Spoilers

This aptly-named, head-spinningly fast-paced episode depicts all kinds of rats.

In this penultimate episode, the show careens pell mell toward the finale. Amidst the pandemonium, we get the astrological rat, a computer rat, and people ratting-each-other out rats. As expected, things look especially bleak at the beginning, what with all our characters in dire straights in the aftermath of the international biological attacks and the kidnapping.

Both Chuck and Shaw show great heroism. Chuck demonstrates courage in the face of his abduction. Later he also – his great personal satisfaction an added bonus – heads off the evil Cardinal’s nefarious plans to help the Khan, and witnesses the Cardinal’s arrest. In action-hero mode, Shaw rescues Chuck. Both characters shine this week despite not being in many scenes.

Lexi and Danny know they’re coming down to the wire and still can’t shake the feeling of always trailing a step behind. They caught up last week. This week they finally get ahead and figure out Violet’s end game. Figuring out how to stop her, though, remains a huge challenge. Now, however, they can at last act instead of just react. Also good: without a doubt, no conflict between them remains despite all Violet’s efforts, thus basically resolving one of the show’s overarching themes.

As always, we see Hardwick still looking out for Hardwick. At this instant, anyway, that means helping Danny and Lexi instead of the Khan. Not a huge surprise, but it turns out that Violet ultimately wants… money. Well over a trillion dollars, but still money. All her previous maneuvering served to put all the pieces in place for the electronic heist, which will not only make her beyond fantastically rich but will also crash the world economy. Lexi and Danny vex her by getting the Soul of the Khan from almost right under her nose.

Which sets up the showdown for next week.

Last season’s finale focused on Danny and Reece and their complex relationship with Danny ultimately making some difficult decisions. This time we get Lexi versus Violet. Undoubtedly it will play out with Lexi facing down Violet thereby dealing with the complicated emotions about their history together, and cementing her confidence in the person she’s become and her bond with Danny. Can’t wait to see not if, but how, Danny and Lexi triumph.

Verdict: A breathless, breakneck episode that could actually have paused just a beat or two for viewers to savor some of the moments. 9/10

Rigel Ailur