Game Changer: Amanda’s Working with Ari, Nikita “Clean Sweep” 

Not only do I love that Nikita was able to convince Sean to come over to her side, but I like that she’s basically got Senator Pierce in her pocket too. Now that’s a gross oversimplification, of course, but I like that they’re all sort of on the same team now. I have to admit I’m glad Percy’s still alive. I loved all those horrible things he and Amanda said to each other over the past two episodes and I’m really looking forward to their next encounter. But the most surprising thing for me was the reveal of Amanda’s partner in crime.

I love Peter Outerbridge‘s Ari Tasarov and I’m so glad Amanda’s working with him. Well, maybe glad is the wrong word. I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of damage they will cause. It’ll make for some great drama. Not only has Senator Pierce lost control of Amanda and as a result Division, but she has no idea Amanda’s working with anyone. Once Amanda and Tasarov get Alex to take Semak out, there’s no limit to what they can do. There’s no way they’ll let Alex control the Udinov empire – it’s too important. But how do they think they can wrest control from Alex if Nikita’s still alive? They don’t. With Nikita on both Percy and Amanda’s hit lists, she may want to start worrying about staying alive. Just because Senator Pierce says she can get Nikita and her team a presidential pardon doesn’t mean her job is done. She’s still got to protect the world from people like Amanda and Percy and Tasarov who think they can do whatever they want. As long as people like them are around, Nikita’s mission will never really be over. Wow. I really didn’t mean to take that to such a dark place. But it’s true.

Other thoughts:

• The best line of the night belongs to Amanda who’s trying to convince Percy to take the deal she’s just offered him:

“You taught me a good negotiation is one in which both parties leave slightly disappointed. You get to live which is disappointing to me. I remain in control of Division which is disappointing to you.”

• The second best line of the night belongs to Birkhoff. He’s got great lines in every episode, but I really liked seeing his genuine concern for Alex after she confronts a rogue Roan:

“Holy crap you’re alive. I thought the Terminator got you.”

• I know Roan’s a bad guy. He seriously scares me but I like that he got away. Percy needs someone who’s loyal to him to help him carry out his payback. And I have to admit I want to see what Percy does with Roan by his side.

• I love what’s going on with Alex and Sean but I’m finding it so hard to keep my shipping under control. I actually like that their relationship’s on slow burn and I think it’s necessary, especially since Sean started this out of deception and Alex has too much revenge on the brain to want anything serious. But, it would be nice to see a little more than lingering looks. I’m just saying.

• Even with a gun to his head and a pissed off Nikita in his face, Percy still knows how to mess with someone’s head. He’s determined to break Michael and Nikita up by introducing some doubt into the equation and I think he does a great job.

“I understood your quest for vengeance, retribution for your fiance. Do you two talk much about Daniel? Must be a little awkward since you knew about the kill order and didn’t warn her.”

But he’s not done yet

“Owen told me the truth about Daniel.” “But does Michael know the truth about Owen? See, that’s the look that tells me everything I need to know.”

They’re already on shaky ground and Percy’s attempts to plant doubt in each of their minds about the other isn’t helping. I believe in them. I think – eventually – they’ll be in a better place.

Nikita airs Fridays at 8/7c on The CW.