The Problematic of the Unproblematic

On the one hand, this episode has a strong 24 feel with regards to it's main terrorist plot and the often shown timer racing towards zero. On the other hand, there are a lot of funny moments, when Section's über-serious guys (Michael and, to a lesser degree, Operations) keep clashing with a man-child, who is key to stopping a nuclear detonation. Most importantly, we are reminded again (after "Treason") that Nikita’s "weakness" (aka her humanity) isn't only an annoyance, lowering her efficiency, but can in fact be highly valuable for resolving certain cases.

Michael is shot during a mission and promptly abandoned by Section. Bastards. He struggles to stay alive in a desolate Eastern European country, managing to do so with the help of a kind and brave soul. When all seems lost, two women come to get him after all: Nikita and Madeline. But are they really here for him or something else? This superb episode shows us, once again, how little Section cares about its operatives; but it also shows us a different Michael. One that is far less composed and far more compassionate: Somewhere beneath that cold exterior, a kind heart seems to be beating. 

Nikita keeps dreaming her dream of a normal life, stubbornly believing that she can make it work, despite several warnings from different people. In the end, the awakening from her dream is brutal, and Nikita realizes that her actions have consequences - sometimes for people she cares for deeply. Michael remains a puzzle: is he jealous, is he not? He protects Nikita once more by saving someone's life - and in the end, Nikita probably realizes that he is the only thing in her life that she can care for - at least professionally.

In this episode (Part 1 of 2), something extremely valuable gets stolen from Section. In an attempt to get it back, Nikita gets a taste of normal, boring life - and falls in love with it immediately. Madeline utters a warning, but Nikita doesn't listen. Michael on the other hand is suddenly confronted with the possibility that Nikita might fall in love with another man - and doesn't seem to like it too much. It's hard to tell though. You know: poker face.

Another strong episode, featuring an unforgettable "seduction" scene. Who would have known that doing a finger dance can be so damn erotic?! Nikita is severely tested in this episode and almost makes the mistake of her life (which would certainly have cost her her life), but Michael manages to save her ... by probably destroying every last bit of trust she ever had in him in the process. But isn't it a sign of true love if you are ready to jeopardize a deep friendship (or budding love, even) in order to save a person's life?

Nikita becomes a "full-fledged operative", but life certainly doesn't get easier for her. Again, her compassion gets her into trouble, but this time, she turns her "weakness" into strength and solves a tricky issue for Section almost by herself. There isn't a whole lot of Michael in this episode, and almost no Michael-Nikita, because this episode is ultimately about her emancipation. She is a big girl now. Deal with it, Section!

What is better than Nikita going on an undercover mission? Nikita going on an undercover mission together with Michael! And, on top of that, an undercover mission that requires them to be lovers! This episode is one of the best in Season 1. Interestingly enough, it also was the first episode of the entire series to be filmed. Somebody probably thought: let's give Wilson and Dupuis something sexually charged and sizzling, to make sure they forge a "good" working relationship right away. Hehe, I'm not complaining. Apparently, the script was considered so good that many aspects of it made a reappearance in Season 5 of 24 (yup, the nerve gas season), another Joel Surnow/Robert Cochran smash hit.

Episode 5 is another undercover episode, again with an intriguing pair of baddies, and more parallels to Nikita's old life as a (quasi) motherless street child. Her relationship with Michael remains complicated as sacrifices need to be made - and Section doesn't care who lives and who dies. 

In this episode, Nikita is sent on her first "Valentine Operation" and Section shows its ugly, manipulative (true) self. So does Michael, at least partially ... but I cannot be angry with him for long. He is just too beautiful. And too conflicted. And we know he really is one of the good guys ... or is he not? This is also the episode that, once reached, has sealed your faith: you will now watch this show to the end. For Michael. And for Michael and Nikita. 

This is an episode in which we get a glimpse into Michael's past. We learn that he once loved deeply - and that he might love again. Maybe. At least we now know that he is indeed capable of emotions. Nikita is the strong one, for once, and their bond grows much deeper. This is a mixed bag of an episode - there are some awesome Nikita-Michael scenes, but there also is a lot of questionable writing.

In the second episode, Nikita already goes against Section in order to save an "innocent" childhood friend. She is such a trouble-magnet ... We learn that trusting people isn't anything one should do, especially not in the vile world Nikita lives in. We also learn that Michael lies to Section for her. Hm. interesting.

There is one show that I return to again and again, at least every two years. It is the cult classic La Femme Nikita (1997-2001). I am deeply in love with this show, have been ever since I first watched it, and will be until my last dying breath. On my current re-watch - brought on by my severe disappointment over most of 2013's KDrama - I have realized that nobody seems to have ever properly recapped this drama. Meaning: with screencaps and gifs and a whole lot of squees. But oh man, does this show deserve to be recapped (even though or really because it isn't KDrama)! And oh man, I will so do it. Let's see how far I'll get! La Femme Nikita is based on Luc Bessons film of the same name, at least in its fundamentals (=the basic characters). It is a dark and paranoid spy drama with a noir touch, centered on Nikita (played by the incredibly beautiful and incredibly kick-ass Peta Wilson), who is framed for murder and then taken from a lifetime of prison to work for S...