134 reviews
I just finished viewing the pilot episode of CW/s "Nikita" and here are my thoughts on it.
1. Despite it being loosely based on the French film "La Femme Nikita" I thought the pilot was good. It had a nice balance between action and character development, but with a lot of teasing moments that are sure to raise to exciting results. I would've liked more exposition and interaction between characters, something that the previous entries in the series had, but the introduction to the main character was good.
2. The action scenes are a lot brutal and violent, showing the dark side of being an assassin and the toll it takes on the human mind and those around to witness such horrific acts. If the violence is any indication of what's in store for Nikita and her world, I can only imagine how dark and disturbing the actions taken by both good and evil will be.
3. It's not a reboot, or sequel to the '90s series, which is a plus(though I also loved that show dearly) and has it's own vibe going for it. The coolness factor is there and has it's own thing as well. I was tense throughout the whole running time, not sure of what's next. And that's a good thing. A real good thing.
4. There's no patriotic cheese being introduced. Doing so would damper the overall dark tone of the story. I love the dark humor. Suits the atmosphere well.
5. It moves at a fast pace, but pauses long enough in order to include some character development and concentrate on the story.
So from the looks of things, Nikita is shaping up to be an awesome series with everything starting to become established so far. Hopefully the show will grow as it's own and be something really special. I'm sure some will say it's not as good as the '90s series, but I for one am looking forward to how this plays out.
1. Despite it being loosely based on the French film "La Femme Nikita" I thought the pilot was good. It had a nice balance between action and character development, but with a lot of teasing moments that are sure to raise to exciting results. I would've liked more exposition and interaction between characters, something that the previous entries in the series had, but the introduction to the main character was good.
2. The action scenes are a lot brutal and violent, showing the dark side of being an assassin and the toll it takes on the human mind and those around to witness such horrific acts. If the violence is any indication of what's in store for Nikita and her world, I can only imagine how dark and disturbing the actions taken by both good and evil will be.
3. It's not a reboot, or sequel to the '90s series, which is a plus(though I also loved that show dearly) and has it's own vibe going for it. The coolness factor is there and has it's own thing as well. I was tense throughout the whole running time, not sure of what's next. And that's a good thing. A real good thing.
4. There's no patriotic cheese being introduced. Doing so would damper the overall dark tone of the story. I love the dark humor. Suits the atmosphere well.
5. It moves at a fast pace, but pauses long enough in order to include some character development and concentrate on the story.
So from the looks of things, Nikita is shaping up to be an awesome series with everything starting to become established so far. Hopefully the show will grow as it's own and be something really special. I'm sure some will say it's not as good as the '90s series, but I for one am looking forward to how this plays out.
- johnnymacbest
- Sep 8, 2010
- Permalink
Maybe not a high intellect show, but lots of action and I like it! I really enjoy seeing Maggie Q's mature and interesting face, which helps make her role as a mentor more believable than if she had some unlined twenty-year-old face.
Her character, Nikita, is very passionate about love, having lost her love in the past. Nikita is always pro- woman, which I like to see on a TV show. She mentors younger women and tries to enlighten and empower women she is involved with along the way.
There is some blood, but it is not overdone. High-tech computers and spy techniques are included, but I would like to see more creative high-tech devices involved in the spy situations. I recommend this show as some light, refreshing, enjoyable spy action!
Her character, Nikita, is very passionate about love, having lost her love in the past. Nikita is always pro- woman, which I like to see on a TV show. She mentors younger women and tries to enlighten and empower women she is involved with along the way.
There is some blood, but it is not overdone. High-tech computers and spy techniques are included, but I would like to see more creative high-tech devices involved in the spy situations. I recommend this show as some light, refreshing, enjoyable spy action!
- nobodyhadthis1
- Oct 7, 2010
- Permalink
I'm really surprised at the negativity directed at this new "Nikita" simply because it's not the old "Nikita". I enjoyed Peta Wilson's Nikita and I enjoyed Maggie Q in this latest version. I think it needs to be taken on it's own merits rather than compared to the original. If your problem is that this is not a frame-by-frame remake of the 1997 version, just Netflix it or buy the DVDs and watch it. (Incidentally, the frame-by-frame remake thing was tried with Hitchcock's "Psycho" and nobody liked it.) Other complaints seem to be about the shows believability, but how does that have anything to do with anything? How believable was "Lost" or "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" or "The Twilight Zone" or any of hundreds of great shows? You could sit there and pick plot holes in all of them if you were determined not to like them. So forget the old "Nikita" for sixty minutes and take this one on it's own merits and I think you'll like it.
- curiosity_71828
- Sep 9, 2010
- Permalink
Wow is all I can say.
I just recently finished watching the first season, and before I started I didn't expect that I would be blown away by this show. But after I started watching it, I got addicted to it and couldn't help but watching all of the 22 episodes of the first season in 2 days.
Maggie Q as Nikita is totally amazing, as is Michael, Alex and all the other roles. The show totally looks like a movie, not just a TV show. It's so entertaining and addictive.
This show definitely deserves much more attention. I can't wait for the new episodes of season 2.
I just recently finished watching the first season, and before I started I didn't expect that I would be blown away by this show. But after I started watching it, I got addicted to it and couldn't help but watching all of the 22 episodes of the first season in 2 days.
Maggie Q as Nikita is totally amazing, as is Michael, Alex and all the other roles. The show totally looks like a movie, not just a TV show. It's so entertaining and addictive.
This show definitely deserves much more attention. I can't wait for the new episodes of season 2.
Nikita, is a different and entertaining new show! I have not seen the original Nikita films or series but I think anyone who bags out this recent edition is being just plain ignorant. I watched the pilot one night when nothing else was on. I came into the show with absolutely no expectations, no idea of the story line and unknown to some of the actors. But I found it as entertaining as ever and if i could give any advice to anyone considering to get into it, that would be "why not?". The show isn't for everyone and if we are being quite honest, it's not a highly intellectual series but it get's the heart racing and is great quality stuff. It is a sensational new drama that actually shows the characters in depth. Each episode you learn more about the characters and each episode literally has you at the edge of your seat! I have a thirst for action and spy-type shows and especially hate it when the fights look fake and are too choreographed to even watch. But let me assure you, this show has some classy action moves that will take your breath away and leave you in shock. So hat's off to Nikita. An enjoyable and quality show.
After having watched all seasons of Fox's "24" series, I began to go through what I jokingly refer to, as "Jack Bauer Withdraw", and was DYING to find another action/ drama/crime show to take it's place, but, I soon discovered that anything I found, wasn't quite "there". What I was looking for? An ongoing story line, that started in the 1st episode of a season, and was resolved at the conclusion of the season. Unfortunately for me, almost NONE of the shows that were recommended to me, just flat out didn't have an ongoing story behind them : (
Then, I found Nikita!
NOT ONLY, does the show HAVE that ongoing, "forward moving" story line, but, much to my surprise, throughout the series, more than a handful of characters from '24', were also in Nikita! I was THRILLED (and still am)! Definitely a recommended TV show to watch, especially for anyone who may be looking for something similar to what I had been looking for..AND FOUND! :)
Then, I found Nikita!
NOT ONLY, does the show HAVE that ongoing, "forward moving" story line, but, much to my surprise, throughout the series, more than a handful of characters from '24', were also in Nikita! I was THRILLED (and still am)! Definitely a recommended TV show to watch, especially for anyone who may be looking for something similar to what I had been looking for..AND FOUND! :)
- tiffany-n-matthew-837
- Feb 6, 2015
- Permalink
Hey guys, After reading a few leading reviews about the show - i was baffled that how could people just jot random buzzwords without considering the excitement and the entertainment factor this new airing provides. So for everyone who says that this show ain't any good - well i strongly disagree.
This show is a perfect blend of the tomboy fetish of viewers with the glamor and storyline. I haven't seen the previous series but i have seen the movie though. And the real truth is - that as a viewer - the show sells. And it does that really well. Nikita is a nice one hour entertainment which provides completeness i once felt in prison break.
Thumbs up!
Bharat Singhvi
This show is a perfect blend of the tomboy fetish of viewers with the glamor and storyline. I haven't seen the previous series but i have seen the movie though. And the real truth is - that as a viewer - the show sells. And it does that really well. Nikita is a nice one hour entertainment which provides completeness i once felt in prison break.
Thumbs up!
Bharat Singhvi
- bharatsinghvi_1988
- Nov 6, 2010
- Permalink
I never really new what Nikita was about and when it 1st came out i did'NT really think any think of it but i started to watch it in 2016 and thought i would give it a go and i have to say can't believe that i waited so long this is the great show ever and i don't think any other show will be any good after watching this and I'm in love with the show and don't mind re-watching it again thats how good it is. Can't believe that i didn't watch the show before when it was realised but now i have finished watching all the seasons i really want to watch it again and don't know what to watch after watching Nikita.
P.S Haven't watched the show go and watch it you wont be disappointed trust me.
This is the 1st review that i have written on IMDb and i'm glad that i did.
P.S Haven't watched the show go and watch it you wont be disappointed trust me.
This is the 1st review that i have written on IMDb and i'm glad that i did.
- nikki_kaur-17939
- Mar 16, 2016
- Permalink
I loved this series. It had it all, mystery, action, politics, romance, everything. Though the last seasons weren't as good as the first ones, as the story changed and now didn't focus one Alex and Nikita, but it was still good. Overall, I would highly recommend this tv show.
- PennyReviews
- Oct 14, 2018
- Permalink
I have to say, I saw the adds for it and thought "woah this is something different" yet I never watched the first episode. Only on a Thursday night when nothing was on TV did I decide to take a look. And I was impressed. I've continually watched it for 9 weeks afterwards and never fail to miss an episode, if there's a party or disco on on a Thursday night, I won't go. Though I am slightly depressed there are only 2 episodes left of season 1 for me to watch, and I hope that CW pick up from the awesomeness of this show and make a season 2. Maggie Q is a great Nikita, and Shane West is a great Michael, even the little roles such as Jaden, Thom and every other minor has been cast perfectly, and it's a great script. WATCH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- ShannonCharmedone
- Dec 11, 2010
- Permalink
Adapted from the, I'm going with the original 1990 film " Le Femme Nikita", this is a great series for it's genre. Great direction, writing, cinematography and acting. The entire cast delivers excellent performances but in particular Maggie Q stands out. Her magnificent acting carries the show. The main plot is a former assassin for a secret government agency called the Division is seeking vengeance against her former employer. Her goal is to expose and destroy the Division as well as save the new young recruits from her fate. She does this with the help of former loyalists and a protege she has already saved and is on the inside. The subplots involve foiling current objectives the Division is working on. The show is clever, action packed, thrilling and has plenty of twists. It is one of the better series and even movies in this genre. It's a captivating series that remains memorable for this viewer.
I used to be a fan of the original series and picked up this remake pretty late,only in 2016. So overall i did find it to be much more than i expected. Most of all I find the screenplay impressive and that unlike most American TV shows, the characters and the atmosphere in this one is actually quite believable. What most contributes to this is the characters speaking Russian where it matters....you see, most US shows just leave you to believe that English is the mother tongue for Martians, while this one gets you to believe that Americans actually do speak another language. Whilst it isn't perfect, that contributes to the overall atmosphere of the show and the usual action and suspense.
So yes, I really loved this show and would definitely recommend it.
So yes, I really loved this show and would definitely recommend it.
I don't understand why this show was canceled.
It was a really good tv show. I couldn't stop watching it.
Again Maggie Q's performance is awesome. I just love this woman...
You want to watch a good tv show watch this one. You won't regret it.
- BlakeRsanchez83
- Mar 31, 2018
- Permalink
This is a GREAT show! It is very entertaining and never gets boring. It is underrated and it was not promoted the way it deserved to be. I would have never found out about it if I didn't come across it on Netflix. Disappointed that it ended but glad it ended well. Even more disappointing that such a great show is over and many shows that are not worth watching continue. I definitely recommend this show to everyone. I hope a lot of people discover it and tell others about it so it will never be forgotten. I know I won't ever forget about it as it is one of my favorite shows and that's that I am kind of picky. Good luck to the cast. They did an amazing job!
- llopez_0507
- Dec 30, 2013
- Permalink
Best show in history. finally we have a woman is the leading role, and Action TV show .
Love Maggie Q and Lyndsey F and Shane west, Really good actress and actor. Maggie Q do her own stunts is amazing.she can really fight.
When I started watching the show,I was hooked. Love the story, this is a show bayou can't stop watching, because you have to now, what is going to happen in the next episode, the show is also funny to, but is a lot of action. is amazing. I wish was more season of it. And I hope they can make a new ones.
Maybe a movie or renew season, that's will be so cool.
PLEASE BRING BACK NIKITA BACK
Love Maggie Q and Lyndsey F and Shane west, Really good actress and actor. Maggie Q do her own stunts is amazing.she can really fight.
When I started watching the show,I was hooked. Love the story, this is a show bayou can't stop watching, because you have to now, what is going to happen in the next episode, the show is also funny to, but is a lot of action. is amazing. I wish was more season of it. And I hope they can make a new ones.
Maybe a movie or renew season, that's will be so cool.
PLEASE BRING BACK NIKITA BACK
- gilmoregirls321
- Jun 11, 2017
- Permalink
- olafreinhardweyer-1
- Apr 18, 2012
- Permalink
'Nikita' is a fast moving, action packed series that garners glimpses of the back-stories and personalities of pertinent characters. This PG-13 conspiracy thriller surprises, mysteriously holds back, and smoothly slips snippets of dry humor into unexpected moments. Nikita operates from a damaged but determined and focused point of view. This is a strong woman who does not depend on her sexuality, but who is also not averse to pulling it out of her bag of tricks as a means to an end. She will bring these bastions down! She once was one of them, and retains slightly mixed affections towards certain individuals, but that will not stop her quest. Those affections go both ways. Will Michael(her ex-handler), or will he not, turn and aid her in her objective? On the other hand, might one of them kill the other? Alex, embedded within the enemy's lair, is Nikita's loyal cohort, collaborating in the ultimate conspiracy to tear down this gargantuan abuse of government power. Xander Berkeley embodies soul-less evil as Percy, the Director. Furthermore, the lovely psychiatrist, employed by Percy, is also the interrogator/ torturer. Hmmm
? The story is just complicated enough to keep it very interesting. This is a new Nikita, not a remake. Watch and enjoy! 10/07/2010
I started watching this show when it first came out, because I wanted to hate it. I know that sounds perverse, but I loved the original French La Femme Nikita and everything that's come after has just annoyed me.
I watched episode 1 and 2, got my requisite fix of hate, and wrote the show off. But I forgot to cancel my DVR subscription. A while later, I had a cold or something and was lying on the couch miserable and went through everything I had saved on the DVR.
I watched every episode of Nikita I had (I think it was up to episode 9 or so) and then I REALLY hated the writers. How could they leave me with such a cliffhanger? There had to be just one.more.episode. Right? Right??
Suddenly I cared about the characters, the story was gripping and intriguing and twisty-turny in the best possible (read: non-cliché) way, and the actors had all gelled with each other in a fantastic amalgam.
These days, somehow, Nikita has become my only 'must watch' show. And I'm still not sure how that happened...
I watched episode 1 and 2, got my requisite fix of hate, and wrote the show off. But I forgot to cancel my DVR subscription. A while later, I had a cold or something and was lying on the couch miserable and went through everything I had saved on the DVR.
I watched every episode of Nikita I had (I think it was up to episode 9 or so) and then I REALLY hated the writers. How could they leave me with such a cliffhanger? There had to be just one.more.episode. Right? Right??
Suddenly I cared about the characters, the story was gripping and intriguing and twisty-turny in the best possible (read: non-cliché) way, and the actors had all gelled with each other in a fantastic amalgam.
These days, somehow, Nikita has become my only 'must watch' show. And I'm still not sure how that happened...
- penelope_baker
- Dec 3, 2011
- Permalink
A wonderful series, but when you see how they act, with love, dishonesty. The way they keep things hidden from everyone, all these so-called agents would have been dead before it all started. I know it's a series, but all these agents make way too many mistakes, so many mistakes that they come across as amateurs, which in turn had led to a quick death. Percival was right about one thing. A relationship for a secret agent is very unfavorable, especially considering that you can give enemy agents an unfortunate advantage. Just about everyone became a couple in this series, which suggests that it wouldn't have worked in the real world. At least they had kept it more hidden.
- oyvindaaro-61137
- Jan 7, 2023
- Permalink
While the original La Femme Nikita was iconic, stylish, visceral and character driven, the current Nikita franchise seems only to work as a venue to sell clothes, hot bodies, interior design, guns and fancy cars. The producers seem to have neglected perfume and food.
The show doesn't explore anything in any meaningful manner. The plots are cartoon-ish, the characters' motivations are shallow and flat. The whole product appears insubstantial and humorless at the acting, writing, and directorial levels.
Luc Besson's La Femme Nikita was an exceptionally memorable character. Nikita works at the level of another deeply inspiring heroine, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: Lisbeth Salander. They are powerful characters because of their heroic journeys to discover how to be a good human being against all odds. Their journeys are epic because they surgically expose every layer of moral and social ambiguity they encounter.
The previous La Femme Nikita TV series managed to be stylish, sexy, character driven, and addressed, at its heart, the ambiguities of choices. Though some of the episodes seemed haphazardly thrown together, others were brilliant. Style was abundantly displayed but it supported the substance, not usurped it.
What this Nikita franchise does is it sells make-up for the dysfunctional world. It displays merchandise on the props of stylized social horrors and standard issue plot lines. Depth and truthful acting is replaced by a fast-paced sales catalog of clichés and modeling poses.
The show doesn't explore anything in any meaningful manner. The plots are cartoon-ish, the characters' motivations are shallow and flat. The whole product appears insubstantial and humorless at the acting, writing, and directorial levels.
Luc Besson's La Femme Nikita was an exceptionally memorable character. Nikita works at the level of another deeply inspiring heroine, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: Lisbeth Salander. They are powerful characters because of their heroic journeys to discover how to be a good human being against all odds. Their journeys are epic because they surgically expose every layer of moral and social ambiguity they encounter.
The previous La Femme Nikita TV series managed to be stylish, sexy, character driven, and addressed, at its heart, the ambiguities of choices. Though some of the episodes seemed haphazardly thrown together, others were brilliant. Style was abundantly displayed but it supported the substance, not usurped it.
What this Nikita franchise does is it sells make-up for the dysfunctional world. It displays merchandise on the props of stylized social horrors and standard issue plot lines. Depth and truthful acting is replaced by a fast-paced sales catalog of clichés and modeling poses.