While this hour wasn't as atrocious as I remember, it still strayed far too much into soap-opera territory which simply does not suit a show as complex as Nikita.
I just have to get this off my chest: I detested the reveal of Michael having a son. I really don't want to see such melodramatic twists on this show. Moreover, the fact that the episode ends with Nikita faced with the decision of telling Michael or keeping it from him is just too overdone. This isn't The Bold and the Beautiful and there isn't place on Nikita for moronic storylines such as this one.
On the bright side, this episode at least took the time to try and develop Sean a bit after he spent the season's first few hours berating Alex and not doing much else. Here his loyalty was on display as he went to great lengths to save a captured Division agent. And while there was a bit too much talk about "doing the right thing", I at least sort of enjoyed his dynamic with Alex in this one.
Bits & Bullets:
- Nikki's reaction to Michael whoring himself out back in his Division days.
- Amanda threatening Evenchkin to get her agent killed just as Sean and Alex arrive was pretty darn disturbing (and brilliant). Pure delicious evil.
- I was quite amused by Amanda bribing Percy with his suit.
- I liked the fact that we had Sean and Alex infiltrating the party to do one thing, while Nikki and Michael were there for a whole other goal (and interestingly enough the two couples never crossed paths).
- Max's nanny wielding a gun; didn't expect that. And I loved Nikki knocking her out with Max's toy train.
- The actor who plays Max has to be the most irritating child on Earth.
- Cassandra's speech to her speech at the end was also quite painful to watch. Heavy-handed much?
Nikki Notables:
Birkhoff: Jet's ready. Bring your own peanuts.
Alex: (To Sean) Can't remember the last time someone spoke to Amanda like that. Yes I can, it was me.
Amanda: Sometimes you have to sacrifice a pawn to motivate your knights.
Percy: Amazing how easily the chess metaphors come to mind when you're running Division, isn't it?
Birkhoff: You guys really need to learn to turn off your comms. And if this week's General Hospital is over, you might be interested to know that the party has started.
- Soapy and forced, this is Nikita's weakest episode in quite a long time.
2 out of 5 fake presidents.
Previously posted at Nad's Reviews.
I'm right there with you. Child storylines (and actors) are often frustrating and obnoxious. This was no different.
ReplyDeleteI think the writers used a La Femme Nikita twist... LFNMichael also had a son (Adam) who came out of nowhere at the beginning of the third season. Although I do believe LFN pulled it off way better, Michael having a kid draw the storyline and characters to a different direction.
ReplyDeleteBut Michael having a son (Max) didn´t add anything, other than making most of the fans furious and causing Mikita trouble, which giving how much they have on their plate, it´s not really necessary. One thing I really like of this show is how much they avoid soupy formulas.
And it´s always good seeing Amanda and Percy chatting, I loved the bribe thing too.
For me this episode is like Season 1 "The Recruit" counterpart, very weak and possibly my least favorite episode of the season.
Yeah Rebecca it reminded me of "The Recruit" as well.
ReplyDeleteIt's really too bad they did this stupid twist because as you said, the show usually avoids soap-y crap and doesn't create drama just for the sake of it. I think this is the one big misstep they've had so far!
Concerning the LFN twist I´m totally with Rebecca. This story point is so unnecessary and it doesn´t help me to invest in the Michael character.
ReplyDeleteI finf it interesting, how often episode titles in TV have the reference "looking glass", e.g. "Into the Looking Glass" s4e4 LFN. Unfortunately, this Nikita episode wasn´t as great as the LFN episode.
Well, I came on to rant, but I see you've all beaten me to the punch. Bad storyline; bad dilemma; they are capable of so much better. Agree that it's the biggest misstep so far.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this episode was fairly weak and the Cassandra character is not very interesting.
ReplyDelete