Things started off with a bang on FBI Season 1 Episode 1! While there wasn't a lot of back stories given for each of the characters, there really wasn't a need.

The scene of the two bombings was nitty, gritty, and downright gruesome. Something that I don't often see on TV, but it made the entire situation feel more real. It was unique, and that was part of what made it awesome.

There were some moments that moved a little slow, especially when it came to the technical aspect of the information gathering. But it can't be all action all the time.

Every part that was a bit slower paced or seemed a touch boring was put in place just to give a breather before striking with something absolutely shocking. Like a gang member being murdered and having his heart ripped out. Literally.

OA: I haven't seen grenades like these since West Point.
Maggie: These are U.S. Army?
OA: Not anymore. They got way more high tech stuff now.

Permalink: Not anymore. They got way more high tech stuff now.

One of the things made clear early on in the episode was that Maggie is a professional in her field, but she seems to put her job before anything else in her life. Something that may be understandable because she's a widow.

But part of me feels like she's always put her job first and it probably added to the strain on her marriage. That could contribute to the guilt that Maggie still so obviously feels.

OA came off in the beginning like he was going to be the easy-going partner in the relationship. So when he blasted his way into a gangster's warehouse and didn't even hesitate to shoot the other man, it was clear that wasn't true.

I have to admit that the move did surprise me and that's something that doesn't usually happen when I'm watching tv. Most shows have a sense of predictability to them, but this one is proving to be different.

One of the best parts of the episodes was watching Maggie and OA in action while they were interviewing suspects. When a few lines were said that indicated the two didn't know each other well, I was blown away. Their flawless interrogation techniques screamed longtime partners.

Another great dynamic is between Jubal, OA, and Maggie. Even though he is their supervisor, he clearly has a lot of respect for the two agents, and he trusts their judgment.

Maggie: I never saw Emmett Grant, but I can't get him out of my head
OA: A lot of people made it out of that building because of you. That matters.

Permalink: A lot of people made it out of that building because of you. That matters.

It's great to see two officers free to make decisions based on their own instincts. They are the ones that are in the situation, so they need to be able to make their own calls instead of looking for answers from a supervisor who isn't present.

Just when I thought things were settling down and the good guys were about to win, the information about the third bomb came out, and I was once again on the edge of my seat. Things weren't over yet, and it was no longer looking that great for the good guys.

But ultimately, when Maggie and OA had the big bad dead in their sites, it was wildly satisfying. Everything was tense, and it seemed like Jubal's team wasn't going to come out on top, but they seemed to have had it in hand the entire time.

So even though the good guys did win and I was happy about it, there was just more risk involved than usual. The possibility of losing and the bad guys getting away with a third bomb was real, and it was an amazing thing to watch.

As was seeing Maggie attend Emmett's funeral. The amount of real emotion displayed was heart-wrenching, and it had me truly tearing up. It's clear that Maggie is still feeling the pain from her own sad story, but she is still willing to offer support to others.

OA: How you dealing with this? Because swallowing hard is the plan.
Maggie: Well the job doesn't stop. So I don't. Eventually, you outrun it.
OA: Did that work with your husband? I'm sorry. It just felt more disrespectful for me to pretend I didn't know. Were you really back to work just a few days after he died?
Maggie: It was a situation that required all hands on deck.

Permalink: It was a situation that required all hands on deck.

Not having in-depth background stories was new and kept things a bit more mysterious. It's going to take a while for me to get to know Maggie and what makes her tick. I can't wait to find out what motivated her to become an FBI agent in the first place.

OA: Let's go back to talking about bombings on synagogues and minority communities
Cole: Is our conversation too difficult for you to follow, agent Zidan? You must be terribly conflicted.
Maggie: We're not here to talk politics.
Cole: Or maybe you and your partner can't handle hard truths. Don't you have anything to say?
OA: Not to you.

Permalink: Not to you.

Learning more about OA is going to be an adventure, too. He came off as easygoing for most of the episode, but the moments when a bit of a dark side came out was intriguing.

Everything about this pilot episode was strong. It wasn't a series of hills and valleys as most are. The flow felt natural, and things continued to ramp up until the very end. Even then, the conclusion was still climactic and satisfying.

The elements included in this show are exactly what I need to see more of on my television shows! There don't seem to be any romantic relationships happening yet, but I'm keeping my eyes peeled for that one. I'm always on the lookout for new ships!

What was your favorite part of the episode? Are you also intrigued by Maggie and OA? If you missed the premiere episode, no worries! You can watch FBI online right here!