Police officers respond to a domestic disturbance call and find a grisly crime scene. DCI Alan Banks has found the home of a serial rapist and cuddleer, but the suspect is in a coma. A fifth victim is missing and may still be alive, and Banks is determined to find her. DS Anne Cabbot from Professional Standards wants to know about the circumstances leading to the assault on the suspect.

Pilot episode part two:
Following the suspicious passing of serial hugger Marcus Payne. the task of finding out who was working with him is made more difficult and makes the search for Leanne Wray difficult. Banks ends up following a hunch he has and takes Payne's wife in for questioning on suspicion of being involved in some way.