The premiere episode of "We Were the Lucky Ones" unfolds with a poignant scene in 1945, depicting Halina standing in a long queue, surrounded by countless others, eagerly awaiting news about her family. The distributor's sharp eyes immediately spot her, and without hesitation, he beckons her forward, handing her a letter that hints at promising tidings.
The narrative then deftly shifts back to the tranquil year of 1938, where the Jewish festival of Passover casts a warm glow over the Kurc household. They eagerly anticipate the return of their beloved Addy, now a thriving composer in France, for the festive occasion. We are introduced to Halina, who diligently works as a lab assistant in her brother-in-law's research practice, while her sister Mila carries the joy of impending motherhood.
Halina ventures to the train station to welcome Addy, and their path crosses with a woman who once frequented their mother's garment shop but now prefers the chic boutiques of Paris. This encounter serves as a subtle harbinger of the anti-Semitic sentiments that are creeping into Polish society, as Hitler's shadow looms ominously large over Germany.
Upon their return to the Kurc home, the festive atmosphere is palpable, with the entire family assembled for the celebration. Parents Sol and Nechuma, siblings Genec, Jakub, Mila, and Addy, Jakub's sweetheart Bella, Mila's husband Selim, and Adam, the neighboring gentleman who captures Halina's interest, all gather under one roof. Through their conversations, we glean that Genec is involved in a serious courtship, while Halina finds herself at a crossroads in life, longing to accompany Addy to Paris someday.
As time elapses and 1939 dawns, Europe teeters on the brink of chaos amidst Hitler's aggressive扩张. Nechuma pens a letter to Addy, advising him against returning for Passover due to the perilous conditions. However, defiant and determined, Addy resolves to make the journey home despite being denied passage by the Polish consulate, which views his return as a death sentence.
Meanwhile, across the continent, Halina's budding romance with Adam blossoms. While dining out, she cannot help but notice a young boy, his face marred by bruises and swelling, a stark reminder of the turmoil brewing. Elsewhere, Genec remains optimistic about their safety, returning to his wife Herta, who now bears the title of Mrs. Kurc. They take precautions against pregnancy, fearing the uncertainties of war. Genec, a lawyer who has been unjustly demoted, resigns from his position as Jews are increasingly stripped of their authoritative roles.
As Passover unfolds, the family gathers, yet a void persists in their midst without Addy, casting a somber shadow over the reunion. We discover that Mila, a mother to a young Felicia, struggles immensely with the newfound responsibilities of parenthood. Despite her lifelong yearning to wed and nurture a child, she finds herself contemplating seeking support from their household helpers, a suggestion posed by her own mother.
In the shroud of darkness, Halina and Adam share a tender kiss, revealing Halina's reluctance to tie the knot. Adam, romantic and impulsive, suggests fleeing Random, but Halina, grounded in history, counters that her parents stood steadfast during the Great War and would never contemplate abandonment now.
The calendar turns to September 1939, and Poland falls under the German onslaught, prompting the allies to declare war on Germany. World War II, an inferno of conflict, ignites. Amidst the distant cacophony of bombs and clashing steel, Jakub dashes to Bella's abode in the dead of night, breathless and urgent. He conveys the grim news: the men, summoned to defend Lvov in southern Poland, must report by midnight. Without delay, Jakub, Genec, Adam, and Selim embark on this perilous journey.
The morning dawns, but the Kurcs' shop remains shuttered, a silent testament to the unfolding turmoil. The German army, a relentless tide, sweeps into the city, dismantling the existing order. Mila returns home to an eerily quiet abode, Felicia the sole occupant, Dorota's absence palpable. Halina, sensing her friend's distress, steps in to offer solace and guides Mila back to their shared sanctuary.
Meanwhile, in the enchanting city of Paris, Abby finds his efforts to visit the Polish consulate futile, each trip ending in disappointment. Upon returning to his abode, he flips on the radio, where the BBC broadcasts devastating news: Poland has succumbed to the formidable Axis forces. The nation has been bisected by Germans and Soviets, with the western side falling under German rule and the eastern side to the Soviets, along the river Bug. Tragically, Radom now lies within German hands.
Elsewhere, Mila encounters Herta, who is bound for Lvov to reunite with Genec. The Kurcs, in a desperate bid to safeguard their treasures, gather their most valuable possessions from the shop and conceal them beneath the floorboards, knowing that soon the Germans will seize their livelihood. The Jews are mandated to report for forced labor the following day; failure to comply means immediate execution. Deeply concerned for Felicia's safety, Mila resolves to bring her to the factory and conceal her there.
Halina, meanwhile, finds herself ensnared in the grueling life of a farm maid. She bears witness to a harrowing scene where a woman, pleading for food for her starving family, is brutally beaten by ruthless soldiers. The Jews toil without compensation, starved and desperate. Halina's father risks everything to pilfer a few potatoes for their evening meal, but the brutal sights of the day leave Halina shattered. She pleas for them to flee, her pleas falling on deaf ears.
A knock echoes through the door, revealing Bella, who brings tidings from Jakub—Selim is missing, but everyone else remains safe. Bella stays the night, sharing her plans to depart for Lvov, where life still holds a semblance of normalcy. The Soviets, unlike the Germans, offer work and sustenance. As the episode draws to a close, Halina, swayed by Bella's tales, reluctantly agrees to accompany her on this perilous journey.
