Quantico Episode 1 Review: Hotties Protecting America (Series Premiere)

"Run" opens with a woman laying in debris. The camera pans out to reveal a wide area of destruction. New York's Grand Central Terminal has been bombed and the government needs Alex's help in identifying the suspect. Isn't that always the way it is? Happens to me all the time. Rewind to nine months earlier.

Several recruits arrive for their first day at the FBI Academy in Quantico. Their trainers are Miranda Shaw and Liam O'Connor. The newbie's assignment is to find what detail has been redacted from their partner's profile in 24 hours-- or they're out of the program. Well, that's a bit harsh. Everyone has a secret-- several of which are revealed when they take polygraph tests.

Alex Parrish- the main character (played by former Miss World and Bolywood star Priyanka Chopra). She's the woman we see laying in rubble during the intro. It is revealed that Alex's mother killed her father during a domestic dispute. But psych! Alex actually shot him instead. Turns out he was an FBI agent too. What's that about?
Ryan Booth- the guy Alex had sex with in his car before arriving in Quantico. He's an ex Marine. It is later revealed that Ryan is an undercover agent assigned to keep tabs on Alex. I'm not sure keeping "tabs" entails touching parts with her but who am I to judge?
Shelby Wyatt- from Georgia. She's a crack shot and previously appeared on a "Guns & Ammo" knockoff magazine. Her wealthy parents were killed in a plane on 9/11.
Simon Asher- a gay guy. His secret is revealed to be he spent time in Palestine even though his family are conservative Jews.
Nimah Amin- a devout Muslim. Sometimes she's nice and sometimes she's a bit frosty to the other recruits. Do we know why? It's because "she" is a "they". The twins Nimah and Raina are apparently working undercover for Miranda.
Eric Packer- played by Brian J Smith of "Sense8 "fame. Eric is a Mormon who has a big secret. Caleb has his file and plays mind games with Eric. Eric blows his head off before the polygraph. His secret was he got a 14 year old girl pregnant in Malawi. She died during an illegal abortion.
Caleb Haas- his parents are agents but he really doesn't have many skills. Caleb is kicked out of the academy after the incident with Eric. From the previews it looks like we'll see him again.

In the final scene, Ryan is show unconscious in Alex's apartment. O'Connor believes Alex is responsible for both the bombing and Booth's attack. She is sent to prison. Luckily Shaw is secretly driving the transport van. She tells Alex to find the truth. Oh...and also, everyone wants to kill her.

Grade: 4 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). A very enjoyable pilot. There's lots of eye candy, action and intrigue to go around. Priyanka Chopra is compelling as Alex. I'll need to see another episode before committing but so far "Quantico" looks to be a winner.