The complete first season of this highly rated, cult favorite USA Network original series is now available on DVD. Condemned to life in prison for a vicious crime she didn't commit, Nikita (Peta Wilson) reluctantly chooses... more » to live as a secret government assassin whose life is controlled by a mysterious agent (Roy Dupuis) and his colleagues. Based on the characters created for the film Nikita.« less
Michael G. (mgmirkin) from PORTLAND, OR Reviewed on 2/24/2009...
Ohh, my my my, what to say about LFN? I'm a longtime fan of the series. I saw it when it originally aired in the 90's, I believe. Back then it was a slightly gripping, slightly futuristic, slightly cavalier, somewhat seductive show. Looking back on it with going on 10 years' perspective, it still delivers a punch, it still looks technologically savvy, and it's still an awesome show.
I think it's a somewhat direct predecessor to shows like 24 and Alias. Peta Wilson certainly brought some wonderful assets to the production. It was great to see the character grow and blossom over the course of the series, as well as to take part in various intra-office intrigues...
If you like spy shows, I think this one delivers the goods in spades. The first season has its rocky spots, but even still is quite good. They were just finding their voice in the opening episodes. By the end of the first season and later seasons, they had it down pat and put on a rather good show.
Plenty of extra features on these book-style sets (the last season or two they opted for a fold-out style and slim cases, if I recall correctly).
Movie Reviews
Best acting and production ensemble ever !
gil_cdn | Toronto, Canada | 06/28/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"La Femme Nikita (the series) is the best TV show I have seen in years. I have taped all episodes (Season 1 - 5) and am still watching all re-runs on TV. The entire cast (Peta Wilson, Roy Dupuis, Eugene Robert Glazer, Alberta Watson, Don Franks, Matthew Ferguson) have done a tremendous job to create strong chemistry between each character. The producers, Joe Surnow and Robert Cochran (producers of "24") have created plots and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The music by Sean Callery and costumes by Laurie Drew created a hype new look for the TV series.La Femme Nikita DVD set is a must own, must see collectors' item!"
Nothing can compare...
Goddess | Portland, Oregon | 08/10/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"to Nikita, Michael, Walter, Operations, Madeline, Berkoff, and everyone else. This series was a true gem in a sea of television's usual...shows. Imaginative, inspiring, romantic, and trendy ~ one episode is all it takes to get hooked in to the world of Section One. The character development was splendid, the story lines brilliant, and the overall feel dark and sleek and sexy. It has it all. Peta Wilson is the stunningly beautiful Nikita - with long legs and a collection of sunglasses and a look that every woman wishes for. Roy Dupuis stars as Michael, the seeming cold but truly sensitive secret agent whose look is enough to melt any woman's heart. No review can truly express the brilliance which was La Femme Nikita. However, for those fans dedicated to the series, our VHS tapes have long since worn out and we live for the day this is released on DVD. And perhaps, then, a whole new generation of fans will discover the magic of LFN."
It was too good to last
loraloo | Rogers, AR USA | 06/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was a fan of the French film (if you haven't seen it yet you should!) so when the USA network began promoting a series I was there for the first episode. All I can say is that I was blown away from episode one. The fact that this was a television series on a cable network, working on a next-to-nothing budget never really made a difference because the cast and the amazing writing kept you on the edge of your seat. It was an unforgettable five-season ride for the viewers.Many times I wonder if a network like Fox ("24") or ABC ("Alias") had run the series would LFN have gotten the attention and awards it deserved? Now with the release of season one on DVD everyone who missed it will be able to see why LFN was too good to last.BUY THIS DVD PACKAGE - you will not regret the purchase!!"
A show that does not have an equal!
carmex316 | MASSACHUSETTS, USA | 06/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In 1997 USA Network caught lightening in a bottle when they started a show based on a popular french movie "Nikita". They could not have chose a better cast either, Peta Wilson played the innocent and free spirited Nikita with such freshness and likeability that you couldn't help but always be on her side.Roy Dupuis was cast as her mentor, trainor, protector and soon to be lover Michael. From the very beginning you could tell he was going to steal the show - and he did. Dupuis did an excellent job of always keeping you guessing about Michael's true motives.Eugene Robert Glazer, Alberta Watson, Don Franks, and Matthew Ferguson as the truly amazing supporting cast. They made you believe Section One was real - and did a damn fine job of it. This show was so complex, you would think you had everything figured out, then the tables would turn faster than the blink of an eye and you were way off. It kept your attention until the very last second, and always made you want more.This is a series that we NEED on dvd. Warner Brothers take notice. This is what the fans want - whole box sets of every season with extras: outtakes, deleted scenes, etc..Please don't make us wait forever... we're standing here with our money in hand - take it please!"
A groundbreaking cable series...
Britt Gillette | Chesapeake, VA USA | 07/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Nominated for 18 Gemini Awards (which honor the English language achievements of Canadian television), La Femme Nikita established itself as a stalwart on the USA Network in the late-1990s. Based on the 1990 motion picture of the same name, La Femme Nikita changed its cast, but not its edgy characters and exciting underworld setting. A forerunner to the successful hit series Alias, the show features all the intrigue of its successor coupled with the fast-paced action of 24. An hour-long action/adventure drama series, La Femme Nikita premiered on the first day of 1997 and quickly built a loyal fan base that followed the series for five stellar seasons before its premature cancellation in Spring 2001...
La Femme Nikita follows the life of Nikita (Peta Wilson), a woman wrongfully convicted of a brutal murder. Sentenced to life in prison, a top-secret government agency known only as Section One sets its sights on the woman it believes to be a ruthless killer. Faking Nikita's suicide, they usher her out of prison to train and program her into a willing and obedient assassin. But the conspirators at Section One didn't bank on Nikita's innocence. Now, they're stuck with a bloodthirsty felon who's not as bloodthirsty as they thought. Nevertheless, Nikita (now code-named 'Josephine') must carry out the orders of her superiors or else face her own death at the hands of an organization intent on keeping its secrets from the outside world. La Femme Nikita boasts an excellent cast to compliment Nikita's numerous adventures, among them are Michael Samuelle (Roy Dupuis), Davenport (Lawrence Bayne), Seymour Birkoff (Matthew Ferguson), Walter (Don Francks), and Paul "Operations" Wolfe (Eugene Robert Glazer). Together, they create an intriguing atmosphere of mysterious identities, ruthless assassins, and government conspiracies that is certain to entertain even the most discriminating of viewers...
The La Femme Nikita (Season 1) DVD features a number of exciting episodes including the series premiere "Nikita" in which Nikita, a lone girl living on the streets, is wrongfully convicted of a murder she did not commit. When the government fakes her prison cell suicide, Nikita awakes in the care of Section One, a super secret government entity with the goal of turning Nikita into an anti-terrorist assassin. But Nikita, who is innocent, initially resists the brainwashing techniques before finally submitting to the organization in order to stay alive... Other notable episodes from Season 1 include "Gray" in which a hacker compromises the employee database of Section One, and "Noise" in which Birkoff's fear of dying while on a mission threatens to end his career with Section One...
Below is a list of episodes included on the La Femme Nikita (Season 1) DVD: