A declining New England town is the setting for this humorous, poignant two-part drama about local residents whose lives are inexorably connected by dying industry, class differences and ghosts of the past.
At the centre of the story is Miles Roby, an Empire Falls inhabitant for whom the promising opportunities of youth have yielded to the demands of family and the domineering shadow of the woman who owns the restaurant he runs.
1
S1 E1: Episode 1
1h 46m
The Knox River spawned mills and factories that once provided the lifeblood of the town, and enabled the rise of the Whiting family. The widowed Francine still controls the town's affairs, and takes a particular interest in Miles Roby who runs the Empire Grill she owns.
2
S1 E2: Episode 2
1h 22m
The old mill is spruced up with new businesses. Max arrives with some news for his son: a Portland bank has approved the loan for the partnership, and all that's needed is for Miles to return. Finally, we learn that C.B. Whiting has gotten his revenge on Francine.