While this was definitely a step up over last week, it's still not quite the outstanding quality Nikita has tapped into in the past.
The lack of Amanda (or any consistent antagonistic presence) is really hurting the show. When Melinda Clarke is on, the show is more epic than it's ever been (see Intersection a few weeks ago). But when our villainess disappears, the stories lack a real sense of urgency and excitement.
Although I did like the disturbing twist with Nikki and Michael discovering the kids being trafficked on the plane, the episode's mission wasn't the most thrilling. However, it really got me wondering about Michael's hand. Are they seriously building up to the possibility that he might obtain a regenerated one? That kind of lessens the impact of the whole crisis so I wonder if it's just a red herring. I guess we'll find out soon enough.
The ending was pretty compelling with Ryan bringing in "four" missions from the President as Nikita and the gang realized that it was only "the beginning". It's an ominous conclusion that has me sufficiently excited for the rest of the year. The elements are all there for this season of Nikita to be a great one, let's hope the writers manage to weave them all together into a coherent and satisfying experience. The show did it once last year (the first half of season two was weak while the latter half was spectacular TV) so I'm hoping it will do it again.
Bits & Bullets
- One simple proof why Nikita is better than 90% of the shows out there: our heroine doesn't jump out of bed when she has a nightmare. She merely opens her eyes (suddenly) like the rest of us. Thank you show for not being needlessly dramatic.
- Nikita explaining to Birkhoff how she "grabs" people made me smile.
- Funny touch with Nikki buying the mistress a new life.
- Woohoo, I've missed rogue Nikki. She's been bogged down by partners for too long.
- I got goosebumps when Michael and Alex rushed off to save our heroine.
- Ryan's "how would Percy handle this" was brilliant and so very fitting. Could Mr. Fletcher be turning into the Big Bad anytime soon?
- Maggie Q's delivery of the "yay science" line cracked me up. This woman is a comedic genius.
- Loved Alex shooting Kosta in the forehead like a badass. More action from the princess, please.
- A lot of comedy in this hour. A highlight was Nikki's "got it" as she opened the door and knocked the thug out in the airport.
Nikki Notables
Nikita: Who's this guy, a Bond villain?
Birkhoff: Keep your shirt on, double-0-hottie.
Birkhoff: I gather his plan is: step 1, fly to Kosovo. Step 2, kick ass.
Nikita: I'm sorry if gadgets like the kill chip don't fill me with a sense of wonder.
Nikita: I don't think I'll ever get his screams out of my head.
Doctor: When you see him whole again, you will.
- An engaging hour, but Nikita can do better.
3 out of 5 double-0-hotties.
Previously posted on Nad's Reviews.
I'm intrigued by the idea of Ryan turning Division into what they swore they had left behind. That could really be an interesting dynamic to watch.
ReplyDeleteBirkhoff's "double-o-hottie" line made me laugh out loud. Then, in the same show, we get that awesome scene where he learns how well Ryan can lie. That must be some form of foreshadowing. Ryan as the Big Bad would be amazing.
Though this ep may have less of the thrill we have come to be spoiled with, :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed watching the Birkoff-Nikita banters. (Birkoff's double oh hottie? Hahaha)
I am happy that Nikki's and Mikey's humanity still went beyond their desire for a new hand.
This is what this show's "heart" comes from.
Love our team's team work on this one.
Pros no less in accomplishing the "bad side" of the deal with the President.
I agree with you Nadim; the four new "targets" should be the thrill and action ride we have been waiting for.
Well, we sure do hope so! :)
They really have to bring back Nikita to its strenghts...because like it is now it starts to bore me. I noticed with this episode that I get less invested with every episode at the moment.
ReplyDeleteNikita needs a constatly present big bad that is actually a real threat. And they have to use the characters better. The only character that developed well is Birkhoff. Owen should be in more episodes (he brings the charisma and chemistry that I don't see with Michael) and Alex needs a real storyline.
At least they give Ryan a little bit more edge with this episode and I hope they use it.
Looks like Division 2.0 is heading down the road of 1.0. Will they be able to keep Ryan from turning into Percy?
ReplyDeleteNadim I think this storyline with the hand is going to be more about the lengths Michael or Nikita will go to get it. Did you notice how worried she looked when Michael seemed so determined (read: desperate) at the end to get it? That could lead to dangerous places!
If Division 2.0 starts being really useful to the Prez and CIA head as assassins... do you think they'll ever be allowed to shut down once they've dealt with teh "dirty thirty"? Methinks not! Ryan had better keep hold of those files as his own "black box" leverage against the POTUS!
I enjoyed Nikki in this one and it really had a sense of danger but still, I agree that Nikita has better episodes.
ReplyDelete