Ep 1. The Nigerian Job

The show Leverage is a thrilling crime drama that effortlessly blends humor and action to deliver a high-octane viewing experience that is both entertaining and rewarding. The first episode of the series, titled "The Nigerian Job," introduces viewers to the central characters and sets the tone for the show's premise, which revolves around a team of skilled criminals who band together to take down corrupt corporations and individuals.

The episode starts by introducing us to Nathan Ford (played by Timothy Hutton), a former insurance investigator who is now struggling with alcoholism following the death of his son. After being fired from his job, he is approached by a wealthy businessman named Victor Dubenich (played by Saul Rubinek) who offers him a dangerous and lucrative job that will require him to assemble a team of highly skilled thieves to steal a valuable item from a Nigerian businessman.

Ford initially refuses the job, but after Dubenich threatens to reveal damaging information about him, he is left with no choice but to accept. He begins to assemble his team, starting with a street-smart thief named Parker (played by Beth Riesgraf), a gadget expert named Alec Hardison (played by Aldis Hodge), and a tough-as-nails hitter named Eliot Spencer (played by Christian Kane). Finally, he recruits a grifter named Sophie Devereaux (played by Gina Bellman) to help with the plan.

As the team comes together, they begin to put their plan into action, which involves infiltrating a heavily guarded office building and stealing a valuable microchip that is believed to be worth millions of dollars. Along the way, they encounter a number of obstacles and setbacks, including a violent encounter with Nigerian thugs and a betrayal within their own ranks.

Despite these challenges, the team manages to pull off the heist through a combination of cunning, skill, and teamwork. However, they soon realize that they have been played by Dubenich, who has no intention of paying them for their work and plans to use the microchip for his own nefarious purposes.

The episode concludes with the team banding together once again to take down Dubenich and recover the stolen microchip. Through a combination of wit, charm, and brute force, they manage to outsmart their former employer and retrieve the valuable item, setting the stage for future episodes of the show and establishing the team as a group of skilled and resourceful criminals who are willing to take on anyone who stands in their way.

Overall, the first episode of Leverage is a gripping and exciting introduction to the series, filled with action, humor, and unexpected twists and turns. It sets the stage for the rest of the show and establishes the characters as complex and interesting individuals with their own unique skills and motivations. Whether you are a fan of crime dramas or just looking for a thrilling and entertaining show to watch, Leverage is definitely worth checking out.