‘The Offer’ is a biographical drama series that tells the thrilling behind-the-scenes narrative of the making of ‘The Godfather,’ one of cinema’s most revered gangster films. The series centres around producer Albert S. Ruddy, who, after working his way up the Hollywood ladder, is given the opportunity to adapt Mario Puzo’s famous novel ‘The Godfather’ into a feature picture. However, due to preexisting preconceptions about the book’s substance and the state of the studio supporting the film, the production confronts significant hurdles.

Ruddy begins to assemble the creative team needed to carry out the big project in the first three episodes of the show. However, he faces a formidable challenge because the film’s development is opposed by the Italian-American mafia commanded by Joe Colombo and Paramount Pictures officials. If you’re curious about how Ruddy handles these problems, here’s everything you need to know about ‘The Offer’ episodes 1–3! WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

Recap of The Offer Episodes 1, 2, and 3

The first episode of the series, titled ‘A Seat at the Table,’ begins with criminal Joe Colombo attempting to gain a position within the Italian-American mafia’s ruling body, The Commission. Meanwhile, Robert Evans, the head of Paramount Pictures, is attempting to turn around the faltering studio’s box office fortunes. In other news, computer programmer Albert S. Ruddy becomes a television producer after CBS approves his idea for a Nazi comedy. However, he eventually decides to pursue a career as a film producer. Ruddy gets a position at paramount after impressing Evans.

‘The Godfather,’ an Italian-American mafia-inspired novel by author Mario Puzo, is being optioned by Paramount. The book becomes a best-seller after its release, but it has a negative reputation among the Italian-American community. Despite this, Evans and Paramount CEO Charles Bluhdorn decide to make a film adaptation. Evans delegated the project’s production to Ruddy. Ruddy commissions Puzo to write the script and Francis Ford Coppola to helm. The mafia, however, reacts unfavorably to the announcement of a cinematic adaptation of the book, and Ruddy’s car is shot down as a warning to the producer.

The second episode, titled ‘Warning Shots,’ follows Ruddy as he attempts to gather the resources needed to complete the film. Meanwhile, Puzo and Coppola are working on the script for the film. Ruddy meets with congressman Mario Biaggi, who flatly refuses to let him film in New York City. Furthermore, labor rules and a limited budget make it tough for Ruddy to hire top-tier staff. While Coppola has a strong vision for the film, he is skeptical that studio bosses would allow him to accomplish it. Nonetheless, Ruddy promises Coppola that he will stand by him.

‘Fade In,’ the third episode, begins with gangster Joe Colombo summoning Ruddy to a meeting in New York. Colombo gently advises Ruddy to halt production of ‘The Godfather.’ However, Ruddy persuades Colombo that the film does not tarnish Italian-Americans and requests that the gangster read the script. Meanwhile, pressure mounts on Evans to deliver a blockbuster in order to keep Paramount afloat. As a result, the studio boss decides to place safer risks, forcing Coppola to abandon his vision. After reviewing the script, Colombo approves the project on the condition that the word “mafia” never appear in the film. He also promises to support and assist Ruddy in obtaining resources to film the film in New York.

Ending of The Offer Episodes 1, 2, and 3: Does Evans Support Ruddy and Coppola?

Robert Evans initially supported Ruddy’s plan to hire Francis Ford Coppola. He is impressed by the director’s concept, and the creative has a number of successful pitch sessions with the studio head. When Evans feels pressured to create a hit film for the studio, he takes a more direct approach that limits Ruddy and Coppola’s creative flexibility. Evans storms out of a screening of Al Pacino’s audition tape and scolds Ruddy for his handling of the production.

Evans trash the 170-page script at the close of the episode, believing it is unproducible, especially on Paramount’s low budget. As a result, it is clear that Ruddy and Coppola are losing the studio’s backing. However, in the last moments, the team learns that actor Marlon Brando has consented to play Vito Corleone, the titular figure, in the film. Brando’s decision to assume the lead part lends some genuine star power to the film and may help Ruddy and Coppola’s case. It is also expected to aid Ruddy and Coppola in regaining Evans’ backing as they prepare to begin filming on the mammoth project.

Will the Mafia interfere with the film’s production?

In the third episode, Ruddy strikes a deal with mobster Joe Colombo and secures his backing to produce the film. As a result, it appears that the Italian American mafia, which was the most serious threat to the film’s production, will no longer be an issue. Given the subject matter of the plot, Colombo’s vow to assist Ruddy in realizing his vision for the film is reassuring. However, the episode’s last events foreshadow a turbulent path ahead for not only Colombo, but also the film’s crew.

Finally, gangster Joe Gallo, who has a vendetta against Colombo, is released from prison. He quickly starts plotting a move against Colombo. Colombo, on the other hand, resolves to settle the dispute calmly. The situation demonstrates how the power dynamics within New York’s Italian American mafia circle will change dramatically. As a result, what appears to be an excellent position for Ruddy, Coppola, and their crew might swiftly turn into a headache.