First of all, there is a discrepancy between IMDb and Alliance Atlantis as to which is the first episode of this series. While IMDb lists this as S1E3, the Alliance Atlantis DVD set places this episode first. I would find it a fitting first episode for setting the tone of the series.
The audience is introduced to the detectives at the Vancouver Police Department, although the main character is not immediately apparent. Only when McCormick, the ex-uniform with the eyes of a Husky, asserts that she is going to solve the cold "Tess" case, is it made abundantly clear that she is the star of the series.
At the time of the episode's release, the topics of gender politics & employment equity in this country was not as enflamed as it has become today. If one can view the episode through the lens of its own time, it is more enjoyable - if that is an appropriate description to use for the subject matter.
Amidst attempting to track down witnesses & suspects involved in the "Tess" case, McCormick is also forced to juggle office politics regarding her new position in the department. She is shown to have more tenacity than tact, & this particularly irritates Logozzo, who had been the lead investigator on the "Tess" case but couldn't crack it at the time. A simmering feud between the two on the dichotomy between seniority & merit sprouts - which will continue for the rest of the season.
Although a great episode, it's not perfect. I find Vince's lack of response in the scene where Iredell swipes & plays a prank with a piece of the skeleton of an unidentified murder victim to be unrealistic. One would think he would be more immediately & severely reprimanded for such immature behaviour. I also found Logozzo's sensitivity, even whininess, over McCormick spearheading the new lead on the "Tess" case to be adolescent & beneath someone of his seniority. In addition, the camera work showed some lack of experience.
