In the heart of Istanbul, a tale of desperation and crime unfolds in the first episode of "Asaf," aptly titled "One Way." The episode sets the stage for a gripping narrative that follows Asaf Erdem, a taxi driver whose life takes a sinister turn after a fateful encounter. The story begins with a man discovering a corpse in the trunk of his car, a chilling scene that foreshadows the grim events to come.
The episode rewinds to the day the drama began, with Asaf racing against time to pick up an impatient client. The tension is palpable as Asaf navigates the city's congested streets, his anxiety mounting with each honk of a horn. The client's anger is only the first of many confrontations Asaf will face, setting the tone for a day that will test his patience and resolve.
A minor traffic accident with a mysterious man in a black SUV escalates the situation. The man's initial attempt to flee is thwarted by Asaf's mention of involving the police, leading to a hasty exchange of cash and a business card. This encounter is the first of many where Asaf's life intersects with the criminal underworld, a world he knows little about but will soon become entangled in.
Asaf's personal life is equally fraught, with a contentious divorce from his wife, Sema, and a struggle over their son, Atlas. The couple's disagreement over visitation rights and the handling of their son's health crisis adds a layer of emotional complexity to Asaf's plight. Sema's bitterness is evident, and her refusal to acknowledge Asaf's efforts to be a good father is a constant source of conflict.
The plot thickens as Asaf's attempts to resolve his car issue at the garage are met with bureaucratic obstacles. The garage's insistence on immediate payment for an inspection that hasn't even been conducted yet is a stark reminder of the injustices Asaf faces at every turn. His plea for a payment plan is granted, but at a cost – the loss of his wedding ring, a symbol of the life he's losing.
Asaf's visit to his mother reveals further family tensions and the pressure to prove his worth as a father within a week, a deadline imposed by a legal subpoena. His mother's anger and her suggestion to call his brother hint at a fractured family dynamic and Asaf's isolation.
Asaf's desperation leads him to seek employment from his former boss, Muzaffer, but a chance encounter with Muzaffer's girlfriend, Meltem, and her flirtatious advances make him reconsider. His visit to Sema, only to find her with her new boyfriend, Harun, a lawyer, further highlights the chasm between them.
The episode reaches a climax when Asaf, in a moment of frustration, vandalizes the car that had earlier hit his, leading to his arrest. His encounter with Captain Argun at the police station is a turning point, as Argun sees potential in Asaf to help take down Nasuh, the owner of the car. This sets Asaf on a dangerous path, as he is coerced into taking a job with Nasuh to deliver a mysterious package.
The episode ends on a shocking note, with Asaf discovering Captain Argun's lifeless body in his car trunk, a victim of the very criminal world Asaf has been drawn into. The appearance of a young boy, who claims to be the package Asaf was to deliver, adds a layer of mystery and raises questions about the true nature of the package and the forces at play.
"One Way" is a masterful opening to the series, painting a vivid portrait of a man caught in a web of crime, family strife, and personal despair. Asaf's journey is a harrowing one, with each scene revealing the depths to which he is willing to sink in his quest for redemption and survival. The episode leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how Asaf's story will unfold in the face of such overwhelming odds.