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Nikita: The Sword's Edge

"Uzbekistan's army, how big is it? Because you're going to need every last man to stop me from getting you."

While there's a very big possibility that Nikita doesn't last another season, I have to say that if this is the show's final year, there's a very satisfying thematic throughline for the show: Division's current status quo and what that says about our heroine.

The Dirty 30 (and Amanda) might seem like the season's main villains, but this episode more than ever, made clear that the President and the United States government are the true antagonists. I can totally see Division under attack by the finale and that's a very exciting prospect indeed.

The President's threats also allowed us a great deal of insight into Nikita and Ryan's newly formed dynamic. I love that Nikita and the gang reacted very realistically to Ryan's secret: they were angry at first, but then came to realize the necessity of his decision. The stakes have been elevated and I can't wait to see Team Nikita balance all the various elements at play (particularly with Amanda's machinations presiding over everything).

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about Alex and Owen. I've been hearing a lot of chatter over these two lately (apparently a large part of the fandom wants them together) and I can see why. They're both severely damaged agents with matching butterfly tattoos to boot (an amusing touch). But where does this leave Sean? He's been a non-presence this season and this hour didn't help matters. Is this the beginning of a new love triangle? I guess we'll find out soon enough.

Bits & Bullets

- Cool opening with a brutal interrogator being revealed as a President and Division agent. At least they're getting creative with the Dirty 30.

- Nikita hopping and rolling off the glider was very Batman.

- Are we just supposed to forget the fact that Alex started using drugs again last week?

- The grenade in the mouth was beyond epic. The show constantly finds news ways to surprise me.

- The explosion in Medical was a cool action moment.

- Love that Amanda is still messing with the team even when she's not around.

- Nikita realizing that maybe they can never change was a very poignant moment.

- Nikita's smile after Owen apologized for killing Julia was a great moment for her. She's proud of him isn't she?

- The masks were very Mission Impossible. Funny coincidence, Maggie Q was in that series' third outing with a whole lot of mask hijinks.

- How is Division connected to the White House in an underground tunnel? Weren't we lead to believe that the Division base was in the middle of nowhere? This better be clarified soon.

- The White House craziness with the switch and fight were just insane.

- It would have been cool for Michael to go undercover for a few weeks. The switch was a bit too easy.

Nikki Notables

Birkhoff: I'm just gonna say it: there are lots of brands of decaf that are just as tasty as the real thing. I say we make the switch.

Markov: You stupid bitch. Do you even know what you've done?
Nikita: Taking a murdering psychopath with delusions of grandeur out of commission? Am I in the ballpark?

Birkhoff: Yes Birkhoff, good job Birkhoff.
Nikita: Shut up Birkhoff.

Owen: Gas attacks, explosions. I was safer in a Russian prison.

Birkhoff: Might be a few side effects though. The entire country is going to be without internet for a couple of days. Possibly Afghanistan.

- An exciting and intriguing hour from a very solid season of Nikita.

3.5 out of 5 butterfly tattoos.

Previously posted at Nad's Reviews.

6 comments:

  1. Like you, I really like the idea of the US Government as this season's Big Bad. It fits and it would lead to a very satisfying conclusion to the series, hopefully with our heroes riding off into the sunset.

    I like the idea of Alex and Owen. They somehow seem to fit better than Alex and Sean.

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  2. The US Governement as the Big Bad is definitely an interesting idea! Ever since we heard about the kill order I get bad vibes whenever the Prez talks... I think she has no intention of letting the Division agents live. Once they've taken down the Dirty 30 they're dead...

    Nikita will save the day! Somehow... ;o)

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  3. I like that Ryan came clean with the Team on the "gun on our heads" scheme with the President.
    With Ryan's trip tp the White House, they could have at least used some kind of transport in getting there. I agree with you Nadim about this. The location of Division's cave seemed to have not changed. Continuity, writers, continuity, please!
    Owen and Alex? Hmmm... If this continues, Sean has to go. And where is Sean, btw?
    Truly wish Nikita will be renewed for another season. If they begin having special White House missions, there is a possibility....
    Nice dissecting, Nadim. :)

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  4. There's no underground tunnel connecting the two. Division's in Jersey, just like it always has been. The entrance to the White House tunnels is above ground and at considerable remove. You're right though, they could've been a touch clearer.

    I'm warming up to the idea of Alex and Owen. At first I was a bit weirded out by the age gap, but then it occurred to me that there were thirteen years between my parents - so who am I to judge? Anyway, I've never thought much of Sean. A bit too Captain America. Bring on Olex, says I. :)

    I'm missing Percy (as I expected to), but I think I actually miss Roan more. Team Nikita could really use an ongoing physical threat. As badass as they are, I loved that there was someone from whom even THEY simply had to run.

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  5. Excellent point of Roan. You're so right. Amanda's new girl just doesn't cut it YET.

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  6. I liked this episode, although I agree that the swicth was way too easy and a bit underdeveloped.
    The Owen plot was good too.

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