Owen and Nikita are no match for Nikita and Michael

While this episode was generations ahead of the first few shows, I’m still on a high from the Nikita-Michael episode two weeks ago and the past two months have spoiled me. If Nikita doesn’t consistently give me awesome hand-to-hand combat, angsty emotions, and lyrical camera shots I throw a hissy fit. However, this episode connected the dots regarding Percy and Jaden.

It’s always interesting when I realize that Percy’s initially evil-seeming actions, have a less evil reason. Evidently, Percy maintains the boxes to save Division from shut down, and not solely as a blackmail tool. On the teen front, I admit I never connected with Jaden. She’s the only character who doesn’t fit into the existing Nikita/Division mythology, but this week I think I understand her better. She’s the only figure who consistently points fingers at Alex’s uber-obvious behavior by asking, “Why are you following that new Division visitor?”; “Why are you leaving the training exercise so suddenly?” and “Why do you keep disappearing for long stretches of time?” If we didn’t have Jaden’s questions, I’d think everyone in this elite, highly secretive operation was butt-crack stupid. Basically, Jaden’s a stand-in for the audience. She’s the only character in the Division horror film warning Alex not to go upstairs. But, on a human character level, her eagerness to send another recruit to the death chamber seems wrong.

Inquiring Questions:

• Regarding the story of the week and what happened within it, would such a small CIA contingent spend so little time discussing a security breach and would they really include a junior analyst in that meeting?
• I’m shocked to see Percy actually do his own dirty laundry. I’m even more shocked that Percy killed his CIA conspirator. I mean, SERIOUSLY?! Is there anyone he WON’T KILL??
• On Owen’s return, did anyone feel like they muted Owen’s character? He fought Nikita tooth and nail before — but now he looks at her with utter adoration. He felt like the lion who, once tamed, loves the one who tamed it. If the two weren’t in mourning, I’d expect them to hook up. Either way, Nikita does need more operatives in and outside of Division. Plus, Devon Sawa has amazing eyes.
• I love that the geeks are simultaneously awkward yet uber-conceited. Did anyone else enjoy Birkhoff and the engineer calling Percy Sauron?

Random Ruminations:

• The reason Nikita keeps kicking Division’s ass is because Percy teaches his people to follow, but they need more free thinkers to bring Nikita down. At the same time, Nikita has her own problems: she can’t stop Alex or Owen from taking risks.
• Three cheers for backstage talent: My hat is off to the stunt coordinator for the awesome towel scene. I tip my cap to the beautiful dark matter monologue from C.I.A. agent, Ryan (Noah Bean, Damages). And, I thank hair, makeup, and wardrobe for styling Jaden’s hair and covering her abs. (Sorry, guys. At least there’s still Hellcats.)

More Spy Rules:

• Women in bathing suits are not unarmed.
• ANYTHING is a weapon in the hands of a spy.
• A towel makes a nifty assault weapon.
• If you create a super-secretive device and your boss suddenly wants to duplicate your job, you will not live to see next week.
• Prisoners pretending sickness really aren’t ill.
• Do not fuck with Percy.

Clacked by An Nicholson
on Dec 03, 2010 @ 09:00 EST5EDT