Finally Nikita is back on track. This was a stunning return to form and the season’s first near-perfect episode. No more floundering about, no more useless subplots, just straightforward epicness and I couldn’t be more excited.First off, welcome back Amanda. The beast has been unleashed and it’s a joy to behold. I can’t express how happy I
First off, welcome back Amanda. The beast has been unleashed and it’s a joy to behold. I can’t express how happy I was so see her back in her element (in the interrogation room), torturing and abusing Birkhoff which was just terrifying to watch. Melinda Clarke imbues Amanda with such malice and controlled fury that make the character so damn compelling. She’s just the kind of evil the show needs (not Percy’s rambling kind) because you actually fear for our characters’ lives when she’s around.
Moreover, this episode flourished with the emphasis on Nikita & Birkhoff’s fantastic relationship. I didn’t use to like the character much last year, but I’m one of his biggest fans now and this hour cemented that. While Birkhoff almost certainly has a crush on Nikki (which Amanda so sinisterly pointed out), they have such a loving brother-sister dynamic that’s immensely touching. Nikki herself was back on track in this hour. Although her negligence got Birkhoff captured, she also showed just how much he meant to her and I adored their final scene as she kissed him on the head.
Alex also got some excellent material to work with as well. I quite liked her being proactive and deciding to go to Russia. Not only did she save the girls from the corrupt immigration agent, but she’s now more dedicated to her quest than ever.
And finally, Nikita is off to find Owen? The season is finally in full gear and things can only get even more epic now.
Bits & Bullets
– Loved Birkhoff getting a transmitter into the senator’s coffee by flirting with her assistant.
– Cringeworthy dialogue as Birkhoff talks to Nikki about Michael not being there. The episode’s only weak point.
– I quiet enjoyed Amanda arguing with Sean about “protecting his mama” and calling him “a baby boy.” So deliciously evil.
– Birkhoff on comms with Nikki as she infiltrated the Oversight is much more entertaining than Michael.
– Alex pole dancing then kicking ass was pretty cool.
– Fantastic sequence as Nikki runs from Sean on the streets practically barefoot and then hits a policeman with a basketball to ensure her escape.
– Amanda casually taking off her jacket and then viciously smashing Birkhoff’s hand with a hammer was beyond brutal and shocking. God she’s such phenomenal.
– Nikita calling Michael and panicking about “losing Birkhoff” was insanely heartbreaking.
– Amanda screaming “what” like a beast as Sonya interrupts her torture took me aback. She seemed genuinely disappointed. So sick and twisted; I love it.
– Loved Nikki figuring out Sean is the Senator’s son.
– Awesome scene as Alex saves the girls and kills everyone in sight.
– The look on Nikki’s face as she sees a beaten-up Birkhoff for the first time really broke my heart.
– Birkhoff and Nikki’s helicopter escape was such a pleasant surprise.
– Nikki giving an incapacitated Birkhoff the Alex shell program was a brilliant touch.
– Sean using Alex’s watch to keep track of her was an interesting beat to end things on.
Nikki Notables
Birkhoff: It’s amazing how much you’ve already bought with MY money.
Nikita: Not really. I’m a girl.
Amanda: You’re the Shadow-walker, able to break down any system and type 120 words a minute (smash his fingers with a hammer) Now 60.
Birkhoff: (To Amanda) You might as well ask me where Carmen San Diego is bitch because I’m not giving up Nikki.
Amanda: You used to be such a selfish creature. Now you’ve mutated into something quite different. You’re a puzzle Seymour and I’m gonna solve it.
Nikita: (To Birkhoff) You are so worth it. You rule nerd.
Conclusion
Equal parts gripping and touching, this is Nikita‘s first masterpiece of the season. Incredible.
Nad Rating
A-
“Amanda: You're the Shadow-walker, able to break down any system and type 120 words a minute (smash his fingers with a hammer) Now 60.”
THIS just might be my favorite Amanda quote yet!! So deliciously evil! She reminds me of a kickass Victoria Grayson and I LOVE IT!
So much epicness in this hour, really, from Nikita breaking down over the phone with Michael to her heartwarming one-on-one with Birkhoff in the end. It's amazing how Birkhoff is suddenly so likable! I used to detest this character last season.
Alex's subplot was absolutely riveting too. I love that line she says to one of the Russian girls who is worried about starting a new life: “Butterflies are God's proof that we can start a new life”. It's more effective because she says it in Russian (I guess it's hard to sell it in English without seeming cheesy).
Loved the twist in the end with Sean tracking Alex through her father's watch (this show really nails its cliffhangers). And Nikki is off to find Owen?! Woohoooo I'm guessing the second half of the season will be much more awesome then!