'Nikita' has been in reruns for three weeks, and used tonight's return episode 'Dark Matter' not only to bring old viewers up to speed, but it also served as a pretty decent pilot for anyone tuning in for the first time. Indeed, nearly everything outside of Division itself served as an unofficial re-launch of the show's primary focus. Whereas early episodes featured Missions of the Week coupled with Alex's gradual infiltration of Division, the show has now given Nikita herself 1) a new overall mission, 2) a new partner, and 3) a new inside contact/potential romantic interest. Not a bad way to return from hiatus.
In fact, it's safe to say this was the strongest episode of the show to date. More happened in the first seven minutes than seemingly happened in the first seven episodes, giving the show a sense of urgency it didn't have in the early goings. Sure, the show almost always featured a great action set piece or two, but in terms of actually pushing the story forward in a feverish manner, it came up woefully short. Part of that has to do with the nature of a show like 'Nikita': it has an overall goal (Nikita brings down Division) but doesn't have an established end date. As with most shows with an open-ended run, it can occasionally tread water lest it burn too many narrative bridges along the way.