A car accident leads U.S. Marshal Jack Carter into the unique Pacific Northwest town of Eureka.

After a strange accident sidelines Eureka's sheriff, Jack Carter takes over the investigation into the mysterious phenomenon that led to the death of a resident.

Carter learns about the secret purpose of the town while trying to re-establish a connection with his angry and bitter daughter, Zoe. He develops a friendly working relationship with government liaison Allison Blake and meets some of the more eccentric residents of Eureka.

Jack Carter accidentally shoots Henry while suffering from short-term memory loss, and the visiting scientist whose wife is Henry's old flame may hold the only clues into that incident and the increasing memory losses occurring both in town and at Global Dynamics just as an important military contract comes due.