Instinct episode 1 spoilers: The foundation for Alan Cumming series

Instinct episode 1 is set to air this weekend on CBS, and there really is quite a bit to appreciate about this show. For starters, it’s another classic crime procedural if you like this genre — Alan Cumming plays a former CIA operative who has become a professor. Yet, he ends up being brought back into the fray of solving crimes thanks to an NYPD detective named Lizzie Needham.

Yet, there are a few things that are different. For starters, this is a show that is a study of behavior just as much as it is a standard cop show. Also, there is the fact that this show was conceived with Cumming’s Dr. Dylan Reinhart as a happily married gay man. This is not something that many series do, especially CBS. Typically LGBTQ characters on network drama series are thrown in as supporting roles destined to either be killed off down the road or given love interests who just so happen to be the only other gay character on the show. There is a cognizance to make things better but also still a hesitation, a fear. This show alleviates that fear, and also introduces some relatability in that Dr. Reinhart’s relationship is really just a natural part of the show, precisely as it would be in life.

In the video below you can see Cumming talk about this character and the significance of playing a gay male lead; meanwhile, the Instinct episode 1 synopsis below gives you more of a sense as to precisely what is coming on the series:

Dr. Reinhart is a gifted author and university professor living a quiet life teaching psychopathic behavior to packed classes of adoring students. But when tenacious top NYPD detective Lizzie Needham appeals to him to help her catch a serial murderer who is using Dylan’s first book as a tutorial, Dylan is compelled by the case and comes out of retirement. Helping them is Julian Cousins, Dylan’s invaluable CIA comrade who rivals Dylan in brilliance and wit, and can get top-secret dirt on anyone, anywhere, anytime. Lizzie’s boss, Lt. Jasmine Gooden, is glad to see her best detective finally agree to work with someone on a case, since Lizzie has refused any partner since a tragic event one year ago. As Dylan feels reenergized tapping into his old skill set, his husband, Andy, is concerned that Dylan’s breaking their pact about putting away his cloak and dagger for good. Though Dylan and Lizzie initially clash, when it comes to catching killers, they realize they will make an ideal team if they both trust their instincts.

This show is going to hopefully provide a perfect combination of something familiar and yet new; if nothing else, you’re getting a brilliant actor in Alan Cumming on a regular basis and that’s worth the price of admission.

Excited for Instinct episode 1? What are you looking forward to seeing on the series the most? We want to hear some of your thoughts in the comments!

Meanwhile, be sure to also like CarterMatt on Facebook in the event you want some other insight when it comes to the show. (Photo: CBS.)