Synopsis
As with such other series as The X-Files, this is less about single-episode adventuresthan about a long, complex storyline. As a result, I can’t even pretend to understand what the hellis going on here, and so turn the synopsis over to the box copy: “‘You’re one of us now,’Nikita is told. But has she truly abandoned her compassionate nature and become anunquestioning member of the soulless covert organization called Section One? Or has shemastered the group’s knack f…r deceit and cover-up so efficiently that she can beat Section at itsown game?” So there you have it: plenty of action and paranoia, with circles within circles withincircles, and it’s all presented in a highly stylish fashion (in keeping with the aesthetic sensibilityof the original film).
Audio
The 2.0 audio is big and loud, but is also a fairly typical TV production, in that the bulk ofthe surround is taken up by music effects, rather than a particularly impressive sound design. Thedialogue isn’t drowned out by that music, fortunately, and is free of distortion.
Video
This is one of those occasions where the TV transfer is disappointing, and these occasionsseem to happen with depressing regularity. Though the colours are fine, the image itself is a bitsoft. Most damaging, however, is the level of grain, which in some shots is quite severe, to thepoint that it creates the illusion of a dirty print.
Special Features
There is commentary on the opening and closing episodes. Executive consultant JoelSurnow, director Jon Cassar and story editor Michael Loceff handle the first, and Surnow andLoceff alone do the second. The tone is very much of the “didn’t everybody do a great job”variety. Jon Cassar introduces eight deleted scenes scattered about the discs, and there’s a gagreel. The liner notes have helpful episode summaries. The menu’s main screen is scored.
Closing Thoughts
The middling extras would be forgivable, but the picture quality is a real problem. Fansshould be able to get past these issues, though.
Special Features List
- Audio Commentaries
- Deleted Scenes with Director’s Commentary
- Gag Reel
