Kaleidoscope episode 1: Watching out of order for Chapter 4

Kaleidoscope episode 1, “Green,” highlights the prison life of Leo as he contemplates his future. The Netflix series is a “Choose Your Own Adventure” where every episode can be consumed at any point, and so far, it’s led to wanting to watch more. Giancarlo Esposito’s portrayal of Leo has been an instrumental part in wanting to keep moving forward as he navigates a tumultuous criminal life.

Kaleidoscope and its creators have created a self-contained narrative within each episode, which makes this series highly unique and possible to consume out-of-order, if so desired. Even if a viewer is more inclined to watch in chronological order, this dramatic series presents itself in a way where choosing one episode at random to the next is equally satisfying.

If you’re looking to follow along, here is the order in which this Netflix series will be analyzed on Hidden Remote:

• Chapter 1: Pink (episode 7)
• Chapter 2: Yellow (episode 2)
• Chapter 3: Violet (episode 5)
• Chapter 4: Green (episode 1)
• Chapter 5: Orange (episode 3)
• Chapter 6: Red (episode 6)
• Chapter 7: Blue (episode 4)
• Chapter 8: White (episode 8)

What’s life in prison like for Leo in Kaleidoscope episode 1?

Prison is not an enjoyable experience, and this is especially true for Leo’s cellmate Stan (portrayed by Peter Mark Kendall). It’s clear Stan is making deals with the outside to bring in goods to other prisoners. Unfortunately, those services might be coming to an end soon and Stan considers an offer from Leo to escape.

After Leo has several episodes of his hands or body shaking uncontrollably, he’s diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This defined parameter of his life leads him to making one decision: Escape. Maybe Leo grows tired of protecting Stan from a white supremacy group. Perhaps he’s tired of detailing cars in the auto body shop. Or maybe he just wants to see his daughter once more before his time comes to an end.

Regardless of whether or not escape is a dangerous prospect, Kaleidoscope episode 1 gives viewers the ins and outs of Leo as a planner. He coordinates a coughing fit to distract a guard to makeshift a key for the exit. His ability to pick locks does not fall short when it comes to handcuffs, and before you know it, he’s learned how to break an electronic swipe card lock with an aerosol spray can; clearly, a true professional. Maybe Giancarlo Esposito might consider a remake of The Professional?

How impactful is it to watch this episode directly after watching the episode where he’s arrested?

After watching “Violet” and seeing the emotional turmoil of Leo having to send his daughter away, Kaleidoscope episode 1 gives fans a clear path on unresolved feelings. After Leo escapes, he immediately seeks out Ava (portrayed by Paz Vega). Ava took in Hannah after Leo was arrested, and ultimately sent Hannah to a new family to take care of her. Now that Leo has escaped prison, he undoubtedly wants to see his daughter again.

After such an established bond in the previous episode, it’s clear that 17 years have elapsed where Leo and Hannah have gone without contact. In an effort to keep his daughter away from a criminal lifestyle, Leo avoided his daughter. Even when he tried writing a letter explaining everything, he never found the right words to send anything. This absenteeism left an untellable mark on Hannah, but despite her standoffishness towards her father, Leo realizes she’s working for the man who betrayed him the night he got arrested.

Hannah is working for Roger Salas, and at this point, she doesn’t know Roger walked away from her father during the course of a crime. In doing so, he also walked away from saving her mother when she was trapped in the middle of a fire; one Roger started. Although Hannah pushes Leo away, he finally sends her a letter, partially explaining that Roger is not who he seems and they both are all they need to succeed in the world.

Despite the absence of any heist talk in Kaleidoscope episode 1, this letter might be the most important piece moving forward. Although Leo takes 17 years to reach out to Hannah, perhaps this little nudge is all that’s needed to reform their incredible bond and ultimately help in the massive 7-billion-dollar heist.

Where did you watch Kaleidoscope episode 1 in your watching order? Were you impressed with Leo’s ability to draw up an escape plan? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to follow Hidden Remote for your Kaleidoscope coverage!