| Kiss the Past Goodbye | |||||
| La Femme Nikita | |||||
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| Episode no. |
Season 4 Episode 13 |
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| Directed by | Brad Turner | ||||
| Written by | Frederick Rappaport | ||||
| Production code | 413 | ||||
| Original air date | June 25, 2000 | ||||
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"Kiss the Past Goodbye" is the thirteenth episode of the fourth season of La Femme Nikita.
Summary[]
Since the conclusion of Michael's “blood cover” mission with Elena and Adam, Michael has secretly kept tabs on them. When he discovers that a Section operative used, primarily for “valentine op” missions is now in their life, he confronts Operations, who reveals that Elena's uncle is now in charge of the family’s terrorist activities, and Section is attempting to protect her. Unconvinced, Michael takes matters into his own hands.
Plot[]
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A group of children play street hockey in the park. Michael's son Adam is among the boys. Through a pair of high powered recording binoculars, Michael sits in his car and watches. Elena, his blood cover wife, stands on the sidelines with another man. Adam scores and the man enthusiastically runs to him and lifts him into the air in celebration. Michael continues to watch.
Act 1[]
Michael approaches Walter in Munition. Walter asks him how his downtime was. Michael removes the storage disk from the binoculars, places the binoculars on the table and walks away without saying a word. "You're welcome. Nice chatting with ya," Walter deadpans.
Michael approaches Birkoff in Comm. Birkoff tells him to wait while he finishes a download. Michael reaches over and terminates the download. "You're finished," Michael tells him. "I need a complete background on this guy," he adds as he hands Birkoff the storage disk he removed from the binoculars.
Operations gives a mission briefing on Mierta Lupo, Daninsky's replacement in the Vaduz region. Some of her associates include the Pan-African militia, cobra army, and White Liberty. Section believes that the hardware they are tracking is coming from a reserve arsenal, but the location has yet to be ascertained. Lupo's getaway retreat is remote mountain chateau on the outskirts of Zermatt. She's arriving that night for a tryst with her companion. The mission is to extract Lupo for interrogation. Her companion is a Valentine op on deep cover who has been working her for months.
Michael approaches Birkoff for an update on the background. "I'm working that photo through every disclosure program in the system and still came up empty. I realize this is taking longer than expected but the man is a complete cipher. It's almost as though he didn't exist." Michael requests the chip.
At his computer, Michael uploads the chip and loads the images he recorded. He runs his own searches and also come up empty. Nikita enters his office. She informs him that they're in full prep. He thanks her for the update but he continues working.
Nighttime, on the grounds of the mountain chateau during the Lupo mission, Michael traverses the grounds solo. He takes out two exterior guards and continues on his way. He takes out a third guard further along before working his way indoors and takes out the fourth and fifth final guards. In bed, wrapped in bedsheets, Mierta Lupo calls out to her companion. Michael catches her attention when he appears and holds her at gunpoint. Her companion, fresh from a shower and wrapped in a towel exits the bathroom. It's the same man that Michael has been trying to identify, the Valentine op Operations had referred to during the mission briefing. "If only you could have given me another ten minutes," he tells Michael.
At Van Access, Michael, Mierta Lupo, two operatives and the deep cover Valentine op arrive. Operations walks past them and continues on his way. Michael hangs behind and watches Operations proceed past them. "Why was Corliss assigned to Elena and Adam?" Michael asks. Operations stops and tells Michael that it was for their own protection. "Ever since Elena's father was murdered, the remnants of his terrorist organization have been looking for his betrayer. Intel has it that suspicion has fallen on Elena. Corliss was layered into her life as our eyes and ears. That's all you need to know." Michael turns to walks away. "Stay out of it, Michael," Operations calls out. "If you care about the welfare of Elena and Adam." Michael turns and questions, "And you do?" Operations walks away, leaving Michael alone until he too walks away.
In the White Room is Mierta Lupo. Madeline enters and Corliss tells her that she's ready. Corliss exits and comes upon Michael waiting for him. "We need to talk," he tells Corliss. He asks about his profile with Elena and Adam. "Michael, you know better than to ask me that," Corliss tells him. "I'm asking," Michael responds. "Look, I know how you must feel; pulling back from a seven-year blood cover can't be easy. Especially with a child involved. For me this is just a short termer -- nothing personal." Michael tells him that he's seen his work. "You've got to stay detached Michael. It's the only way to do this job. Michael, I realize she's been through hell but I can tell you this much, I'll look out for them just like you did."
Act 2[]
In the Perch, Operations watches footage along with Madeline and Corliss. "Elena's father has been dead for over a year yet his fingerprints are all over these embassy attacks. Whoever's rebuilt his organization has got to be flushed out before he strikes again." He asks where they're with his brother Stefan Vacek. Madeline tells him that there's a 78% chance that he's their prime candidate. She adds that the information Section has leaked has been productively channeled. "So, as far as the terrorist world is concerned Elena set up he father's death." Corliss adds that it's only a matter of time before someone emerges to pay her back. Operations wants Corliss to be there when it happens. Corliss tells Operations that Michael wanted to know his profile. Madeline wants to know what Michael was told. "That I have a job to do. Nothing to get emotional about." Operations tells Corliss to do his job and that they'll attend to Michael.
In a spacious two story home, Corliss tells Adam that he has something for him. After getting Adam to close his eyes, he brings out a hockey stick and then tells him to open them. "It's the same make the pros use," he tells Adam, who immediately begins playing with it. Elena lovingly tells Adam to not play with it in the house. Adam starts to run off but Adam reminds him of his manners. "Thank you, Robert," he says and then runs outside. "You and your gifts. I think you're determined to spoil that boy," Elena tells Corliss. "They say the fastest way to a mother's heart is through her child, What do you say the three of us get away for the weekend? I know this spot by the lake--," he suggests but Elena stops him from proceeding. She explains that Adam is staying at a friend's house and she's having company for dinner that Saturday. Her uncle Stefan is visiting from overseas. Corliss prods for more information. Elena tells him that she hasn't seen her uncle since she was a child and that he too was estranged from her father. Corliss focuses on how the visit will be out of the blue but Elena sees it as a pleasant surprise. She shares that her uncle is a diplomat. "Sounds fascinating. I'd love to meet him," Corliss presses and almost immediately Elena becomes withdrawn, which Corliss picks up on. "I guess I'm just old fashioned," she tells him. "And introducing someone to your family is a big step," he realizes. Elena confirms. "I'm sorry for being so bold. I only thought that..." Elena asks him not to be offended by her rejection. She tells him that she's not ready, yet.
"It's imperative you make that dinner," Madeline tells Corliss in Section. Operations tells him that there's intel that another bombing strike is imminent in Trabzon. He wants hard confirmation that Stefan Vacek has taken over the family business. Corliss is confident that he can persuade Elena to change her mind. "It might be wise to tread delicately with Elena," Madeline tells Operations once Corliss leaves. "If Corliss presses any harder, she could grow suspicious." Operations doesn't want to lose the inside track. "We might have to stimulate Elena's comfort level by introducing a third party to the scenario. Someone Elena trusts who can act as a bridge between her and Corliss." Operations smiles at the scenario. He asks if she has any suggestions and Madeline smiles in return.
Elena walks into her living room hold to cups of tea. Nikita turns from her observation out the window to face her with a smile. "I can't tell you how wonderful it is to see you again, Nikita," Elena tells her. Nikita accepts a cup and apologizes for not calling sooner and mentions that she'd been out of the country. "It's best you didn't. For months I used to let the phone ring and ring, just staring at it like it was a lifeline I couldn't bring myself to reach for." Both women take a seat in the living room. "Well, I'm glad you finally did," Nikita tells her. "I had to. For Adam's sake. It took me a while to forgive myself. If I hadn't been so desperate to see my father, Michael would never have brought him to the hospital," she admits. "Elena, you were so sick," Nikita reminds her. "None of us thought you were going to make it." Elena is noticeably morose. "I made it alright. Only to see my husband and my father murdered by assassins," she sadly tells Nikita who remains silent. Trying to be optimistic, Elena tells Nikita that things are better for her now and shares that she's been seeing someone. Nikita is pleased at the news. "Is it serious?" She asks and Elena mentions that it could be. "So are you going to tell me all about him?" Nikita prompts. "His name is Robert. We met a few months ago at the market. He's tender and thoughtful and patient with me, and he loves children. He's been so good to Adam, so gentle and understanding. The perfect father figure." Nikita smiles at Elena's news and tells her that it's wonderful. "In so many ways, he reminds me of Michael."
Michael enters Madeline's office where she and Operations wait for him. "We're bringing you in on Corliss' assignment...as a consultant," Operations informs him. "We need you to help him get close to Elena," Madeline adds. "We're working on an accelerated clock here. She's having this dinner tonight and he needs to attend. We need you to help him win Elena's trust so she'll invite him," Operations requests. "You have a history with her, Michael. Maybe you could give him some advice on what to say or do to break down her resistance." Michael listens to their words with little outward emotion. "Send him to my office," Michael tells them and he walks out.
"I'm afraid I might have blown it with Robert," Elena confesses to Nikita but she doesn't know what she means. She tells Nikita about her Uncle Stefan's upcoming dinner engagement. "Robert seemed so eager to join us." Nikita guesses that Elena turned him down. "Uncle Stefan's my father's brother. Outside of Adam, he's the only family I have left. Introducing him to Robert would mean accepting our relationship had moved to a deeper, more intimate level." Nikita smiles softly. "It sounds to me like it already has, or at least that's what you want," Nikita suggests. "Elena, it's okay for you to get on with your life. It's okay to be in love again. It's what Michael would want."
Corliss takes a seat in Michael's office. "Madeline said you'd be okay with this. If it's any consolation to you, Elena and Adam mean nothing to me," Corliss tells him. Michael says nothing. "I've been working the kid angle. I just don't know that it's enough." Michael wants to know how. "I've been playing the surrogate. The new dad in his life and he thinks I'm the greatest. Still, I don't seem to be able to close the deal with mom. What's the trick, Michael? You know her better than anyone. How do I get around those wall? Inside her." Michael still says nothing. Corliss' cell phone rings and promptly answers it. It's Elena calling and he instantly softens his voice in greeting. He tells Elena that he's still free tonight. "I'd be happy to have dinner with you and your uncle." He hangs up and comments to Michael that it looked like Nikita did the job. Michael pulls out the security panel from his desk and enters the code to cut off surveillance of his office. Corliss rises and thank Michael for his help. Michael calls his attention. "If something happens to Elena and Adam on your watch, I'll kill you," he calmly threatens. Corliss quickly exits, leaving Michael alone in his office.
Act 3[]
In her bedroom, Nikita finishes getting dressed. She slips on her coat and walks out to find Michael standing by her front door. "I was just about to leave," she tells him before she approaches him. "I'm running surveillance on Elena's dinner," she adds. Michael points out that Elena is being used as bait. Nikita silently considers his words. "Until we have confirmation that Stefan is running his brother's organization, yeah. She's in play." Michael says nothing and so Nikita tries to put the situation into perspective for him. "What did you expect? It's the same way you brought down her father." She lets her words set in and Michael watches her silently. She tries a different approach to reach him. "For what it's worth, Elena and Adam's welfare is my primary concern." Michael is not pleased by the use of Elena and Adam in Section's plans. "If our intel is correct and Stefan smells a trap, they'll be dead by dessert," Michael cautions. Nikita places a hand meant to comfort on his shoulder and then walks around him to exit the apartment. Michael walks out a few seconds later.
Stefan Vacek holds a framed photograph of Michael, Elena and Adam in Elena's living room. "A charming child, Elena. Reminds me of your father when he was Adam's age." He circles around the sofa and joins Elena. "It will be a joy to get to know my nephew." Elena is pleased to hear that. "I know how close you were to your father. It must have been very difficult for you." Elena credits Adam for helping her get through her difficulties. Stefan asks how she's doing financially. She tells him that they're fine and he notes how substantial Salla Vacek's was. "Actually, my husband invested well. Adam could have had his grandfather and his future," Elena adds. Nikita and Birkoff listen in on the conversation while in Comm. Stefan takes the opportunity to offer a toast to Elena's future happiness and signals towards Corliss who had been silently present. Stefan then regretfully says his goodbyes. "Adam will be back tomorrow. Maybe we can all visit you at the consulate," Corliss suggests. Stefan replies that he'll be traveling and leaving the country the follow night. "Traveling home?" Corliss inquires. "No, I have some business to attend to first," he answers. Corliss helps him with his coat and when Stefan drops his keys, Corliss plants a tracker on the floor. "You take good care of my niece, young man," Stefan tells Corliss. "Thank you sir. I will," he replies. When Stefan steps forward to kiss Elena goodbye, he steps on the tracker, which now adheres to the bottom of his shoe.
The tracker is activated and Birkoff confirms they have a line on him. Nikita orders shadow teams to move in.
Elena returns from showing her uncle out. "I think he gave us his blessing," Corliss tells a smiling Elena. He wraps his arms around her waist. "I think he did," she replies and the two of them kiss.
Corliss rounds a corner at Section as he approaches the main floor. Michael enters from an opposite hallway. The two men see each other. Corliss calls out his name to get his attention but Michael walks past him without breaking his stride. Corliss looks at Michael's retreating back with a look of frustration.
"I always figured I got what it takes to be a Valentine op," Walter tells Corliss while he fiddles with something at his workstation. "Why's that?" Corliss asks. "Oh, you know, looks, brains. savoir faire. The whole package." Corliss asks about what held him back. "My problem is, I also have a heart." Corliss looks amused at the subtle dig Walter just took at him. Nikita walks by and Corliss calls out to get her attention.
Act 4[]
Michael walks around the perimeter of Elena's house. He jimmies the lock of the front door and enters. He slowly walks through the living room, taking note of the family photos that feature him. He heads up stairs and walks down the hallway. He passes by Elena's bedroom where she lies asleep with a framed photo of him on her nightstand. From the doorway, he watches her sleep for a moment before he goes in search of Adam's bedroom.
Michael approaches the dying Corliss, who gasps for air against a wall. Michael walks away from him.
Michael arrives at Elena's home and finds the front door open. He glances around before walking inside. He walks into the kitchen to find it empty. There's a television playing the background, two salads served on the kitchen bar along with a glass of water and a glass of milk, bread and cheese on the countertop, and a pot boiling on the stove. Michael heads into the living room and finds it empty. He then walks upstairs and finds one of Adam's stuffed animals abandoned on the floor. He picks it up and begins to check the bedrooms. First Elena's, it's empty and then Adam's, which is also empty. Michael stands alone in his son's empty bedroom and stares at the toy in his hand.
Tag[]
Michael meets with Operations in the Perch. "I thought you should know that Oversight was pleased with the handling of this mission. Despite Corliss being the primary operative, you were given full credit for its success," Operations tells him. Michael thanks him. Operations adds that Birkoff has flushed out the remaining cells of Vacek's organization and by the next day it will no longer exist. "In the meantime, Vacek's body will be recovered in the wreckage of an air crash. His burial will be conducted with full diplomatic honors." Michael takes in the information. "A happy ending for all concerned," Michael says. "Even for Elena and Adam. Yes, Michael, we made them disappear, so you needn't worry about them any longer. In fact, it would be pointless. They'll be out of your reach, out of your life for good."
Michael exits the Perch and walks across the main floor of Section One. Nikita waits for him, standing against a structural column. As Michael approaches, she looks at him sadly and begins to say something but she stalls at a loss for words, Michael places a hand along her upper arms. "It's okay," he tells her softly. He walks away, leaving Nikita by herself.
In his office, Michael sits at his laptop. He watches the home movie footage Elena filmed over a year ago of him and Adam planting a small tree. He silently watches his young son and Elena interacting as well. Eventually, Michael turns off the screen.
Cast[]
Main Cast[] |
Special Guest Stars[]
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Episode Quotes[]
- Michael: "What is your profile?"
Corliss: "My profile?"
Michael: "With Elena and Adam."
Corliss: "Michael, you know better than to ask me that."
Michael: "I'm asking."
Corliss: "Look, I know how you must feel; pulling back from a seven-year blood cover can't be easy. Especially with a child involved. For me this is just a short termer -- nothing personal."
Michael: "I know. I've seen your work."
Corliss: "You've got to stay detached Michael. It's the only way to do this job. Michael, I realize she's been through hell but I can tell you this much, I'll look out for them just like you did."
Music[]
No third party music was licensed for this episode.
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