I was interested by the first episode of The Queen’s Gambit. Firstly the cinematography was, in my opinion, very impressive. I loved the scenes where Elizabeth played out her chess games on the ceiling and the choral music swelled, almost as if it was biblical. In a few other instances the show seemed to be utilizing religious symbolism, such as when Elizabeth takes the pills at the end of the episode and falls as the music from the movie rises. I also like how the show brings up some social issues that Elizabeth would have faced at the time, such as sexism–when the janitor insists girls don’t play chess and later when Mr. Ganz gifts her a doll– and racism–as Joleyne reveals she is well aware she will not be adopted because of her skin color. I do feel this first episode was especially grim, and while I don’t have an issue with that, I hope to see the tone change over time. It seems almost none of the characters smile throughout the show, even as the janitor and her play or when she defeats the high school students. Despite this, I do like the comparison of the orphanage to a prison; the girls must all wear the same uniforms, get the same haircuts, and sleep in a crowded room of small beds. It leaves an opportunity for Elizabeth to subvert expectations and break free of the conformity she has been forced into. I am looking forward to the future episodes of this show!