Intense and brutal, this was a powerful episode that came very close to living up to the masterpiece that was Nikita‘s last episode.The introduction of Brant (who is pure terrifying evil) was an interesting enough choice as he allowed Nikita to further question her past and unleash her inner doubts (and strength). His torture of our heroine was particularly hard to watch as I’ve really grown to love Nikita over the course of the series. It made the scenes uncomfortable to sit through as Maggie just taps into such raw emotion that it’s plain harrowing to watch. Of course, this made the moment in which she broke out of her restraints in a fit of rage all the more satisfying and amazing. But really Maggie Q exhibited such phenomenal range throughout the episode and deserves the utmost praise for her performance. From hopeless and vulnerable to menacing and full or range, she was just sensational.
The introduction of Brant (who is pure terrifying evil) was an interesting enough choice as he allowed Nikita to further question her past and unleash her inner doubts (and strength). His torture of our heroine was particularly hard to watch as I’ve really grown to love Nikita over the course of the series. It made the scenes uncomfortable to sit through as Maggie just taps into such raw emotion that it’s plain harrowing to watch. Of course, this made the moment in which she broke out of her restraints in a fit of rage all the more satisfying and amazing. But really Maggie Q exhibited such phenomenal range throughout the episode and deserves the utmost praise for her performance. From hopeless and vulnerable to menacing and full or range, she was just sensational.
This episode also did something quite impressive; it made me really like Michael for the first time in a long time. Shane West was superb and his chemistry with Maggie Q was off the charts. In fact, both actors were supremely impressive and gave us a handful of touching, poignant, and heartbreaking scenes. I especially loved Michael vowing to help Nikita love herself. It provided the perfect bookend for a haunting hour.
I will however say that the ending was unnecessary with Nikki threatening Percy by phone. It didn’t really add anything to the hour and we could have easily ended with Michael and Nikki’s touching embrace.
Bits & Bullets
– Nikki & Alex racing by the beach together: awesome.
– Sean’s mother getting blown to pieces; didn’t expect that!
– Brant waving at Nikita through a security camera was exceptionally creepy.
– Fantastic flashback to Nikita as a vicious recruit who wants to show Brant that “a woman can hurt him too.” Chilling.
– Very creepy sequence as Brant knocks Nikki out and kidnaps her.
– I hate seeing Nikki suffer and screaming in pain. Not okay, really.
– Very satisfying to see Brant’s broken body after Nikita is done with him in the flashback.
– Percy telling Nikita “there are monsters out there.” Hilarious.
– The look on Nikki’s face when Brant reveals he has Michael. Heartbreaking.
– Nikki snapping at Michael. Calling him a “son of a bitch” for giving himself up. Powerful scene.
– Nikki screaming “NO” as Brant punches Michael and then breaking free from the restraints and going all psycho on him gave me goosebumps.
Nikki Notables
Birkhoff: In a quarter mile, please turn right for out waiting grab-team.
Percy: (To Nikita) You have evil in you.
Nikita: (Brant) I’m sorry I didn’t take out your other eye. And if I’d known you’d be talking me to death, I would have cut out your tongue too.
Nikita: (To Brant) What’s the matter? Did they hurt the poor little psychopath?
Birkhoff: Oh God Percy can’t you just die already?
Percy: Birkhoff I’m not in the mood to talk to children.
Nikita: I have evil inside of me Michael.
Michael: Maybe you do. Maybe that is a part of you. But that is all that it is, a part. It is not all of you. That is what I love… all of you.
Nikita: We’re gonna die.
Michael: Then we die. Together.
Michael: (To Nikita) You don’t love yourself. But that’s okay, I’m willing to teach you.
Conclusion
Wrath is a powerful hour of Nikita that’s incredible on almost every level.
Nad Rating
A-
Nikita and Michael's scene after she tells him he's a stupid son of a bitch for sacrificing himself was incredible. I love the continuity on this show as Nikita mentions that everything Michael's ever done before (including the Cassandra situation) he did because hew as so noble and because he doesn't know how to be selfish. Such a beautiful devastating insight into these characters' mindset. Stunning.
I can't believe even Sean's mother's death was a bit anticlimactic. I hope the show doesn't introduce another “mom” ever again!
And Alex and Nikita on the beach in the opening: priceless!