amidst the breathtaking scenery of Bonita Beach, the serene ambiance of a sunny day was abruptly shattered by an unforeseen catastrophe. As tourists aboard a boat basked in the island's idyllic beauty, the surrounding waters began to churn and boil, culminating in a fatal eruption that claimed the lives of all aboard, including two Norwegian tourists. This harrowing sequence served as the opening scene of "Cry Wolf," the gripping premiere of the series "La Palma." The episode weaves a narrative that intertwines the personal lives of the island's residents and visitors with the ominous specter of impending volcanic disaster.
The episode introduces us to Frederick, his wife Jennifer, and their children, Sarah and Tobias, who have arrived in Santa Cruz de La Palma for their annual Christmas vacation. The family's dynamics are swiftly revealed, with Frederick and Jennifer's relationship appearing strained. Jennifer, recently embracing a rigorous fitness routine, is eager to embark on the island's scenic trails and immerse herself in outdoor activities. In stark contrast, Frederick prefers a more relaxed approach, envisioning his days spent lounging by the pool, sipping beer, and indulging in culinary delights. Their differing expectations for the holiday underscore the rift in their relationship.
Sarah, Frederick's stepdaughter, emerges as a protective and nurturing figure, always by her brother Tobias's side. Tobias, who suffers from a mental condition, adds an extra layer of complexity to the family's interactions and accentuates the challenges they face in navigating their vacation together.
Meanwhile, at the Geology Institute of La Palma, Marie, Alvaro, and Haukur are diligently monitoring the island's volcanic activity. The haunting shadow of a past eruption in 1949 looms over their work, with scientific data hinting that another eruption could spark a catastrophic tsunami across the Atlantic. This revelation underscores the gravity of their research and the dire consequences that loom for the island's inhabitants.
Marie's discovery of a malfunctioning transmitter prompts her and Haukur to venture into the mountains for an urgent investigation. Inside a cavernous cave, they uncover a colossal crack in the roof, with rock sediments crushing the equipment. The presence of seeping water and lifeless animals, combined with high concentrations of carbon dioxide and sulfuric gas, signals a drastic change in the cave's environment since Marie's last visit, heightening the sense of urgency and peril.
As they present their discoveries to Alvaro, he sternly cautions them against raising public alarm until conclusive evidence of an impending eruption is at hand. Haukur unveils that Alvaro's caution is rooted in a past incident in 2021, where he prematurely announced the possibility of an eruption, sparking widespread panic and chaos. Despite this caution, Alvaro takes their observations seriously, reaching out to his medical friend Antonio for autopsy reports on the victims of the boat accident. The reports confirm that the victims suffered burns from scorching hot gases and inhaled fatal levels of carbon dioxide and sulfur.
Marie's further examination of the water from the cave reveals a mineral deficiency, hinting that it flowed from the surface to the tunnels in an unexpectedly short period. This leads her to postulate that the crack they discovered might stretch all the way to the mountain's summit. Haukur's scrutiny of topographical images verifies that the crack aligns with the one from the 1949 eruption, further escalating their concerns.
As Marie and Haukur gear up for another expedition up the mountain, the cracks in Frederick and Jennifer's relationship become increasingly glaring. Their inability to communicate effectively is exacerbated by a hotel attendant's interest in Jennifer, fueling further tension. Meanwhile, Frederick, while alone on the balcony, notices slight tremors, foreshadowing the impending calamity.
Back at the Geology Institute, Alvaro and his team detect the initial signs of an earthquake swarm on their monitors. Gas emissions on the hill prompt Alvaro to instruct the staff to alert the civil guard about the potential presence of individuals on the mountain. As Marie calls Alvaro to report their findings, a gas eruption occurs, forcing her, Haukur, and other tourists to flee in a desperate rush.
The poisonous gas propels them into a frantic race for survival. In the chaos, Marie becomes separated from Haukur, loses her footing, and is tragically consumed by the gas. This dramatic climax brings the curtain down on the first episode, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats as they eagerly anticipate the unfolding disaster and its repercussions on the characters. "Cry Wolf" masterfully sets the stage for the series, introducing viewers to the intricate dynamics of the characters and the looming threat of a volcanic catastrophe. The episode seamlessly intertwines personal narratives with the scientific exploration of the island's geological activity, crafting a gripping storyline that keeps audiences engrossed and invested in the fate of La Palma and its inhabitants. As the series unfolds, viewers can anticipate delving deeper into the characters' lives and the escalating crisis, making "La Palma" a must-watch for enthusiasts of suspenseful dramas.
