Nikita - Season 1

NIKITA – Season 1

Nikita (Maggie Q)

‘Nikita’ is a spy action drama that follows the journey of the eponymous Nikita (Maggie Q), as she proves that ‘looks can kill’ in her attempts to destroy ‘Division’ -  a rogue covert espionage organisation in addition to the organisation that trained her.

Alex (Lyndsy Fonseca)

This first season of ‘Nikita’ charts Nikita’s efforts to take down the Black Ops unit – Division – with her ‘[wo]man on the inside’ Alex (Lyndsy Fonseca).  Throughout the season the duo attempt to undermine and put an end to Division, whilst thwarting the schemes and plans of Division’s commander, Percy (Xander Berkeley) and having to face-off with one of Division’s best agents, Michael (Shane West), who personally trained Nikita!  In addition, Alex struggles with maintaining her true identity, particularly from the sharp eyes of Amanda, The Inquisitor (Melinda Clarke) – Division’s top interrogator, and Seymour Birkhoff (Aaron Stanford) aka ‘Shadow Walker’, Division’s best computer technician and hacker.

Amanda (Melinda Clarke)

Season one of Nikita features several visually impressive action sequences, from gun fights to fist fights to explosive car chases!  This is made even more exciting by a very high production value,and smart direction, as well as, great costume and set design.  Furthermore, whilst each episode is packed with action, it also contains plenty of story and character development which gives every episode a very progressive feel.  Additionally, there is a lot of suspense from the espionage aspects of the show, which helps keep the viewer completely engaged in the show.  Finally, the season also benefits from some interesting back stories told in the form of flashbacks that help to develop and flesh out its characters.

Michael (Shane West)

Percy (Xander Berkeley)

The writing in this first season of Nikita is of a good standard, though it suffers by being too clichéd and predictable at times.   Similarly, the quality of the acting proves to be inconsistent as well.  Maggie Q, Xander Berkeley, Melinda Clarke, and in particular the very impressive Aaran Stanford, all bring a high standard of acting to the show.  Regrettably, though Lyndsy Fonseca and Shane West leave something to be desired.  Though the scripting and writing provides Fonseca a lot of content and opportunity to develop her character of Alex she really seizes upon this, to make her character anything more than just a ‘pretty face’.  West on the other hand proves a bit more adept at acting, particular in the action scenes, but unless he is shooting a gun or engaged in some form of combat he comes across very wooden, with Michael becoming a very 2 dimensional clichéd character.

Birkhoff (Aaron Stanford)

Overall, though this season has been produced to a very high standard, and features a plethora of high octane action which keeps the viewer engaged and on the edge of their seat.  Moreover, anyone interested in a very good action drama would do well to purchase this first season of ‘Nikita’.

8/10

IMDB: Nikita