The pace of the first episode (4)

I believe the answer is:

step

'the pace' is the definition.
('step' can be a synonym of 'pace')

'of the first episode' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'STEP' is hidden in the letters of 'first episode'.

(Other definitions for step that I've seen before include "Part of a stairway" , "Footfall" , "Pace; foothold" , "Stage - pace" , "Set foot down on pest" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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