Episode 1 of "Small Town, Big Story" kicks off with the millennial festivities turning into an ominous fiasco, as a couple in the depths of the forest finds themselves inexplicably entangled in what seems like an abduction scenario, shrouded in eerie mystery.
The scene then shifts to the present day, where a high-profile Hollywood production crew is on the hunt for the perfect locale for their forthcoming blockbuster. HWAT Pictures, or "History with a Twist," is the name of the game, helmed by CEO Chet Donald, who, despite claiming to be "working from home," is unmistakably enjoying a vacation, evidenced by his background glitching into revealing scenes of leisure. Chet listens intently as high-ranking executives deliberate over the most viable option, given the current industry climate.
Wendy, the Lead Producer, spearheads the project and is tasked with securing the ideal location. Drumban, her hometown she hasn't visited in nearly a decade, emerges as a front-runner. Time has stood still in this quaint little town, its unwavering charm preserved in the annals of small-town life.
Enter Seamus Proctor, the local doctor and football coach extraordinaire, albeit with a team struggling to find their winning stride. His personal life is a tumultuous affair; married to Catherine, a teacher who's secretly entangled in an affair with fellow educator Matt McGee, who also happens to be Joanne's teacher. Seamus and Catherine share a family bond with their two children, Joanne and Sonny, unaware of the betrayal that ripples beneath the surface of their domestic tranquility.
Seamus learns of the Hollywood production's interest in his town just as a flock of birds casts an ominous shadow over his evening, their droppings smearing his windshield. A harbinger of bad omens, perhaps? Despite his reservations, Seamus musters the energy to attend a town committee meeting, where his enthusiasm for the proceedings is notably lacking.
Seamus' extracurricular endeavors have placed a significant strain on his marital bond, evident in the strained silence that accompanies him and Catherine as they retreat to bed, barely exchanging a couple of words. Oblivious to her unfaithfulness, he remains unaware of the cracks forming in their union.
Meanwhile, Wendy arrives in Ireland via airplane, her mood soured as she displays rudeness towards the flight attendant and surreptitiously indulges in vaping aboard the aircraft. Her return home is anything but welcoming, and she has no intention of lingering longer than absolutely necessary. Finding little solace at her parents' residence, she wanders into the woods, where a chance encounter reveals Seamus disposing of the trash at his abode. The air between them crackles with unspoken history and lingering tension.
As Wendy and the film crew proceed to the town square, they stumble upon a grim spectacle: a severed pig's head accompanied by a chilling message, "Death to the Infidels." Though Seamus views the entire ordeal as a macabre joke, the townsfolk are desperate to persuade the crew to stay. News spreads like wildfire that a former resident has returned, prompting Seamus to ponder if it could indeed be Wendy. Their past intertwines deeply, having once shared a romantic bond, and now he sees an opportunity to rekindle old ties and make a favorable impression.
The group ventures to the town's hotel to confront Wendy. Seamus steps forward, and the frosty atmosphere between them is palpable. She demands answers about what transpired between them in the woods on the eve of the Millennium, but he steadfastly refuses to divulge.
That evening, the entire town tunes in to learn that Drumban has been selected as the location for the production. Joyous celebrations ensue, save for Seamus, whose thoughts are a tumult of mixed emotions.
