I was pleasantly surprised by this one. What started out as a potentially eye-rolling hour about slave labor and the fashion industry, soon evolved into a complicated hour about trauma and forgiveness.
First off, Michael & Nikita’s relationship is developing perfectly with just the right amount of animosity, suspicion, and enlightenment (for Michael at least). I’m enjoying the fact that she’s opening his eyes to the truth just a little bit more with every episode. Moreover, Maggie Q conveys so much depth and range with every single look. I love how she got forgiven at the end but Maggie Q still played it with a hint of unworthiness. It’s both heroic and heartbreaking.
I also believe a highlight of Nikita are the revelatory scenes between Alex and Amanda. Here, the former reveals her sex-slave past while the latter retains her menacing composure in an utterly compelling manner before executing her sinister plan. And even after the exercise is over, Amanda still suspects Alex which of course is necessary for the plot’s longevity but also further exemplifies just how smart these characters are. Lyndsey Fonseca and Melinda Clarke are just phenomenal together (particularly in later episodes). The fact that the two actresses are such good friends (as evidenced by Lyndsey’s Twitter feed) is just icing on the cake.
Bits & Bullets
– Alex getting an anxiety attack under the car was pretty disturbing.
– I liked Maggie Q and Shane West’s chemistry during that flashback. Her wig on the other hand..
– I think one of the most memorable and beautifully filmed scenes Nikita has ever done is that entire sequence as she exits her vehicle with the baton, frees the slave laborers while kicking their captives’ asses, and then finally setting the factory on fire. Beyond badass.
– So amused by Amanda’s drugged up tea.
– Baby bomb? Horrifyingly genius.
– Love how Amanda straps Alex to a heartbeat-synced straight-jacket. Another innovative yet insanely creepy Division tactic.
– Although I should have, I really didn’t expect Victor to be working with the Red Circle Triad.
– Incredible slow-mo shot of Nikita smashing through the glass with a fire extinguisher.
– Love the juxtaposition of Alex’s fake story to Amanda with flashbacks of the real event.
– The peanut oil lipstick? Utterly brilliant twist that makes perfect sense in hindsight of the allergy we heard of in the flashback.
– Of course Nikita takes out Victor’s gang with her hands in cuffs. God I love her.
– Michael saving Nikita with the sniper rifle is just a kickass moment.
– And how exactly does Michael owe Percy his life? Hmm…
Nikki Notables
Nikita: Be a good slave and tell me the address.
Amanda: We still need to work on your manners.
Alex: Sorry to ruin the whole day-spa vibe you’ve got going on here.
Amanda: (To Alex in a straight-jacket) Do you like it? It’s part of our spring collection.
Victor: So what you makes think you can make a difference in the world?
Nikita: You. In Prison. Being man-raped? That’d be different.
Nikita: I can’t believe I ever thought you were cute.
Victor: I can’t believe I never had my way with you.
Nikita: You couldn’t handle me. Not then, not now.
 Conclusion
The strongest hour yet, Rough Trade is a thrilling and layered hour of Nikta.
Nad Rating
B+
Oh my god, Nikita with that baton freeing the slaves and kicking ass before burning the whole place down is chilling! What a badass, cheerworthy sequence! Wow.
I love what you said about how the show is developing Michael and Nikita's relationship. It's such a compelling part of the show and it's impressive how these two have met in every single episode so far, but each time their exchanges add a little more complexity to their dynamic. I really want to see more flashbacks (without the horrendous Nikita wig though)!
Amanda and Alex's scenes were definitely the highlight this time! The jacket strap that's linked to Alex's heartbeats was crazy and brilliant. And this line killed me “Amanda: (To Alex in a straight-jacket) Do you like it? It's part of our spring collection.”
Can't wait to see more! Really enjoying reading these! I'm so glad you've reviewed every single episode woohooo 😀