Ep 1. License to Steele

Remington Steele season 1 episode 1, titled "License to Steele," begins with Laura Holt, a private detective struggling to establish herself in a male-dominated industry. In order to attract more clients, she invents a fictional male boss, "Remington Steele," who she claims runs the agency, though nobody has ever seen him. Shortly thereafter, a man who calls himself Remington Steele shows up at the agency, claiming to be the owner and accepting a case from a wealthy woman who wants them to guard a valuable jewel.

As they investigate the case, Laura discovers that the man claiming to be Remington Steele is actually a thief, and he's stolen the precious gemstone. She confronts him, but he manages to seduce her into helping him retrieve the jewel and deliver it to the client. In the end, they succeed, and Laura decides to hire the charming rogue as her partner, giving him the name Remington Steele in exchange for his help in solving their cases.

The episode is a delightful blend of comedy, suspense, and romance, as Laura and Remington butt heads and engage in flirty banter while chasing down criminals. Stephanie Zimbalist shines as Laura, a smart and determined woman who refuses to play by the rules, while Pierce Brosnan brings an effortless charm and a touch of danger to the role of Remington Steele.

The show is set in the 1980s, and the fashion and decor are a delightful homage to the era. The music, too, is a standout, with a jazzy soundtrack that perfectly captures the show's playful tone. The chemistry between Laura and Remington is electric, and it's clear from the first episode that they'll be a dynamic duo to root for.

As far as pilot episodes go, "License to Steele" does an excellent job of introducing the show's central premise and characters while also setting up a compelling case for them to solve. The writing is sharp and witty, with plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers on their toes. The supporting cast is also a standout, particularly Laura's loyal secretary Bernice (played by Doris Roberts) and the smarmy hitman Tony Roselli (played by Robert Desiderio).

Overall, Remington Steele season 1 episode 1 is a stylish, entertaining introduction to a classic detective series. With its memorable characters, clever writing, and irresistible charm, it's no wonder that the show remains a beloved cult favorite decades later.