In the Season 1 finale of Pretty Hard Cases, Detectives Sam (Meredith MacNeill) and Kelly (Adrienne C. Moore) had wrapped up a massive drug bust and collared big bad Bill (played to perfection by Kim Coates) in the process. And, rather than seeing the pair split up, Kelly was set to join Guns and Gangs meaning—Sam hoped—they would become partners.

That’s exactly what happened, we learn when Pretty Hard Cases returns Wednesday at 9 p.m. on CBC.

In “Pencil Skirts,” written by series co-creator Sherry White, Sam and Kelly take their partnership to new heights when they go undercover as flight attendants to infiltrate a Central American gang’s drug route.

As with the first season of Pretty Hard Cases, the camaraderie between Sam and Kelly is the hook. And, now that they’re partners, that chemistry is even better. As with most second (and third, and fourth, etc.) seasons of a show, the characters are established and the writing is tighter, meaning a smoother ride. Not that Pretty Hard Cases was rough out of the gate, but there’s a groove in Wednesday’s return instalment that is palpable.

There are also some tantalizing peeks at upcoming themes in Season 2. Kelly’s lunch date off the top of “Pencil Skirts” with her estranged sisters hints she’ll be questioning her past relationship decisions and what motherhood might mean to her, Sam and Naz’s relationship moves to a tentative (and, as expected, awkward) next level, and the addition of Rookie Blue‘s Ben Bass as the cost-cutting DS Brad Michaels and Sonja Smits as Sam’s mom, Judy, promise to add verve.

Pretty Hard Cases airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on CBC and CBC Gem.

Image courtesy of CBC.