The core premise and episode plots revolve around chases, infiltrations, ambushes, cover-ups, and personal vendettas. Traditional action-conspiracy storytelling dominates the season, with no race or gender swaps of established characters and no creator statements prioritizing activism over plot. The score of 4 reflects limited but deliberate progressive elements that remain secondary to the genre framework.

Nina Hayes is explicitly written and promoted as the first Black female FBI agent, with co-creator LaToya Morgan conducting targeted research into real 1970s Black agents including Sylvia Mathis to shape her backstory and workplace experiences. Diverse casting for original characters such as Navajo agent Awan (Asivak Koostachin) and other supporting roles appears without clashing against the 1970s Southwest setting. Audience reception shows only minimal backlash beyond isolated viewer comments, confirming that identity elements do not drive the narrative.