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I had no idea this series, launched in 2010, even existed until I recently scrolled across it in NF. And now I'm binge-watching the first season and hoping the series continues on until I am old and gray. I saw the original 1990 film when it was released and it remains one of my favorite action films of all time. This series is quite different, but sticks closely enough to the original premise and style, and is treated with enough talent and respect to make the inevitable differences a trivial matter.

The cast is fantastic and there is never a weak link in the talent chain. As a guy, I have to add extra entertainment points for the stunningly beautiful women in the cast, from the gorgeous Maggie Q to Melinda Clarke (oh my GOD!) to Lyndsy Fonesca, the list goes on and on. The work is great, the action sequences are great, the plot lines are consistently clever and perfectly plausible within the realm of suspended disbelief.

I am hopelessly addicted to this series, and I suspect any fan of clever action fiction will become addicted as well after watching the first episode. The series starts at 100mph and the ride only gets more intense from there. And in addition to the action element, the writing, direction and cast do an exemplary job of really making the viewer care about the primary characters (whether you love or hate them). It is fascinating to watch Michael's perpetual tightrope-walking in attempting to balance his personal feelings for Nikita (portrayed with exquisite subtlety by both Shane West and Maggie Q) with his loyalty to Division and sense of self-preservation.

I can't get enough, and I hope the series outlives me.