Surprised to see first part was first (8)
I believe the answer is:
startled
'surprised' is the definition.
('startled' can be similar in meaning to 'surprised')
'first part was first' is the wordplay.
'first' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'part' becomes 'start' ('start' can be a synonym of 'part'**).
'was first' becomes 'led'.
'start'+'led' is 'STARTLED'.
'to see' is the link.
(Other definitions for startled that I've seen before include "Affrighted" , "Caused sudden alarm" , "Stunned, shocked" , "Surprised with fright" , "Frightened or surprised suddenly" .)