Those of you who want to see more “Nikita and Nerd,” you’re in luck.
Tonight’s episode of Nikita, titled “Fair Trade,” is a good examination of what is important to and what is driving most of the show’s recurring characters. Who are the people that are important in Nikita’s life? What does Alex want? What is Sean Pierce all about? And does Birkhoff actually care about more than himself?
These are just a few of the questions answered in the episode, which, despite being a little bit of a departure from the romantic “Mikita” (Nikita/Michael) stories the second season has given us, seems to ramp up the “black box” plot as well as the quest to get closer to Oversight.
Some fantastic character interactions are within, but if anything at all got to me, it is the production value. “Fair Trade” looks really good, with multinational settings despite being filmed in Toronto. (Gotta admit though, one bridge totally looked like the bridge when they were in “London” last season)
As you can tell from the promotional photos below, there are also some uncomfortable moments that show just how sadistic Amanda will be. There were times when I cringed and couldn’t even look… which is probably what they were going for.
Another favorite aspect of “Fair Trade” is that Madeline Pierce, played by Alberta Watson, plays a major role. Watson was basically the equivalent of “Amanda” on the 1990’s La Femme Nikita TV series. I’m pretty sure her casting was not a ratings stunt as I truly believe she was the best actress for the job (and she’s fantastic), but it still has me wanting to see Peta Wilson or others from the show at some point.
There’s not a lot of Percy this week and there’s not a lot of Michael, either… in fact, at one point I wondered if either of them would be showing up. I’m sure that gives both actors some well-deserved time off; but thankfully, it does allow for some more development of other characters. For example, in Season 1, Birkhoff seemed extraneous; this episode shows how much the show needs him, and how much Nikita needs him.
Nikita “Fair Trade” airs at 8PM tonight on The CW. Check it out!
