The premiere episode of "The Waterfront" kicks off with a tense scenario as fishermen Curtis and Troy find themselves entangled in a clandestine operation: smuggling drugs under the shroud of darkness and mist, an ideal setup for an imminent confrontation. Suddenly, a contingent of menacing thugs emerges, relieving them of their gear, enveloping them in a net, and hurling them into the depths of the water. Their boat, the Miss Glory, subsequently washes ashore, its eerie emptiness and the authorities' swarming presence making headlines.
Registered under the name of Cane Buckley, a prominent local businessman and owner of the fishery, the discovery of the boat sparks immediate attention from the DEA. Cane, a pillar of the community with a palatial home and a doting family comprising his young daughter Savannah and his loving wife Peyton, harbors secrets in his financial dealings. Upon hearing of the incident, he hastily alters the boat's registration date, erasing his direct ownership ties.
A rift exists between Cane and his father, Harlan, whose health is in decline. Battling heart problems, engaging in clandestine affairs despite his wife Bella's seemingly indifferent attitude, and drowning in alcohol, Harlan's mismanagement has led the fishery into bankruptcy. He then unceremoniously passed the burden, along with its financial burdens, onto Cane.
Enter Marcus Sanchez, a seasoned DEA agent whose presence looms large in this investigation. As Marcus starts probing, Cane weaves a web of lies, asserting that Curtis had acquired the boat months ago. News of these developments reaches Harlan, who storms into Cane's office, punching him in a fit of rage. It transpires that Cane has become entangled with drug traffickers, dismissing it casually as a minor indulgence—a mere three runs, he claims.
Cane's collaboration extends to Hoyt Piper, a minor figure who reports to a more formidable entity named Owen. Driven by a relentless pursuit to clear their debts, Cane saw drug smuggling as a shortcut to prosperity. Thus, the stage is set for a narrative replete with suspense, family drama, and hidden agendas as "The Waterfront" unfolds its intricate tale.
The booty amounted to well over $10 million, with Hoyt orchestrating the clandestine meetings, leaving Cane in the dark about the true nature of his involvement. Oblivious to whom he was actually serving, Cane's confusion deepened. Harlan, far from pleased, confronted Belle that very night, recounting the unfolding drama. She confessed to being aware of Cane's predicaments, having been approached by him six months prior for assistance. What began as a couple of minor runs to keep afloat had now spiraled out of control.
While Harlan indulged in his escapades of debauchery and promiscuity, Belle collaborated with Cane to salvage their struggling enterprise, viewing it as their sole viable lifeline. Harlan, however, was poised to reclaim his authority, summoning Hoyt for a crucial negotiation. They were joined by Tim and Reggie, ex-convicts employed at the fish house and the only other individuals privy to the illicit drug operation.
Harlan suspected Hoyt of orchestrating the murders of Curtis and Troy. After casting chum into the water to attract sharks, they submerged Hoyt, hoping the predators' presence would coerce a confession. It worked; Hoyt capitulated, revealing that the drugs were stashed in a shed amidst the forest. Harlan located the stash, but so did Clyde Porter, the local sheriff—a long-time acquaintance who had shared friendly moments with Harlan throughout the season. Tragically, Clyde shot Hoyt dead and unveiled his true identity as Owen, the mastermind behind it all.
The Buckley family now found themselves indebted to Clyde Porter, who held them at his mercy. Together, they disposed of Hoyt's body in an alligator-infested swamp, while grappling with how to navigate this perilous new chapter.
For Cane, the situation was excruciating, his life seemingly crumbling around him. Yet, amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of Jenna, an old flame now residing back in town. Both married, the undeniable chemistry between them was evident to all. Their mutual pretense of ignoring what could have been only served to heighten the tension.
Cane, an avid follower of Jenna's online writings, eventually musters the courage to approach her indirectly with a proposition. Jenna swiftly dismisses him, yet the encounter hints at unresolved tensions to come. As the episode draws to a close, Bree makes her way to the beach, where Marcus Sanchez awaits, his presence expectant. With something intended for him in hand, it becomes evident that Bree is collaborating with federal authorities, adding an intriguing layer to the unfolding narrative.
