Ten reasons Nikita should be saved

Liz T is a geek writer, who met her spouse in a comic book writing class. She lives in Los Angeles, where she enjoys freaking out her barrista by changing her order occasionally. You can read her tweets @lizatLAX.

On May 18, the CW will air the season finale of Nikita. That might be the very last episode ever, or it might not. The show will probably not get renewed, but it might. No one knows yet, because no one actually understands how the CW continues to exist with those ratings. But since the renewal decision can’t possibly be based on numbers alone, I have ten reasons why you should watch the last few episodes, buy the DVDs, and encourage the CW by (almost) any means necessary to bring this show back for another season:

1. Great women characters
It’s important to note the plural. This isn’t a show with only one outstanding female character; it has three leading women, in Nikita, Alex and Amanda. They’re all different and in the course of only two seasons they have developed so much. I’m not ready for Nikita’s or Alex’s stories to be over yet; not when we’ve come all this way. Nikita started out as a revenge-driven loner and she’s now a lover and protector, mentor and friend who can still kick ass. Alex has become a strong, confident young woman, who defeated her past. And Amanda? We’ve seen her be cold, we’ve seen her vulnerable; she’s been in command and she’s been defeated. Wouldn’t it be great to see her scheme her way back on top?

2. Great male characters
There’s a trio of greatness there, too: Michael who started as an adversary and has become so much more; Birkhoff the geeky computer tech who found his strength; and Percy, the ever slippery villain.

3. Cinematic action
Even on a shoestring budget this show delivers action set pieces that few others can match. Maggie Q‘s experience and training for film shines, and she demands a commitment to quality in the fight scenes and action sequences from the rest of the cast and crew.

4. Plot twists that don’t forget the characters
The characters make alliances, switch allegiances, seem to switch allegiance, play long cons, and have secrets that make it hard to keep the scoreboard straight. But that’s part of the fun.

5. Rich guest cast
This show has many, many delicious recurring characters in two seasons who need to come back. Several of them look great without their shirts on.

6. Consequences
With great action comes great ethical responsibility. This show never forgets that there are lives at stake, and that those lives include not only the heroes’ lives but those of innocent people as well. (Vampire Diaries, I’m looking at you!)

7. Peta Wilson
If Nikita gets another year, there’s another chance of an appearance by Peta Wilson. And who wants to say no to the idea of two Nikitas fighting side-by-side?

8. Diversity
Nikita has an Asian female lead. Support women of color in leading roles. Support Asian actresses in any role!

9. It’s hot
It’s on the CW, therefore everyone is ridiculously good looking (okay, maybe not Percy, but I’m not here to judge you if you think he’s hot). But it’s also Nikita so they’re actual adults playing adults, not adults playing teenagers.

And if those nine reasons aren’t enough, this should work:

10. The Carrie Diaries may take its place
Save us from vapid young women who live to shop. Save Nikita.

Clacked by Guest Clacker
on Apr 28, 2012 @ 14:40 EST5EDT