Practically bursting with pride on the day of his graduation from the police academy, Antoine is even more delighted to learn that his request for assignment in Paris has been granted. While his wife remains in the country, Antoine finds a place in town and starts work in the criminal unit run by Inspector Caroline Vaudieu. Recovering from a long bout with alcoholism brought on by the death of her son, Vaudieu is determined to regain the respect she's lost in the department - as well as to introduce Antoine to the reality of police work.