Taking Command (S01E02)

Captain James Cook embarks on a groundbreaking journey to discover the legendary Great Southern Continent, a coveted target of 18th-century exploration. With the potential to claim it for the British Empire, Cook welcomes Tupaia, a Polynesian priest and navigator, on board. However, Cook's initial interaction with the Maori people of New Zealand goes awry, prompting him to rely on Tupaia as a translator for future encounters. Over the course of six months, Cook sails around both the North and South Islands, demonstrating to Banks and his crew that New Zealand is not the Great Southern Continent. As he ventures eastward to Botany Bay, Cook faces the challenges posed by Australia's unique wildlife and Indigenous inhabitants, who seem indifferent to his presence. Although his landing at Botany Bay could cement his legacy, he must first skillfully navigate the treacherous Great Barrier Reef to avoid disaster.