This is the best episode of NIKITA so far. Through flashbacks, “Rough Trade” delves into the characters’ beginnings. We get a look at what Nikita and Michael’s relationship was like in the past. And we are given a glimpse of Alex’s life before meeting Nikita. Both are very incendiary stories. Furthermore, we see how the past influences their present actions and lives.
Nikita revisits her first Division mission when she posed as a nanny for government official Victor Han (Russell Wong), who was thought to be dead. She tries to make amends by going after the Red Circle Triad which supposedly instigated the killing. But it turns out that Victor is the Triad boss and is still alive because he made a deal with Percy. Michael begins to question Percy’s motives, and prevents Nikita from being killed by the Triad. Victor is arrested. Back at Division, Alex has a flashback of how her parents were killed, suffering a panic attack while under a car for bomb training. Amanda helps Alex overcome her claustrophobia by putting her in a straitjacket that is controlled by maintaining one’s heart rate.
Amanda is not a person to make mad; she has a device for everything. Does she know that Alex is making up a story because she knows Alex’s background, or is it her freaky sixth sense? The variety of set locations and gimmicks in this episode of Nikita are a nice break from just scenes at Division and Nikita’s lair. The Division scenes always remind me of a comic book with Michael bearing a strong resemblance (in my opinion) to a hardboiled detective. I guess that would make Nikita the femme fatale. Maggie Q is fierce in her nerdy chic outfit, when she deals with the fashion designer. But the wig used to signify “six years ago” isn’t so great. Why does the past always mean ugly hair? However, even with the distracting hair, it is an interesting contrast to see a fresh, vulnerable and less jaded side of Nikita, a Nikita who trusted Michael. Yet she does still consider him a friend. Speaking of Michael, I will end with the question why does Michael owe Percy his life? Is it the same sob story that all the trainees have, or something entirely different?
What are your thoughts on episode 4 “Rough Trade” of Nikita?
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