Milestone Monday: USA Network’s “La Femme Nikita”

"La Femme Nikita" (1997) [photo by USA Network]

In the fall of 1995, syndication introduced us to Xena: Warrior Princess, whose courage continues to change the world after 30 years.  Then, on January 13, 1997, USA Network gave us another empowered female in the form of La Femme Nikita.

Based on the 1990 hit foreign film that went passed to the Point of No Return on the big screen in 1993, La Femme Nikita starred Australian actress Peta Wilson (The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) as the titular female protagonist: a homeless young woman living in the streets.  Framed for a crime she didn’t commit, Nikita was sentenced to death – until she was given a second chance thanks to Section One.  The most shadowy, secretive anti-terrorism organization on the planet, Section’s ends may be just – but they are just as ruthless and dangerous as the terrorists they fight.  Becoming their most efficiently lethal, skilled, and deadly operative, Nikita must abide by the rules of Section One – or be canceled.  Not only that, she must also strive to maintain her humanity in order to stay alive.

La Femme Nikita was co-created by Joel Surnow, who went on to create the Emmy-winning real-time thriller 24 with Kiefer Sutherland as counter-terrorism agent Jack Bauer.  The late Alberta Watson, who played Madeline on La Femme Nikita, was a season four regular on 24; she also had a recurring role as Senator Madeline Pierce on Nikita.

When the show later moved to Sunday nights at 10pm after Pacific Blue and Silk StalkingsLa Femme Nikita became USA Network’s highest-rated drama.  The series lasted five seasons and 96 episodes until its cancellation in 2001, but it continues to maintain a devoted following.  In the fall of 2010, the CW aired a reboot entitled Nikita – this time, with Maggie Q in the elite role, as the new Nikita sought revenge and justice against her former employer Division – and redemption for her past.  CW’s Nikita lasted four seasons and 72 episodes until it was canceled in December 2013.

Both La Femme Nikita and Nikita can be found on streaming service Tubi.

video by USA Network

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