Walter Clarke, a man of humble origins, becomes New York City's youngest police commissioner at 34. During an interview about his life story, Clarke looks back on his days as a 27-year-old police officer. After a heroic act in which he saves his partner's life, Clarke is promoted to detective. He sets his sights on Homicide and immediately has to deal with rival colleagues. Clarke's new partner is Don Owen, a veteran two years from retirement. Despite Owen feeling like a nanny, Clarke tries his best.