Nikita – Better than midget porn

Dear Production/Writing/Directing staff of Nikita,

I am sorry. Every time I doubt you … every time I critique you … and every time I believe you forgot the magic that brought us together, you remind me with a glitter-peep-toed vengeance. How did you show your love to me this week? Let me count the ways. [Sentence fragmentation on.] The stiletto doubling as a USB drive? The silk-encased glass ball demolishing a 300-pound assassin? The old school attraction between Nikita and Michael? The new school multi-faceted interactions between Nikita and Percy, Alex and Michael, Nikita and Fletcher, and Alex and Nathan? Matthew Marsden‘s cameo? The return of Gogol? A-MAZING, AWE-INSPIRING, and AWE-SOME. [Sentence fragmentation off.] Thank you, Nikita. This week you gave me the best valentine’s day present ever — good television.

Lovingly,

– A. Nicholson

So what else did I enjoy about this week, other than EVERYTHING?

First off, David Solomon’s directing encompassed the beautiful cinematography of old while making good use of Toronto’s snowy landscape. The opening scene’s slatted brick wall shadows, Nikita and Fletcher’s outdoor stone gazebo meetings, and the various forest/motorcycle snow scenes gave me the visuals I have come to enjoy.

Carlos Coto receives my writing respect. The complicated intertwining relationships made me wonder how he incorporated all without short-sheeting any (not to mention Nikita’s interactions with Voss/Gogol/Percy). Can I say I love Fletcher and Nikita’s interactions? While I don’t feel a romantic connection, Nikita needs someone to watch out for her the way she looks out for Alex, Owen, Michael, Division recruits, and Division targets. Their kisses are less erotic and more like gifts they give when the other seems distraught. I loved that Nikita outsmarted Percy and Gogol’s head because they act like cartoon villains who can’t stop bragging. Also, kudos to Coto for mocking Shane West’s batman voice. On a side note, old school Nikita and Michael? Still hot.

This week I also found myself saying FINALLY a lot. FINALLY, Nikita realizes that she can’t defeat division by acting like them. FINALLY, Percy realizes he can use Nikita’s idealism against her. FINALLY, Alex got some.

Overall, this episode seemed more balanced and focused. Perhaps the return to Nikita as the episode’s driving force helped. Although I viewed this week’s Michael as a dick, I enjoyed Coto’s re-construction of the Nikita handler visiting the boyfriend. Michael definitely did not take the “Uncle Bob” approach. While I’m glad they didn’t drag out Alex’s relationship consummation, considering she went from sexual assault and prostitution to drug addiction to Nikita’s training to Division’s training, I’m surprised that she easily slipped into a physical relationship without flashbacks or negative repercussions.

I enjoyed this week’s Valentine’s Day present and am looking forward to more.

Clacked by An Nicholson
on Feb 12, 2011 @ 20:21 EST5EDT