The five most popular story-specific questions people ask about The Narrow Road to the Deep North, season 1, episode 1, excluding the overall plot and ending, are:

1. How does the series portray the brutality and survival struggles of the POWs in the Thai-Burma railway camps?
2. What is the significance of the three timelines shown in the episode, and how do they connect?
3. How is the relationship between Dorrigo Evans and his uncle's wife Amy developed in the story?
4. What are the key emotional and psychological impacts of the war on Dorrigo as depicted in the episode?
5. How does the cinematography and soundtrack contribute to the atmosphere and storytelling in the episode?

These questions reflect viewers' focus on the depiction of war hardships, character relationships, narrative structure, emotional depth, and production elements that shape the story experience in episode 1.