"Boy Swallows Universe" Episode 1, titled "Boy Smells Rat," plunges into a gripping narrative with a dramatic start: Eli's stepfather, Lyle, is abruptly kidnapped by unknown assailants demanding something hidden by Lyle. This high-tension scene quickly transitions to events six weeks earlier, providing a backdrop for the unfolding drama.

The narrative then introduces Slim, a middle-aged ex-convict and mentor to Eli. Slim, a former murderer, is not only giving driving lessons to Lyle but also plays a significant role in Eli's life. He encourages Eli to write daily to Alex Bermuda, a prisoner, offering a glimpse into the world of incarceration and life lessons. Slim's relationship with Lyle, a man with a history of petty crimes and drug dealing, hints at the complexities of their lives.

Eli, the protagonist, shares a unique bond with his brother, Gus, who mysteriously stopped speaking at seven. Despite Gus's silence, his academic excellence speaks volumes, contradicting any assumptions about his mental abilities. Their family's troubled past, involving their mother's addiction and their biological father's abandonment, is suggested to be the root of Gus's muteness.

The story also delves into Eli's correspondence with Alex Bermuda, who becomes a source of guidance for Eli, especially in dealing with bullies. Bermuda's advice outlines two paths: avoidance or confrontation, each with its consequences. This guidance is put to the test when Eli faces a dilemma with Darren, a school bully, and chooses silence over retaliation, enduring punishment but keeping his integrity.

As the plot unfolds, it's revealed that Lyle hasn't left his drug-trafficking past behind, a fact that deeply troubles Eli. He fears the impact of Lyle's actions on his recovering mother. In a revealing moment, Gus shows Eli a mysterious red phone in their house's basement, which Lyle dismisses as disconnected, deepening the mystery around Lyle's activities.

Eli's suspicions about Lyle's involvement in drug dealing are confirmed when he secretly follows him one night, leading to a chance encounter with Darren and Bich Dang, a drug dealer and Darren's mother. Bich Dang's offer of a job to Eli further complicates the moral landscape of the story.

Confronting Lyle about his activities, Eli learns that Lyle's intentions, though misguided, are to provide for the family. This revelation leads Eli to contemplate the idea of dealing drugs himself as a means of escape from their dire circumstances, a notion met with silence from Gus.

The episode concludes with an air of mystery and threat, as a strange man, possibly Ivan Krull, is seen outside Eli's home, and the identity of the person on the mysterious phone call remains unknown.

"Boy Swallows Universe" Episode 1 skillfully sets the stage with its complex characters and intriguing plot, blending family dynamics with the allure of a coming-of-age adventure. The episode promises more twists and turns, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the revelations of Eli and Gus's journey.