In the series premiere episode, FBI Agent Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) is called out of retirement to track down serial killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy) who's escaped from prison.

Ryan Hardy, Agent Mike Weston and FBI Specialist Debra Parker, who is brought in to lead the investigation into Joe Carroll and his followers, dive deeper into the history of Carroll's psyche. To do so, they enlist the help of Carroll's ex-wife, and Hardy's former love, Claire Matthews. Meanwhile, Emma (series star Valorie Curry), Jacob (series star Nico Tortorella) and Paul (series star Adan Canto) keep Claire's son Joey at a house in the country as they prepare for their next move.

A new follower is uncovered in Rick Kester (guest star Michael Drayer), who is on a determined path to follow through on Carroll's orders. Hardy and the FBI attempt to predict Rick's course of revenge, which leads to a surprising outcome. Meanwhile, Paul's jealousy over Emma and Jacob's relationship leads to a breaking point, and the origin of Hardy and Carroll's relationship is revealed.

Maggie (guest star Virginia Kull) devises a plot to put an end to Hardy. Meanwhile, tension rises as Paul reveals a secret that Jacob has been keeping from Emma and more information about Hardy and Claire's past relationship is revealed.

When Claire receives a phone call that may lead her to find her son, the FBI and Ryan Hardy set their next move into motion, causing panic at the farmhouse. Meanwhile, Joe Carroll seeks a lawyer from his past (guest star Renee Elise Goldsberry) to send a message that has deadly results.

Joe Carroll's true intentions are revealed through a new follower, Charlie Mead (guest star Tom Lipinski). As Ryan learns of Joe's plans, he tries to stall Emma, Jacob and Paul by taunting them in hopes of turning them against each other. Meanwhile, Emma makes a shocking decision.