In the inaugural episode, comedian Peter Oldring ( This Is That , House of Cards ) shares stories about growing up in Drayton Valley and Calgary, Alberta. He introduces the town’s first citizen, an advice columnist named Barnaby, and erects a healing fountain in the town square. Plus, Mark, Ryan, and Peter debate the merits of a “town perm.”
What this episode established
This episode establishes the primary concept of building a fictional town through guest contributions and lore development.
As the series premiere's inaugural guest, Peter Oldring helped establish the foundational lore and direction of the fictional town alongside hosts Mark and Ryan. He shared personal history regarding his upbringing in Alberta, the cultural significance of community touchstones like rural churches, and his father's diverse career. Oldring also introduced the character Barnaby (Barnaby Advised), performing both him and the character Earl in a scene depicting a newspaper's new advice column pairing.
The participants discuss the honor of the Town Perm and brainstorm a formal ceremony for its granting.
David is discussed as a candidate for the town perm, a significant local honor awarded for his exemplary work as the town controller.
Occurring a century ago, the Great Invasion involved a massive boulder and a powerful downdraft that flattened the town. It remains a sensitive historical event that many residents are reluctant to discuss.
The Fountain of Seven Miracles is introduced as a central landmark whose physical description and mystical origins as a source of healing water are explored. The episode covers its connection to the Healing Springs, the documented miracles of the Great Invasion, and the legend of the bronze soldier legs which which is the source of the town motto "Never shall we know where the legs do meet."
The newspaper column Barnaby Advises is introduced while responding to a reader's letter regarding a prom invitation, establishing his role as a spiritual advisor who references the Seven Miracles. Following a corporate buyout of the local paper, he is paired with a new 'hot shot' colleague to provide advice for a local column.
This episode introduces the Downwind as a natural disaster whose vertical wind movement has enough force to affect people and structures.