Ep 1. The Battle Creek Way

In Battle Creek season 1 episode 1, called "The Battle Creek Way," we are introduced to the quirky town of Battle Creek, Michigan and its police department. The episode begins with a burglary at a local cereal factory, where the only thing stolen was a single safe from the company president's office. Detectives Russ Agnew (played by Dean Winters) and Milton Chamberlain (played by Aubrey Dollar) are assigned to the case, but quickly realize that they are dealing with a much larger conspiracy than just a simple break-in.

Russ is a grizzled, no-nonsense detective who has been working in Battle Creek for years. He is frustrated by the department's lack of resources and the town's small-town mentality. Milton, on the other hand, is a newcomer to Battle Creek, having just transferred from Chicago. She is optimistic and energetic, and has a tendency to see the good in people.

As they investigate the burglary, Russ and Milton realize that the safe contained documents that could implicate the company president in a fraud scheme. They soon find themselves up against a web of corruption and deceit that reaches all the way to the top of the Battle Creek power structure.

Along the way, they are assisted (and sometimes hindered) by a cast of colorful characters. There's Holly Dale (played by Janet McTeer), the FBI agent who seems to have some kind of history with Russ. There's Guziewicz (played by Kal Penn), a streetwise officer who is a bit of a loose cannon. And there's Commander Kimball Cho (played by Damon Herriman), the department head who is more concerned with public relations than actual police work.

Despite their differences, Russ and Milton slowly begin to develop a grudging respect for each other. Russ sees in Milton a kind of optimism and idealism that he had long since lost, while Milton sees in Russ a kind of toughness and determination that she had never encountered before.

"The Battle Creek Way" sets the stage for what will be a season-long battle between the forces of justice and the forces of corruption. Russ and Milton will have to rely on each other, and on their fellow officers, if they hope to bring down the powerful and corrupt forces that threaten their town.

With its sharp writing, great cast, and compelling plot, Battle Creek season 1 episode 1 is a promising start to a series that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.