This is obvious, visually: Episode 7 features lots of scenes and shots that give a real sense of who these people are. And it pairs up characters in ways that will remain constant throughout the show.

The stories: Joel and Maggie teach a prepared childbirth class in the tiny, remote town of Boswell. Ed, Holling and Shelly go hunting Jessie the Bear (who once mauled Holling). The death of his brother leaves Maurice facing his own mortality—and asking Chris to be his son, so that he will have an heir.

There is none of the surreal, magical realism that defines some episodes. Even the dialogue has been simplified, relying on strong acting and understated emotion or absurdity rather than drawn-out monologues.

Notable exchanges include Joel asking Marilyn about Boswell:

Joel: “Where's Boswell?”

Marilyn: “Take Highway 90. Go past the saw mill. Go past the sun tan parlor …”

Joel, interrupting: How long?

Mariyln: Six hours, give or take.