The promising pilot episode of the new spy action show “Nikita” falls somewhere between “24” and “Chuck.”
This new series is the fourth version of the (La Femme) Nikita story, based on the two movies and a TV show from the late 90s. The show centers around a rogue agent, Nikita, played by Maggie Q, who sets out to take down Division, the organization that once controlled her. This organization is a part of the government that trains assassins, and Nikita claimed that she was forced to become one.
However, we come to find that Division is a weapon that the country could no longer control. Therefore, Nikita is trying to take out a rogue agency while being rogue herself.
Maggie makes you believe that she is a butt-kicking action heroine, and she doesn’t look half bad either. She also has a soft side. We find out that she fell in love, which is something that people are not supposed to do in her line of work, and the man died.
The show’s creators want viewers to see that she isn’t just some person out for blood; she has heart and wants justice for this corrupt organization.
But aside from Nikita, there was a subplot that was almost as engaging as the main plot. This story line features a young woman named Alex, played by Lyndsy Fonseca from Young and the Restless and Desperate Housewives, who is arrested for robbery, accused of murder, and forced to join division so that she doesn’t go to jail.
Her story allows us to learn a lot about Division and how they operate, including a look into their martial arts and finishing schools. We also learn that they are not very welcoming. Another agent gives Alex a hard time.
We also see more of Division in a subplot that involves Michael, played by Shane West, the agent who trained Nikita and recruited Alex. He works alongside Percy, the head of Division, played by Xander Berkeley from “24″. Berkeley has always been great at issuing demands, and here is no exception, such as when he tries to take out Nikita. Amanda, played by Melinda Clarke from the “O.C.,” is the psychologist who helps turn the recruits into assassins.
I found it interesting that we get to see Nikita as the rogue agent who had left Division, while we also get to see Alex go through the same things that Nikita endured.
Spoiler-alert - There are plenty of great action scenes in this episode, one of which has Nikita taking down two undercover division agents in a bathroom. In another scene, her lipstick is actually a detonator that blows up a car outside of a party, resulting in a great shootout.
The show had me on board, but the ending delivered such a great twist that I am now completely on board with this show. When I found out that this show was on the CW, I got worried because they are always go for who looks good and that does not make good TV. However, this pilot completely changed my mind and I am happy to say that this was a good start to what I hope will be a great series.
College Couch Potato Grade: B
Hey - nice review. I wasn’t completely taken but maybe I’ll give it another try.
Thx for reminding me where I’ve seen these actors before. Twist at the end was good!
I cannot believe they are making another Nikita show! There was one that aired a few years ago that not too many people knew about but it was amazing. It wasn’t about good looks at all either, but more so on the plot and developing the characters. I am going to keep my eye out for the newer version of this now! Thanks for letting us know about this!
I hadnt heard much about this show honestly before the review. I remember that there was an older version of Nikita but not really what it was. However as a fan of Maggie Q, Ive decided based on this that I should probably give it a chance. thanks for the review.
Nice review. Makes me wish I had tv still. Perhaps its time to go hunting online for episodes.
I’ve been debating on watching it or not I think I’ll defiantly Give it a try.