3 was where they all started to connect everything no? 1 & 2 worked well as standalone seasons more or less, but 3 started to drop in them all being connected and it's been about that ever since really, any time they try and sell any of the 3 leads as bent... I find it hard to buy though, but kinda let it go as I'm hoping none of them actually are, they'd want you to believe it.... yet at the same time, remember the past 5 seasons, it wouldn't add up.
I find it mad Ryan's a rozzer, look how easy Steve found his history in the newest ep. I'm pretty certain most people know how strenuous the application process is.... and this isn't exactly based not in the modern age. Oh well.
It's still good viewing, and being only 6-7 episodes helps that massively, but 1-2 are pretty different shows to 3-6.... but that's generally what happens with success.