This episode centers on a pair of masked thugs who are on a vendetta to kill police officers. In the opener, they are on a rooftop and shoot a guy named Karl Miller that they assumed was a cop, because they had previously (not shown) seen him dressed as a cop from a masquerade party. The SCPD investigates the motive of the thugs, who target Officer Terry Webster as their next victim. They shoot at him in his police car, shattering the windshield glass into his eyes, temporarily blinding him. During his hospital stay, he bonds with a nurse, Lynn Everett. She helps him and they form a friendship. After Terry is released from the hospital--his eyes still bandaged--he and Lynn go on a picnic, where the criminals chase them down, with the intention of killing Terry, so he can't identify them. Lynn calls for help, Terry helps subdue the thugs and he regains his sight at the end. This episode is very touching and emotional, from Terry being scared that he may never see again, to Lynn sharing that she led a sheltered life and had never communicated with a black person before and didn't know how to. This is one not to be missed!

Cops vs. cops as internal-affairs personnel investigate rumors of police shakedowns. Prime suspects: Ryker's rookies. 

In the introductory episode of the series, the presence of several street gangs contributes to a tension-filled atmosphere. The Rookies are assigned with the challenge of maintaining order amongst the rivaling street gangs, with Willie Gillis arising as the mediator between the gangs.