Much of the episode focuses on Kev's perception of his own "broken" masculinity as he hides his scars from his partner, Trish (Jodie Whittaker), and struggles to maintain his status as a "strict father" to his playful men.
The premiere opens with the harrowing arson-caused fire cave-in that nearly killed Kev, setting a dark and intense tone for the series.
While the pilot was criticized for occasionally rushing its social commentary, it successfully established as a "captivating British drama" that prioritizes the internal lives of its heroes.