Ep 1. Pilot

In the debut episode of Lie to Me, titled "Pilot," viewers are introduced to Dr. Cal Lightman, who is played by actor Tim Roth. Lightman is a deception expert who has an exceptional ability to detect dishonesty in people by their body language and facial expressions. Along with his partner, Gillian Foster (played by Kelli Williams), he runs a private firm that assists law enforcement, government agencies, and private clients in uncovering the truth in criminal cases and other investigations.

The episode begins with Lightman and Foster's firm, the Lightman Group, being hired by the FBI to help solve a high-profile case involving the murder of a young woman who was found dead in a hotel room. The prime suspect is a wealthy businessman named Eric Matheson, who was seen leaving the hotel with the victim on the night of her murder.

Initially, Matheson denies any involvement in the crime, but Lightman uses his skills to decipher Matheson's body language and determine that he is lying. When Lightman confronts him about it, Matheson admits to being in the hotel room with the victim but insists that he did not kill her.

Throughout the episode, Lightman and Foster work together to uncover the truth about the murder by interviewing witnesses, analyzing evidence, and using their ability to detect deceitful behavior in their suspects. Along the way, they encounter a number of roadblocks and obstacles, including the victim's boyfriend, who is also a suspect, and a cover-up involving a powerful political figure.

As the investigation unfolds, Lightman and Foster rely on their teamwork and expertise in deception detection to piece together the truth about what happened to the victim. In the end, the killer is revealed, and justice is served.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into Lightman's personal life, including his relationships with his ex-wife and teenage daughter. The show also introduces viewers to Lightman's former partner, Zoe Landau, who was instrumental in developing his expertise in deception detection.

Overall, the pilot episode of Lie to Me sets the tone for the series by showcasing Lightman's unique skill set and the lengths he and his team will go to uncover the truth. The show offers a unique blend of crime drama and psychology, with a focus on the power of nonverbal communication and body language. With its strong performances and engaging storylines, Lie to Me quickly became a fan favorite and remained on the air for three seasons.