With inside help from Lauren, Sark not only escapes from French custody before they turn him over to the CIA but he also organizes the kidnapping of Dixon's children. In exchange for their safe return, the Covenant demands the immediate release of some of its recently captured operatives, but what they really want is a Rambaldi artifact that is kept in Kendall's Nevada facility. After an initial rescue attempt fails, Dixon has no choice but to steal the artifact and hand it over to the Covenant, but he can't do it alone - he needs Sydney's help. Her response: "Whatever you need". The Dixon-Sydney relationship is one of the longest-standing on this show, and for all its ups and downs, it's full of respect, support and compassion. "Taken" mirrors the season 2 episode "Second Double" when Lauren, to avoid exposure as a double agent, frames another person for the leaks, just like Allison had done. In this case, the "victim" is Sloane (so whatever his endgame might be, it looks like it has little to do with the Covenant). Carl Lumbly gives another powerful performance, and we also get to see Sydney as Mad Maxine! *** out of 4.
Review of Taken
