The thing I’ve enjoyed most about Nikita over the course of its two seasons (and don’t worry, no spoilers for future eppies here) is the fact that the writers never insult our intelligence as viewers. They ask the obvious questions and they tackle head-on any inconsistencies or plot points that other shows would shrug under the rug.
The fact that Nikki had planted a bug in Birkhoff’s tooth as a decoy could have been easily stretched out for around half a season as a deux ex machina to be used whenever convenient. However, the writers choose to unveil this plot point quite early, effectively forcing Nikita and Alex to find some other diversionary tactic to distract Division. Not only does this development succeed in making us worry over Alex’s safety, but it avoids portraying Percy and his crew as a gang of bumbling idiots. Impressive.
Unfortunately, the rest of the episode was not as exciting. In fact, it was again much too standalone for my tastes. I appreciated the fact that Jill was painted with more than one dimension (the amusing overeating comes to mind) but I still didn’t find myself terribly caught up in her ordeal. Thankfully, Nikita’s continued awesomeness and Alex’s resourcefulness more than made up for any shortcomings in this week’s mission.
Bits & Bullets
– Absolutely loved Alex instigating a fight with Jayden and getting her ass kicked just so she could get a look inside Operations. Genius.
– Nikita taking out the van with that shotgun? I’ve died and gone to badass heaven.
– Maggie Q is beyond hilarious as an undercover bimbo whining about her boyfriend. I wish they gave her more aliases to take on.
– The coffee-shop fight was swift and oh so very cool.
– Loved how Alex unknowingly helped Division get to Nikita. And of course her cunningly using Red Bull to save the day.
– Michael vs Nikita is the show’s first great one-on-one fight scene. It’s stunningly choreographed culminating with our heroine breaking her own arm to escape. Superb.
– Fantastic ending as Nikki swipes the recorder from Jill with a hug, smashes it with her heel, and sexily struts away.
Nikki Notables
Amanda: I believe that you believe that Birkhoff.
Birkhoff: Great, psychobabble. How much are you charging for this session?
Nikita: How do you know it was cocaine?
College kid: Either that or someone was about to bake a really big cake.
Percy: Last thing we need is another recruit discovering their inner Nikita.
Conclusion
In the end, this was an enjoyable hour that managed to overcome an average standalone plot with some intelligent long-term developments.
Nad Rating
B-
I remember liking Jill a lot, and hoped she would come back at some point. But I guess Nikita didn't need another young female ally, what with Alex hanging around.
Great seeing you write these new ones, buddy.
Thank you Max!
I agree with Max, I really liked Jill. I'm a huge Julie Gonzalo and she really made Jill seem like more than a once off guest spot.
I really like what you said about the show never insulting our intelligence. I'm up to 2.15, and it's never left any stone un-turned.
You know when I wrote that line, I was mostly referring to season two where it is SO evident. They really address EVERYTHING there and leave no stone un-turned as you said. Utterly brilliant. Can't wait till you're done with the season. I hope you're reading my reviews as they got very detailed towards the end. “Power” in particular is my favorite.
I too am so impressed how this show doesn't insult our intelligence! The fact that Percy immediately thought of Birkhoff after knowing there might be a mole is very realistic, considering Nikita had Birkhoff captured in the pilot. I was stunned that the writers addressed that instead of having everyone in Division simply wondering who the mole might be. But not enough Amanda in this one! Boo!
I didn't mind Jill so much (as long as she doesn't return anytime soon lol) but that fight with Nikita and Michael: WOWWW! One of the BEST hand-to-hand fight scenes I've seen in a while. And Nikita breaking her own arm: ouch! I'm in love with Maggie Q now, especially after seeing her with that shotgun. Super cool.
So far the pilot is my favorite but this one had a fantastic scene when Alex unknowingly helped Division get to Nikita. Such a great twist!