| Third Party Ripoff | |||||
| La Femme Nikita | |||||
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| Episode no. |
Season 3 Episode 18 |
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| Directed by | T.J. Scott | ||||
| Written by | Michael Loceff | ||||
| Production code | 317 | ||||
| Original air date | August 1, 1999 | ||||
| Episode guide | |||||
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"Third Party Ripoff" is the eighteenth episode of the third season of La Femme Nikita.
Summary[]
To separate Michael and Nikita once and for all, Madeline drives a “hard wedge” between them. Michael is stripped of his Level Five status, along with all authority as a mission leader. However, on a mission to kidnap a black market arms supplier, Michael takes control when the profile falls apart, and leads the team to success. Now, Michael must decide what is more important to him—his position in Section, or Nikita.
Plot[]
[]
Michael waits in his office at Section One. Nikita knocks and lets herself in to ask about the briefing she was called in for. Michael tells her that there's still time and that he called her in early so they could talk. Nikita steps inside and waits. Michael tells her that they should stay together. Nikita solemnly tells him that she doesn't want that anymore. He notes that she didn't like the way he acted when he was placed in charge of Section One. "You became a different person," she tells Michael. He denies her point by that saying he's the same person playing a different role and that it's something that's essential inside Section. Nikita doesn't care for the rationalization. "I feel the way I feel," she tells him. Michael steps closer. Placing a hand around her waist, Michael rests his temple against Nikita's but she pulls away reluctantly. She exits the office and leaves Michael alone.
Act 1[]
At a breakfast meeting, Madeline and Operations discuss a recent mission in Jakarta and the necessary elimination of an entire team due to infection. Madeline brings up the internal matter of Michael and Nikita's relationship. She still considers it unresolved even though Nikita recently pulled back from Michael. Madeline feels that Michael will persist despite that. Operations suggests that perhaps they should just let the issue go for now. In contrast, Madeline notes that she was going to suggest a hard wedge. She's currently mapping out a behavior strategy to see what mode they should pursue.
Birkoff and Walter are inspecting a piece of equipment in Munitions with great interest. They are interrupted when a young woman named Valerie approaches them to return a unit she'd borrowed from Walter. Seeing Birkoff, Valerie introduces herself as a new profiler. She mentions that later she'll be dropping by Comm and would appreciate a tour. Birkoff and Walter are both instantly smitten with her as they watch her walk away.
Operations leads a gathered team for a briefing. Olivier Velden is a mid level player in black market weapons. Rather than deal with larger networks like HAMAS or Red Cell, he works with startups that are too small to be on Section's radar. Velden has a client list that is their only documentation of those groups. The objective is not the list but to turn Velden and then send him back up. Birkoff says that there's an over seventy percent chance that Velden will be receptive to Section.
At an avant-garde night club, Michael arrives and using discreet Section technology, proves Birkoff with a grid base of the location. When that has been established, Birkoff alerts Nikita that they're ready for her. Dressed in a sparkly, formfitting dress and a short dark wig, Nikita enters the same night club from a different entrance. Birkoff informs her that her target is in one of the back rooms. Nikita heads in that direction. When she encounters a security guard, Nikita tells him that she's looking for Mr. Mills. Nikita is allowed into a private back room. She introduces herself to Mr. Mills, who is lounging on a sofa, as Lisa, a dancer who's there to audition. He wants to see what she's got. Birkoff tells Michael that he's clear "to move up." Nikita starts to dance, giving Mr. Mills the demonstration he asked for. Michael moves out of the main club space and walks down an exterior corridor with less people. Nikita continues to dance to a very entertained Mr. Mills. Now that he and his security guard are fully distracted, Nikita takes out the guard and pulls a gun on Mr. Mills. Nikita tells him that she wants the account numbers that he used to transfer funds out of Olivier Velden's account. Mills refuses. Birkoff tells Nikita that the information is on him. Nikita asks if Section needs Mills. He sobers up when he hears Nikita ask the question. Birkoff tells Nikita that they don't need him. Nikita knocks Mills out and searches him until she finds the PDA with the account numbers. She starts to download the information to Birkoff. As Nikita continues to download the information, Birkoff alerts her that she has two incoming hostiles. She asks for an alternative way out because she still needs an additional twenty seconds, but Birkoff tells her that she'll have to go through them. Michael informs them that he'll cover Nikita. Birkoff tells him no, because he'll be needed to cover egress. Michael refuses. "Send Niles. I'm getting Nikita." Birkoff is quietly concerned by Michael's decision to break position. Michael works his way to Nikita's position. The two hostiles reach her and open fire on her. She seeks cover and returns fire. Nikita takes them out but a third hostile enters the back room. Michael arrives behind him and shoots him before he can locate Nikita. With the threat neutralized, Michael leaves to perform his previously assigned task. Nikita completes the download and leaves as well.
After the mission, Nikita answers a summons to Madeline's office. She asks Nikita if she understands what just happened on her mission. Nikita explains that she hasn't debriefed yet but that it was a "contained dispersion" and that there was an incident at the second mark. "How many times do you think Michael can break position before a team goes down?" Madeline questions. Nikita is taken aback at the question. She says that she didn't ask for his help and suggests Madeline speak with Michael. Madeline asks Nikita if she's ever heard of a Type One Directive. "It's an internal dictum. A decision. Once it's been made, it can't be changed and is always executed. One has has been initiated regarding you and Michael. You two will extricated the personal component from your relationship." Nikita displays poorly concealed shock as Madeline explains the directive to her. She counters Madeline by pointing out that the "personal component" of her relationship with Michael no longer exists. "Michael isn't letting go. You'll have to make him," Madeline orders. Nikita says that she's the wrong person to do that. Madeline disagrees.
Act 2[]
At Nikita's apartment, she sees Michael on the screen of her security monitor. When she opens the door, Michael asks if they talked to her. "Did Madeline suggest you stay away from me?" He asks. Nikita mentions the Type One Directive that was issued. He asks about her response and Nikita tells him that she didn't have one. "They don't want us to be together," he notes and Nikita agrees. Michael asks her what she wants.
It's nighttime and Michael and Nikita are in bed together. Michael is asleep with his arms around Nikita while she lies awake in contemplation. Michael's cell phone rings and he turns over to answer it. He hangs up and his arms go back around Nikita. She asks the time and he says that it's 3:30. He caresses her temple before telling her that they've both been called in.
Walter arrives in Munitions but keeps the gate closed. He walks towards the back and finds Valerie waiting for him. They kiss. Walter expresses concern for meeting in Munitions but Valerie tells them that it's part of the fun of meeting clandestinely. They kiss again until Birkoff calls out to Walter from the entrance. Tearing himself from Valerie, Walter goes to see Birkoff and assist him with the PDA he needs. Birkoff tells him he has to hurry, Walter jokes if Birkoff has a hot date. Birkoff says that he does. Excited, he says that the date is with Valerie that night. After Birkoff leaves, a confused Walter heads back to Valerie. He tells her that he doesn't want to hook up there and would rather do something romantic with her. He suggests dinner that night. Valerie tells him that she can't because she's busy.
At Systems, Birkoff informs the gathered team that the files extracted from Mills were productive. They found three primary accounts, one of which is managed by Velden personally. They're in a bank in Zurich, with an advance team already on site. Nikita asks if it's a grab. Davenport answers her. He says that they're going to tag Velden. From there, they'll plan an end game strategy. Michael asks him why he's running the scenario. Davenport looks slightly confused. He tells Michael that this is his team. Michael then asks why he was called in. "Because you're on it. I thought you knew, Michael. Sorry." Davenport proceeds to tell the team about the mission, including how once Velden is tagged, they'll place two teams on him. They'll determine when he's ready to be brought in.
Nikita meets up with Michael on the way to Van Access. She asks Michael about what's happening. "They put Davenport in charge. It's starting." When Nikita asks why. He tells her that they want to take him down. They walk past Davenport, who closes the door to Van Access.
Birkoff catches up with Walter to inquire about the name of a romantic restaurant by the river that he'd referenced in the past. Walter is dismissive and tells him that he doesn't remember the name but Birkoff presses him because he wants to take someone there that weekend. He shares that things are really working out with Valerie. Annoyed, Walter asks for the date on the weekend and Birkoff tells him that their plans are for Sunday night. Walter questions whether the plans are for Saturday. "No, she has plans. Dinner with a girlfriend," Birkoff tells him. Walter is upset by the alleged plans Valerie has on Saturday. Birkoff is confused by his reaction. "You're the problem! Valerie is going out with me on Saturday night." Birkoff is surprised. Walter tells him that he and Valerie have been spending time together the last two weekends. Apologetic, Birkoff tells him that he didn't know that. "No, of course not! You’ve been so busy with your little techie toys in there, you could even see that there’s something between me and her right underneath your nose," Walter aggressively rants. Birkoff is at a loss of words and apologizes but Walter jumps on that as well. "You should feel sorry for yourself, because you haven’t got the chops to hang onto her." It's enough to push Birkoff and he questions Walter on it. He condescendingly tells Birkoff to take the rejection and step aside for him and Valerie to be together. Walter walks away leaving a dejected Birkoff behind.
Outside Van Access Operations greets the arrival of the team lead by Davenport. He's the first person to step out and Operations questions him about the target and the comm files they acquired. Michael and Nikita follow behind them. Davenport confirms everything and mentions a sample that was brought back for Walter. Operations is pleased with his work and tells him so. "Well, there wasn't that much resistance, sir," Davenport tells him. Operations stops once they reach the main floor of Section One and turns slightly so that Michael can hear him. "That's the sign of a mission well profiled." He gives Michael a pointed look and then walks away. Michael approaches Davenport and asks he wants him to debrief. "Uh, they asked for singulars this time. I'm not sure why," Davenport says apologetic. Michael's face is unemotional. "Yes or no?" Michael asks him calmly. "Yeah, if you don't mind," Davenport says before he walks away, leaving Michael and Nikita alone.
Together they walk towards his office and Nikita asks Michael if he's okay. He tells her that he is. "If that's the game they want to play, I'll play it." Nikita wonders what they're trying to accomplish. "Take away my authority. They think it means something to me," he tells her. "And it doesn't?" Nikita questions. "Not really," he tells her. Nikita asks him about what does. They stop walking and Michael turns to face Nikita. "Whatever I do, I need to do it well. The best I can. That means something to me. Don't worry. Whatever they want to do to me, I can handle." Nikita steps closer to him, but Michael is done with the conversation and walks away. Just before Michael reaches his office he sees trollies of equipment being wheeled inside. Madeline steps out of the space and stops him before he can enter. In the background, Nikita hangs back observing. Michael asks Madeline about what's being done. "Since you're not going to be performing tactical oversight, you won't be needing this space anymore," she informs him. "Where will I be?" Michael asks. "On six, with everyone else." Madeline walks away while Nikita looks concerned about the recent turn of events.
Act 3[]
Walter and Birkoff are having a heated discussion over a computer monitor and how Walter chose to source triggers. "Don't talk down to me, Birkoff. I was sourcing triggers while you were still in short pants and that wasn't very long ago," Walter tells him testily. "Long enough for the world to change and leave you behind," Birkoff remarks back. The continue to argue when Valerie approaches them. They both immediately perk up. When Birkoff asks if she needs help with something, she wonders if she needs a reason to drop by and say hello. She notes that they both appear busy and that she'll see them later.
In Systems, Davenport preps his team. Michael is among them. "Team one will do advance. Take out light security and prep for incoming. Teams two and three will implement the profile. Twelve minute check. Everyone is divided perimeter and backup. We're out in ten," he dismisses everyone and they leave, but Davenport stops Michael before he departs. "I didn't want to say this in front of the team. You're posted at nine," Davenport tells him. "That's backup," Michael points out. "That's where they profiled you," he confirms. Michael leaves without another word.
In a quiet moment together, Michael and Nikita are lounging in a large freestanding bathtub. Nikita reclines against Michael with her eyes closed but Michael is mentally elsewhere as he stares into the distance and absently runs his fingers along Nikita's bare shoulder. Nikita asks if anyone got hurt in the mission he just returned from. "Three down. One loss," he tells her. "How bad were the three?" She asks. "I don't know. I wasn't close enough," Michael replies, reminding her that he's been positioned in a backup position. "Are you thinking the outcome would have been better if you were team lead?" Michael denies it and says that Davenport is capable. "Capable is okay for some missions...others it's not," she counsels. "I don't want to talk about it," Michael tells her somberly and clearly avoiding the issue at hand. "You're not the same. You said this wasn't going to affect you, but it has," Nikita observes. "I'll get over it," he replies, somberly. "Maybe you shouldn't try to. Maybe the job means more to you." They continue to soak together in silence.
Madeline is in her office when Nikita enters. "I want it to stop," Nikita tells her. "I assume you're speaking of Michael," Madeline offers. Nikita says yes. "Well that's a step. You're seeing things from a different perspective and that's good," she observes. "You've created a situation where everyone loses, Madeline. Where do you determine that my relationship with Michael is affecting his performance. By how much? Ten percent? Twelve percent?" Nikita questions somberly. "Actually, just under one and one half percent. Which is unacceptable." Nikita looks on with silent resignation at the small and insignificant amount of drop in Michael's performance that is being blamed on their relationship. "And for that you're willing to sacrifice him all together. Lose everything," Nikita questions. "An operative in Michael's position can cause damage if he's off even a fraction," Madeline adds. "Whatever. It's like I said, he's yours you win," Nikita remarks sadly flippant and turns to leave. "It has to come from him and it has to be his idea, not yours. Otherwise, he'll just resist on principle" Nikita stops at the entrance to Madeline's office. "What are you asking me," she asks. "That he stops loving you," Madeline orders. Nikita asks how she's supposed to do that. "You have to want it to happen."
In Systems, Davenport gives another team briefing about the Velden mission. The team is gathered, including Nikita, Birkoff and Valerie. Michael is present but he stands in the back.
Act 4[]
The Velden mission has commenced. At the train station, Velden's car comes to a stop when approached by a window cleaner. McDaniel, who is positioned on a nearby building, spots the vehicle through a reflection in his sunglasses and reports in. Birkoff requests a visual confirmation of Velden in the car. Once the car moves on, McDaniel turns back towards the street and the window cleaner. With a nod, the window cleaner confirms Velden's presence in the car.
The team arrives back at Section through Van Access. Davenport takes Michael aside and tells him that he couldn't do what Michael did and that he learned a lot. Michael thanks him for his words. After Davenport departs, Nikita emerges from Van Access and asks Michael about his plans. "Let's go home," he tells her and he starts to walk away. "You can’t deny to yourself what happened to day, Michael. You’re a Level Five operative. That’s the only way you can live," Nikita tells him as she walks towards where he had stopped. He tells her that he doesn't want to think about it. “You’re gonna have to, because when you lead missions, we survive,” she counsels. Michael steps closer. "We were on to something," he tells her poignantly. Nikita is pragmatic in her argument. “They're not gonna let this play on for much longer. There's no other way. If we end it now, we can at least...preserve our friendship.” Tears glisten in Nikita's eyes while Michael raises a hand and caresses her eyebrow with his thumb and then the side of her face with the backs of his fingers. Nikita is the one to pull away and devastated she walks away, leaving Michael alone in the hallway, until he leaves in the opposite direction.
In the Perch Operations and Madeline talk. Michael enters and tells them that he wants his status reinstated. "What about you and Nikita?" Operations asks. "It's over," Michael answers, simply. "You know it would be pointless for you to deceive me on this," Operations warns. After Michael acknowledges him, Operations turns and makes an entry on a panel. "Level Five reinstated, effective immediately." Michael turns and leaves, leaving Operations and Madeline alone. Operations wonders out loud if it'll hold. "For now," Madeline notes.
Tag[]
In her apartment, Nikita hears a knock at her front door. When she glances at he security camera, she sees that it's Michael. She opens the door to him and tells him to come. He declines saying that he only came by to tell her something. "We will be together," he promises. He takes a hold of one of her hands and brings it to kiss lips for a kiss. When Michael walks away, Nikita looks after him and smiles softly at his promise.
Cast[]
Main Cast[] |
Special Guest Stars[]
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Episode Quotes[]
- Michael: "We should stay together."
Nikita: "I don't think I want that anymore."
- Michael: (To Nikita) "Did Madeline suggest you stay away from me?"
- Michael: "Whatever I do, I need to do it well. The best I can. That means something to me. Whatever they want to do to me, I can handle."
- Nikita: "You can’t deny to yourself what happened today, Michael. You’re a Level Five operative. That’s the only way you can live."
Michael: “I don’t want to think about it right now.”
Nikita: “You’re gonna have to, because when you lead missions, we survive.”
Michael: (he steps closer to her) "We were on to something. Maybe there's another way"
Nikita: “They're not gonna let this play on for much longer. There's no other way. If we end it now, we can at least...preserve our friendship.”
Music[]
release | Afro Celt Sound System featuring Sinead O' Connor
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