The episode was written by executive producer Shawn Ryan and Kelly Wheeler, and directed by Adam Arkin.
The series is set in Ocean Beach, San Diego and focuses on ex-cop and recovering alcoholic Hank Dolworth (Donal Logue) and his best friend, former criminal Britt Pollack (Michael Raymond-James), who both decide to open an unlicensed private investigation business.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.667 million household viewers and gained a 0.3/1 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
The episode received extremely positive reviews from critics, who praised the writing, performances, character development and pacing.
He leaves Hank with his physiotherapist, who asks the pair to meet with his nephew Cody (Cameron Monaghan), who needs help recovering $400 stolen from him by a prostitute.
Against Maggie's advice, Hank leans toward telling Gretchen (Kimberly Quinn), as her wedding is approaching — which he still has not responded if he will attend.
Club gave the episode a "B+" grade and wrote, "If you'd described the rudiments of the plot to tonight's Terriers a couple of weeks ago, I don't know that I would've been that amped about it.
The subject matter of each is sensationalistic and inevitably leads to the kind of heated one-to-one confrontations that are more the province of ordinary TV dramas, not Terriers.
Add in a subplot that has Katie learning she's pregnant and you've got a recipe for rank melodrama, not the slyest crime show on the dial.
"[4] James Poniewozik of TIME wrote, "Last week's Terriers post convinced me there's enough interest in the show that I should return to it on the blog.
"[6] Cory Barker of TV Overmind wrote, "Based on my exploration of last week's reviews it seems I was higher on 'Agua Caliente' than most, but that's okay.