Nina Hayes, played by Rachel Hilson, faces significant challenges as the first Black female FBI agent in the 1970s. She encounters belittling from her white male colleagues but finds support in her partnership with Awan, a Navajo nation-based agent. Despite these obstacles, she remains driven and works outside the law to pursue her goals, including teaming up with Jim Ellis to take down a crime syndicate.

Jim Ellis, played by Josh Holloway, is a loyal employee of Ezra Saxton, the boss of a crime syndicate. However, his loyalty is frequently tested as he becomes involved in Nina Hayes's investigation. Jim's missions for Saxton often involve dangerous assignments, which challenge his allegiance and moral compass.

The show incorporates elements of 1970s pop culture through Jim Ellis's interactions with icons like Colonel Tom Parker and Adrienne Barbeau. Additionally, the series features a cartoonish and stylized approach, including an animated dream sequence where Jim imagines himself in a Looney Tunes cartoon.

Nina Hayes has a personal motivation for taking down Ezra Saxton, as she believes he was involved in her father's death. This personal vendetta drives her actions and decisions throughout the series, often leading her to work outside the boundaries of the law.

The show balances its stylized and grounded elements by maintaining a detailed production quality, including lighting, costume design, and soundtrack. It captures a stylized atmosphere reminiscent of 70s crime noir while keeping the story grounded and engaging. The series combines comedic timing with suspenseful plotlines, making it both fresh and familiar.