superintelligentone
Cadet
Season 5: Episode 5.13 - 30 Seconds
5/3/2006
Summary by superintelligentone aka SIO
Tonight's episode was very good! Perhaps shocking!
I was posting play-by-play at the SD-1. I've only had time to do a medium size recap. Discussion to follow.
Recap
The show opens on a sunny day in Jaipur. An Indian three-wheel taxi arrives in front of a telephone customer service firm. Sydney is wearing a blonde wig, large sunglasses and pink pants suit. She uses a southern/Appalachian accent and her alias is a perfume company owner who needs to hire them. She is acting as an unsophisticated, down-to-earth ‘redneck’. The owner/manager takes her on a tour of the facility.
In flashback at his office in the APO, Marshall tells Sydney that Anna is using a call center in Jaipur to secretly route her telephone calls through a concealed encrypted router. Syd says that she needs to disable the encryption key so that the next time that Anna uses the phone, they can listen in. Marshall shows a perfume atomizer that has a hidden device that can tap into a WiFi access point. She has to get within 5 feet of Anna’s device. Sydney thinks that the name on the bottle “L’eau de Passion” is too tacky, but she work with it, hence her ‘redneck’ character.
Walking up to one of the Indian telemarketers, Sydney sprays her perfume as a way to give the bottle to one woman as a free sample. She places it next to the router on the woman’s desk. Outside, Renée, dressed as a telephone service technician, is able to map the company’s computer system through the main panel by Syd’s device. She then reports that Anna’s router isn’t at the outside panel as expected; it is inside. Renée comes in with her pistol, posing as a robber. She orders Sydney to get down on the floor next to Anna’s router and then demands the workers put their valuables into her bag. Syd opens the router and then removes the encryption chip protecting Anna. Sydney signals that she has finished by saying “All right now, that’s enough for today.” Renée takes Sydney with her as a hostage and they leave.
Outside, Syd leaves Renée bag of loot on a trashcan, then says that she was brilliant. Sydney suggests that she should apply for the APO. Renée points out that she is wanted criminal, but Syd thinks that they could try for a pardon. She turns down the offer.
Nighttime in Barcelona, Sloane is waiting for a secret meeting with Prophet-5 contact Joseph Erhmann. Erhmann says he is surprised to hear from him since Arvin made it clear that their dealings were over now that he had Nadia’s cure. Arvin is skeptical about having to stop Nadia's heart for 30 seconds for the cure to work. Joseph tells him to have faith, the cure is from Rambaldi. He then says if circumstances were different, Sloane would be working for them. Arvin says that his pursuit of Rambaldi is over, that he won’t let it consume him again.
At APO, Dixon reports to Jack that Anna’s telephone line just activated. Marshall and Rachel intercepts Peyton using Anna’s phone talking with a contact. She says that Anna works for her now. The man says that he doesn’t work with strangers, so Kelly points out that she’s already deposited his fee into his account. Marshall traces the man to Zurich and then Rachel gets a live satellite view of the man examining a briefcase that Peyton left for him. Inside is Ramaldi’s page 47. She wants him to find whatever is concealed in it. Marshall traces Peyton to Barcelona.
Peyton says that she can be contacted through Anna’s protocol. We then see why Anna couldn’t call the contact herself. Because she now looks and sounds like Sydney through the doubling procedure. At APO, Rachel wonders why Anna didn’t make the call. Jack orders Marshall and her to try to identify the contact. If they can take him into custody, they can use him to get to Anna. Jack wants Dixon and Thomas to check with contacts in Barcelona to see if anyone knows about P-5 there. Tom is skeptical about a message hidden in a 500 year old document, so Jack explains that they’ve seen too much to ignore. Rachel says that they still have a copy that she could analyze, but Jack says that he is bringing it with him. He explains that he is taking it to Sloane in hopes that he knows something that they don’t.
In Nadia’s hospital room, Sloane strokes her forehead and says that he can’t just let her remain in that condition when that is a way to get her back. He tells her that he is sorry and then kisses her on the forehead. Arvin pulls out her IV drip and then smothers her with a latex sheet from his pocket. She struggles to breathe for a few seconds and then her resistance fails. Sloane is in tears as he explains “Oh God, I’m sorry. It’s the only way.” He weeps as her EKG flatlines.
Arvin presses a button on his chronograph watch to use its stopwatch and then prepares a syringe with the antidote. He is about to inject Nadia with the serum, when Jack comes in and mistakes him for about to give her a lethal injection. He tells Arvin to move away from her. Sloane says “You don’t understand.. We don’t have time.” Jack pulls him away and says that it is not Sloane’s place to end her suffering. Sloane pulls away, exclaiming “I have to do it now!” and then injects the drug into her heart. Jack looks dumbfounded. After several seconds pass, Arvin turns towards him and says with frustration “It was a cure, Jack. A cure.” He is blaming Jack for making him too late to administer the cure. Jack has a guilty expression, but then the beeping of the EKG resumes. Sloane turns and sees Nadia stirring, so he looks to Jack with surprise. He looks back to see her rock her head as she regains consciousness. Arvin is relieved and strokes her head, saying “It’s okay, it’s okay. It’s okay, we’re here. It’s okay darling. We’re here. It’s okay.” Jack stares at Sloane with suspicion.
At the APO, Dixon and Sydney are talking Anna working with Prophet-5. Syd says it explains how Anna got out of prison. She wonders why the normally low-profile group would want a high profile agent like Anna. Dixon suspects that she is needed for something only she can do. Rachel comes in to explain that they’ve identified the man from Zurich as Moritz Koller, a former art historian, now a freelancer who has been used by criminals including Le Corbeau, Renée’s codename. Syd says that Renée would know how to reach him. Marshall comes in and tells her father is calling with news that Nadia is awake.
Sloane looks through the window as a doctor is talking with Nadia, then tells Jack that seeing her like this, he’s almost afraid to believe this is true. Jack says with suspicion that it must be an overwhelming relief. Arvin replies that he knows that he must have questions. Jack asks why Sloane couldn't tell him what he was doing. Arvin claims that he wanted to but was afraid of others finding out. Conventional medicine had given up, so he had been funding secret experiments that no country could approve of. One came up with a cure in Barcelona. Sydney arrives and asks how Nadia is doing, Jack explains that she is with the doctor now. Syd enters her room and is happy to see Nadia is well. The military doctor leaves to speak with Arvin and Jack. He says that she seems normal, but he wants to run tests to see how Nadia’s condition reversed itself. Sloane objects, saying that she has been through enough. He wants to take her home, explaining she deserves her life back. The doctor says that he understands and will make arrangements. After the doctor leaves, Arvin asks if Jack wants to see Nadia. He replies he has a call to return, so Sloane goes into the room to be with his daughter. Jack makes a call to Dixon and tells him to investigate Sloane’s activities in Barcelona off-the-record.
Back in his office, Jack and Dixon tells Sydney that Sloane made several trips to Barcelona, one just before they intercepted Peyton’s call. Jack says that Arvin told him that Nadia’s cure came from there, but Prophet-5 are based in Barcelona, too. They have used Nadia’s condition to blackmail Sloane in the past, so they can be doing it again. Syd realizes that Jack suspects that P-5 gave Arvin the cure in exchange for information. Sydney offers the possibility that Sloane was merely covering up the illegal researchers that he said he used. She says that she doesn’t have to be reminded of what Arvin is capable of, but Nadia has her life back thanks to him. Jack says that he hopes that he is wrong. Syd tells them to do what they must, but until they find something concrete, she is going back to be with her sister.
Sloane and Nadia are having a nice moment outside the hospital in the garden. She says that she can’t wait to spend some time with baby Isabelle. She even looking forward to changing diapers in the middle of the night. Arvin asks if Nadia will be staying with Sydney. Nadia says that she assumes so. Syd arrives pushing a baby stroller. Nadia is delighted to see them approaching. Sydney is happy to show the baby to her, saying that she is dying to meet her Aunt Nadia. Sloane smiles warmly at them. He then explains that he has to leave to meet with Jack.
At APO, Jack gives Sloane time off that he requested, but says that he should be spending his time with Nadia. Arvin says that he’s not sure she feel the same way, so Jack says to give her time. Jack then adds that they intercepted a call from Prophet-5. They have been given Page 47 by Anna. They are looking for a hidden message. Jack asks if he knows about that, but Sloane says that he didn’t. The message is concealed in a substitution cipher, but Marshall feels that he is close to decoding it. Jack offers to let Arvin know when they find out, but Sloane says that it is better he not be involved in Rambaldi matters. Jack says that he understands. After Arvin leaves, Dixon arrives and tells that Marshall will tell Sloane that he is working on Page 47, if asked. They’ll know if Arvin contacts Prophet-5 though taps. Marcus then tells that Tom has
connected with Renée and they expect to make contact with Koller soon.
On the Left Bank of the River Seine across from the Eiffel Tower, Thomas and Renée are walking talking about their meeting with Moritz Koller. She explains that they are following Koller’s protocol. At 10 o’clock, she telephones him. Working from his desk on the Rambaldi document, Moritz answers his telephone. Renée asks if he remembers her and Koller says that he does, she tells him that she has an important job for him. He replies that he has a job to do for a demanding client who is paying him a great deal of money. Renée implies that she is offering him sex as one of her payments, so Moritz says that he is tempted. He applies some powder onto Page 47, and then shines a blacklight on it. He is surprised to see the document has fluorescent dots in the writing. Renée notices that he has stopped talking and asks him what is wrong. Koller replies that he was surprised, then says that he thinks that he’ll be finished sooner than he expected. He tells her that he has time for her now.
Sloane is in a pensive mood. He seems troubled about what to do. Arvin then dials his cellphone and says “We need to meet. Tonight.”
At Sydney’s house, Nadia is sitting on the sofa looking at her hospital ID wristband. She notes with sadness that she was admitted on 4-23-05 and a year has passed. Syd emerges from the nursery, closes the door, then walks quietly towards her sister. Nadia asks how the baby is doing. Sydney replies that she’s finally gone to sleep. Nadia talks about missing so much and wishes that she could have been there for Syd. Sydney replies that she knows and talks about how things will get better. Nadia then mentions that Arvin wanted her to stay with him, but she couldn’t out of fear of getting her feelings hurt again. Syd says that she has every reason for being guarded, but then explains that Sloane was completely devoted to Nadia and she’s never seen him so dedicated to anything. When Nadia asks if that included Rambaldi, Sydney says even that. Syd then tells Nadia that she can stay as long as she wants as long ask she doesn’t mind a crying baby. Nadia says that she loves having so much life around her. Syd then gets a call from her father explaining that Sloane has arranged a meeting for tonight and he thought that she’d like to know he is going to watch. Nadia sees that Sydney is troubled by the call and asks what is wrong. Syd tells her that there is something that she should know.
Jack is at a parking garage headed towards his SUV. He is surprised to see Nadia approach. She tells him Sydney told her their suspicions. Nadia says that she wants to go with him to see what her father is doing. Jack asks if that is wise, but she explains that whatever he finds, she needs to know. So they leave together.
In Zurich, Renée is wearing a long blond wig and black cocktail dress. She tells a security guard that she has a meeting with Moritz Koller. The man telephones him, then gets permission to grants her entrance. Renée com-links to Tom that there are armed guards. He tells her to delay Koller for a few more minutes. Moritz is have to see her and says that she is as ravishing as ever. Renée notices a parchment turned over on his desk, so she casually turns it over to reveal that it is Page 47. He confesses that he has always been attracted to her. She acts affectionate to him, so he offers to get her some champagne. Outside, Tom brushes a line of special red paint onto the man's wall. Renée locks his door and then walking towards Koller as she looks at the parchment, she tells him to button his shirt. They are leaving. He is confused, so she tells him that she needs him to find Anna Espinosa. Renée says that she is taking him hostage. We see that Thomas has finished painting a large red rectangle on the wall. He places an electronic activator onto the paint. The device whines and then the paint turns black and fizzes. Moritz warns Renée that the guards will kill her, but she says that she’s not going out the front. Tom com-links a countdown and then the paint detonates, blowing rectangular outline into the wall. Thomas kicks the weakened area, then that portion falls away to form an exit. Koller calls her a b****, then Renée knocks him out. She comments to Tom that she hates that word. They take him hostage.
As they drive without headlights on, Nadia notes that Jack bought a Ford hybrid SUV. He tells her that running on electric is useful for it’s quiet running. Nadia then recognises that they a closing in on her father’s car. Jack tells Nadia that regardless of what they find, he believes Arvin's feelings for her are genuine. She says that she wished that was enough for Sloane. Jack then points out with an affectionate tone that Arvin isn't her only family. She says heartfelt “Thank you.” They see Sloane’s car make a left turn into an alley between some warehouses closely followed by another car that was waiting on the opposite side of the street. Jack pulls his SUV to a stop rather than follow Arvin any closer. Nadia exits, so Jack asks her what she is doing. She explains that they are too far to see anything. Nadia creeps down the alley and hears the sound of a metal roll-away door being opened. She stops and sees a man tell her father “All right” and nod for him to enter the storage facility. Sloane moves a tarpaulin aside from stack near the doorway of the room and then retrieves a suitcase. He then replaces the tarp and leaves the storeroom. Nadia sees her father get back into his car and then other man close the door. She watches carefully as the man enters the combination into the keypad next to the door. After the cars leave, Jack and Nadia approach the door. He asks her what was said, but Nadia replies that she couldn’t make out what they were saying. Her first attempt at entering the combination to the lock fails, but her next try succeeds in unlocking the door. Jack rolls the door up and they enter the self-storage facility. Jack looks through some boxes, while Nadia looks under the tarp that Sloane was at. She is puzzled to find some of her clothes in the boxes. Jack concludes that he was getting clothes for Nadia to wear. They then look through other boxes and find medical documents of clinical trials researching her illness from a facility in Barcelona. Jack has an apologetic tone as he says that it appears that he misjudged her father. Nadia looks confused about the revelation.
Moritz Koller yells “Help. Dear God, someone. Anyone!” Renée and Thomas have him tied to a fence. When he claims that he doesn’t know what they want from him, she impatiently reminds him that they want information about Anna Espinosa. Tom shows him Page 47 and tells him that Anna hired him to decode a message in it. Moritz pretends not to know what they are talking about, so Renée presses a knife against his throat. Tom tells him that he is a bookworm in trouble way over his head. Koller confesses that he has a meeting scheduled with Anna tomorrow in Ghana. He says that he didn’t tell her what he found because he wanted to get paid. Moritz tells them that the document is a well done fake.
Tom calls Sydney by cellphone to tell her that Koller said that Rambaldi’s Page 47 is a fake. He explains that Moritz found titanium dioxide in the pigment of the ink. Syd says that means that the document can’t be more than 80 years old. She says that they will keep the meeting with Anna and Koller using the counterfeit as bait. Tom wonders where the real paper is.
Daytime in the study of Sloane’s house, we see him open the suitcase of Nadia’s clothes and then remove the false bottom of the luggage. He has the real Page 47 hidden in it in a protective glass frame. At his desk, Arvin writes notes about his findings about it. He looks at the document, pondering it’s meaning. Just then his front doorbell chimes, so Sloane hides the parchment under his desk blotter and goes to answer the door. He opens the door and is surprised to see Nadia smiling at him. She apologizes for not telephoning first. When Arvin says that he thought that she’d was staying at Sydney’s house, Nadia explains that she is away on a mission to Ghana to go after Anna, so she wants to live with him and get to know each other again if it’s okay with him. Sloane says that she should know that she needn’t ask that, then welcomes her in.
Later that evening, Nadia has changed into the sweater that her father had in the suitcase and tells him that it is her favourite one. Arvin says he remembered that, then hands her a mug of camomile tea. She smiles and says that he remembered that too. He smiles, but after a moment, Sloane tells that he has to admit something to her. He tells her with sadness that he didn’t think that she would want to be with him at all. Especially for causing her condition. She admits that she has been quite angry, so Arvin tells her that she has every right to be. He then recalls that when he first met her, he didn’t know how to be a father. Sloane says he assumed that it meant to be needed, but seeing her so sick made him realize that he needed her more than she needs him. Nadia is touched by his revelation and sets down her tea, unable to drink. Arvin then apologizes, saying that he promised himself not to put pressure on her. She assures him that it is no pressure. He then tells her dinner should be ready and goes off to the kitchen. Nadia looks at her hospital ID wristband. Once again, she notes that she was admitted on 4-23-05 and that it reminds her of the year that she lost.
Nadia goes to Arvin's desk to get scissors, then cuts her hospital wristband off. She then notices the bit of parchment sticking out from under the desk blotter and pulls it out discovering Page 47. Sloane comes in and tells her that he can explain and that she has to trust him. When Nadia says that he told her that he was over Rambaldi, Arvin assures her that it isn't what it looks like. She doesn’t believe him, saying that he’s been lying all along. Sloane explains that he turned over everything to the DSR, except Page 47. He rationalizes that he couldn’t give that up after spending so much time on it. Nadia is heartbroken and says that doesn’t want to hear more excuses. She says that when he talks about Rambaldi his face, voice and demeanor changes. Nadia tells Arvin that he has an obsession, but he corrects her that it isn’t an obsession. It is faith. She then tells him what his faith cost her. The past twelve months were like a living hell. She explains that she was aware of everything but couldn't do anything. That is why she doesn’t have much tolerance for his faith. Sloane begs for her to understand, but Nadia says he has to choose between the Rambaldi document or her. He tells her not to make him chose between the two most important things in his life. Nadia is disappointed, then says that he’ll lose both. So she throws the parchment into the lit fireplace. Arvin calls out “No!” and stares at it as if paralyzed. The Rambaldi manuscript doesn’t burst into flames, but instead resists burning by some kind of chemical treatment. Sloane sees the glowing Mark of Rambaldi appear on the sketch of the woman’s neckline and exclaims, “My God. The message! I see it.” He goes to retrieve it, but Nadia stands in his way to block him, saying “You’re not getting it!” Arvin tells her “Get out of my way” and reaches around her towards the fireplace. Nadia struggles with him away, saying “No, you can’t have it. I won’t let you.” Sloane reaches into the fire to rescue the manuscript from the flames and pulls it out. Nadia is trying to pull him away, saying “Stop, please. Stop it!” Sloane tells her “Nadia, move!” and shoves her back. Off balanced, Nadia falls face first through a glass coffee table. Arvin turns and is horrified to see a shard of glass is embedded in her throat. He cries out softly “Nooo!” and kneels at her side. Sloane can only stroke her face and say “Nadia?” helplessly as she gasps on the floor. She looks at him and sees him weeping. Nadia’s head slumps to the right, and then is very still - like she's dead. Arvin releases her, then turns to look at the blood splattered Rambaldi document.
At the APO, Marshall is using Mitchell's cars and dolls to show Jack how the mission in Ghana is going to go. He is having a good time playing with them on the map of the plaza area to demonstrate in detail what he expects to happen, but Jack loses patience with Marshall’s demonstration and dismisses him.
Sydney and Renée Rienne are in Ghana, preparing the trap for Anna. Syd gives her a suitcase containing a dismantled sniper rifle to use to cover Anna. Renée says that she never thought that she’s ever get a government issued weapon to use. Sydney tells her not to get excited over a tranquillizer rifle, then asks Rienne if she’s reconsidered the opportunity to work for APO. Renee explains that she trusts only Sydney, not the others.
Renée is headed for her position. Rachel is in the plaza browsing at vendor’s shop. Dixon is sitting at an outdoor restaurant. Sydney takes her position at the plaza. Rachel approaches Moritz Koller sitting at an outdoor cafe waiting to meet with Anna and asks if he is okay. He says that he is doing fine considering that he might get killed. She assures him that they have him covered. Rachel seats herself at a table nearby and glances at Marcus who is also nearby. Renée rents a hotel room where she can provide cover as the sharpshooter. Thomas exits his van and watches the plaza.
A green Citroen automobile with dark windows arrives in the plaza, but then drives off in a hurry as if aware of the trap. Dixon says that someone must have tipped her off. Sydney jumps out and fires several shots through the front windshield. The car crashes and Syd finds the driver is dead, but no one else is in the car. She com-links the team that Anna isn’t in the car.
The team searches the plaza for Anna. Renée runs into AnnaSyd and calls out in confusion “Sydney”(even though she is wearing different clothes and has her hair down instead of a ponytail). The two stare at each other in surprise, then AnnaSyd draws a switchblade knife and slashes her in the throat. Renee collapses and gasps in disbelief “Sydney”.
In voiceover, Sloane coldly narrates that a few days ago, he was horrified to learn that Prophet-5 wanted him to turn on APO... That he would kill his own daughter (to use the cure). Now he realizes that both were inevitable. Death is a necessary sacrifice to complet the final leg of this journey. Marshall informs Jack that the mission has failed and Anna has gotten away. Sydney finds Renée with her throat slashed, lying motionless on the pavement. Syd looks heartbroken.
Jack arrives at Sloane’s house and is shocked to see that Nadia is lying motionless on the floor with the piece of glass embedded in her throat. Arvin’s voiceover continues he knew things were going to happen. That he would betray everyone that he’s ever loved. But he was chosen. We then see that he is talking to Joseph Erhmann. Joseph tells him that they appreciate what he has done and welcomes him back to Prophet 5. Erhmann leads Sloane towards the waiting Prophet-5 jet. Joseph heads up the steps and boards the plane. Sloane follows, then turns and looks off in the distance. Is he saying goodbye to his old life, or is he looking towards some unseen ally?
END
--------------------------------
A great episode. I wish that I had more help with doing the Play-by-Play.
Anyway, Sloane told Nadia that him having the manuscript wasn't bad as it appeared. I'm still holding out that things aren't as they appear in Alias.
How could a trained agent like Nadia fall through a glass table like that. I suppose that she was still weak and unsteady from her illness. I'm hoping that Jack found Nadia is still alive. We still need her alive to fulfill the Prophesy.
Renee isn't necessary to the plot, so I think that she is dead. How could she not notice that AnnaSyd was wearing different clothes (and different hairstyle) than the real Sydney.
I'm still holding out hope that Sloane is now working with Jack. Arvin can't simply throw away that he had to reform to live up to Nadia's expectations. I noticed after Sloane boarded the Prophet-5 jet, he turned around and looked away to the distance. Is he saying goodbye to his old life, or is he looking towards some unseen ally? Irina perhaps?
If Arvin wanted to destroy Prophet-5 from within, saying what he did to Erhmann would be what they would want to hear. I'm hoping for Sloane leading P-5 on like he led on Gordon Dean. I'm hoping that Sloane is still reformed, but on a personal crusade against P-5. He could tell Irina that P-5 led to their daughter's harm as incentive for her to work with him.
Assuming that Sloane was telling Nadia the truth that things weren't as they appeared, he is still a good guy.
- If he is good still, I can imagine that he told Jack to go get some cure from the P-5 storage place that we saw earlier. That could be how Jack came to Sloane's house.
- Arvin is pretending to work with P-5 to destroy them from within, just as he tricked Elena before. Remember, Erhmann was surprised that Sloane contacted them after getting the cure.
- Nadia does live to fight AnnaSyd to the death to fulfill the prophesy of the Chosen One and The Passenger doing battle.
- If Nadia did defeat Anna in battle, Sydney would feel that it is time for her to retire, knowing that Nadia is able to take over fighting the bad guys.
---------------------------
Episode 5.13 "30 Seconds" had 2 incidents that parallels Episode 4.20 "The Descent". I wonder if that could be a hint of the writers pulling a trick on us. It does show that the writers are paying attention to past episodes.
In Episode 5.13, Nadia goes to Arvin's desk to get scissors to cut her hospital wristband off and discovers Page 47. Sloane tells her that it isn't what it looks like. He can explain. Nadia is heartbroken and says that she can see when he talks about Rambaldi he changes. Nadia tells him that the past months were like a living hell. She explains that she was aware of everything but couldn't tell anyone. Nadia says Sloane has to choose between Rambaldi and her. He tells her not to make him chose. So she throw it into the lit fireplace. Sloane sees the Mark of Rambaldi appear on the parchment and tries to get it. Nadia struggles to pull him away, but he shoves her back. Arvin gets it out of the fire, but Nadia falls through a glass table and gets her throat slashed with broken glass. It is embedded in her throat. She gasps and then is very still - like she's dead.
Jack arrives at Sloane's house and is shocked to see that Nadia is lying motionless on the floor with the piece of glass embedded in her throat. In voiceover, Sloane coldly narrates that he realises that death is a necessary price and that he is chosen.
-------------------------------------------------
In Episode 4.20, Sloane and Nadia track the Sphere of Life to an underground chamber in a cave. As they head down the stairs, Sloane explains ““Rambaldi wrote that a man would come and discover the true meaning of his work. And in doing so, change the world. I always wanted to be that man.””
Sloane opens the door to the chamber and when he lights an oil lamp, the other oil lamps automatically ignite too through some Rambaldi technology. The floor looks like stained glass pattern of the symbol of Rambaldi. Arvin looks in delight at the floor saying that it’’s made of glass. He tells Nadia ““Think of it. You and I are the first ones to set foot in here in almost five hundred years. Do you have any idea how many lesser people have dreamed of this moment? And only you can complete this.””
Nadia cautiously walks on the stain glass floor which creaks at her weight. She approaches the pedestal and the box containing the sphere. Nadia opens the box and sees the sphere inside. Sloane wants her to bring him the box. But she touches the sphere and has a series of visions: a tank in a smoke filled city square, Sydney being strangled by a chain, riot police with plexiglass shield pushing rioters, fire, rioters, the Mueller device, Sydney’’s head being twisted, and a person with red glowing eyes. Nadia is disturbed by the horrible visions and says ““You lied. It was not about peace.””
Nadia leaves the pedestal without the sphere. Arvin tries to order her to go back and get it, but she explains ““You think you can control this power, but it’’s poisoning you. Don’’t you see it? You don’’t have to do this, please. Let’’s just walk away, you and I, together.”” Sloane calls her a coward and says he doesn't need her. He walks across the cracking glass and says ““He chose me”” as he tries to get box himself. He reaches the pedestal, closes the box and says ““See”” in triumph. But the floor collapses and he falls into a pit. When Nadia climbs down, she finds that her father has a large glass shard imbedded into his chest and another one in his leg. She pulls out the one in his leg and uses her belt as a tourniquet. Sloane is surprised that she is still there after what he did. Nadia tells him that he’’s lost a lot of blood and she must remove the shard in his chest. He groans in agony after she pulls the glass out of him, then his head slumps.
That glass shard in Sloane's chest had to be lethal. Yet it was never explained how Arvin recovered. He was far from anywhere that could provide emergehcy medical attention. I speculated Nadia used the Sphere of Life to heal her father, but was never shown. Suppose that everything since then is Arvin's delusion from blood loss? Having him say that he is chosen and having Nadia getting "killed" by a glass shard can't be a coincidence.
That would be reminiscent of "St. Elsewhere"'s snowglobe and the finale of "Newhart". Comments?
5/3/2006
Summary by superintelligentone aka SIO
Tonight's episode was very good! Perhaps shocking!
I was posting play-by-play at the SD-1. I've only had time to do a medium size recap. Discussion to follow.
Recap
The show opens on a sunny day in Jaipur. An Indian three-wheel taxi arrives in front of a telephone customer service firm. Sydney is wearing a blonde wig, large sunglasses and pink pants suit. She uses a southern/Appalachian accent and her alias is a perfume company owner who needs to hire them. She is acting as an unsophisticated, down-to-earth ‘redneck’. The owner/manager takes her on a tour of the facility.
In flashback at his office in the APO, Marshall tells Sydney that Anna is using a call center in Jaipur to secretly route her telephone calls through a concealed encrypted router. Syd says that she needs to disable the encryption key so that the next time that Anna uses the phone, they can listen in. Marshall shows a perfume atomizer that has a hidden device that can tap into a WiFi access point. She has to get within 5 feet of Anna’s device. Sydney thinks that the name on the bottle “L’eau de Passion” is too tacky, but she work with it, hence her ‘redneck’ character.
Walking up to one of the Indian telemarketers, Sydney sprays her perfume as a way to give the bottle to one woman as a free sample. She places it next to the router on the woman’s desk. Outside, Renée, dressed as a telephone service technician, is able to map the company’s computer system through the main panel by Syd’s device. She then reports that Anna’s router isn’t at the outside panel as expected; it is inside. Renée comes in with her pistol, posing as a robber. She orders Sydney to get down on the floor next to Anna’s router and then demands the workers put their valuables into her bag. Syd opens the router and then removes the encryption chip protecting Anna. Sydney signals that she has finished by saying “All right now, that’s enough for today.” Renée takes Sydney with her as a hostage and they leave.
Outside, Syd leaves Renée bag of loot on a trashcan, then says that she was brilliant. Sydney suggests that she should apply for the APO. Renée points out that she is wanted criminal, but Syd thinks that they could try for a pardon. She turns down the offer.
Nighttime in Barcelona, Sloane is waiting for a secret meeting with Prophet-5 contact Joseph Erhmann. Erhmann says he is surprised to hear from him since Arvin made it clear that their dealings were over now that he had Nadia’s cure. Arvin is skeptical about having to stop Nadia's heart for 30 seconds for the cure to work. Joseph tells him to have faith, the cure is from Rambaldi. He then says if circumstances were different, Sloane would be working for them. Arvin says that his pursuit of Rambaldi is over, that he won’t let it consume him again.
At APO, Dixon reports to Jack that Anna’s telephone line just activated. Marshall and Rachel intercepts Peyton using Anna’s phone talking with a contact. She says that Anna works for her now. The man says that he doesn’t work with strangers, so Kelly points out that she’s already deposited his fee into his account. Marshall traces the man to Zurich and then Rachel gets a live satellite view of the man examining a briefcase that Peyton left for him. Inside is Ramaldi’s page 47. She wants him to find whatever is concealed in it. Marshall traces Peyton to Barcelona.
Peyton says that she can be contacted through Anna’s protocol. We then see why Anna couldn’t call the contact herself. Because she now looks and sounds like Sydney through the doubling procedure. At APO, Rachel wonders why Anna didn’t make the call. Jack orders Marshall and her to try to identify the contact. If they can take him into custody, they can use him to get to Anna. Jack wants Dixon and Thomas to check with contacts in Barcelona to see if anyone knows about P-5 there. Tom is skeptical about a message hidden in a 500 year old document, so Jack explains that they’ve seen too much to ignore. Rachel says that they still have a copy that she could analyze, but Jack says that he is bringing it with him. He explains that he is taking it to Sloane in hopes that he knows something that they don’t.
In Nadia’s hospital room, Sloane strokes her forehead and says that he can’t just let her remain in that condition when that is a way to get her back. He tells her that he is sorry and then kisses her on the forehead. Arvin pulls out her IV drip and then smothers her with a latex sheet from his pocket. She struggles to breathe for a few seconds and then her resistance fails. Sloane is in tears as he explains “Oh God, I’m sorry. It’s the only way.” He weeps as her EKG flatlines.
Arvin presses a button on his chronograph watch to use its stopwatch and then prepares a syringe with the antidote. He is about to inject Nadia with the serum, when Jack comes in and mistakes him for about to give her a lethal injection. He tells Arvin to move away from her. Sloane says “You don’t understand.. We don’t have time.” Jack pulls him away and says that it is not Sloane’s place to end her suffering. Sloane pulls away, exclaiming “I have to do it now!” and then injects the drug into her heart. Jack looks dumbfounded. After several seconds pass, Arvin turns towards him and says with frustration “It was a cure, Jack. A cure.” He is blaming Jack for making him too late to administer the cure. Jack has a guilty expression, but then the beeping of the EKG resumes. Sloane turns and sees Nadia stirring, so he looks to Jack with surprise. He looks back to see her rock her head as she regains consciousness. Arvin is relieved and strokes her head, saying “It’s okay, it’s okay. It’s okay, we’re here. It’s okay darling. We’re here. It’s okay.” Jack stares at Sloane with suspicion.
At the APO, Dixon and Sydney are talking Anna working with Prophet-5. Syd says it explains how Anna got out of prison. She wonders why the normally low-profile group would want a high profile agent like Anna. Dixon suspects that she is needed for something only she can do. Rachel comes in to explain that they’ve identified the man from Zurich as Moritz Koller, a former art historian, now a freelancer who has been used by criminals including Le Corbeau, Renée’s codename. Syd says that Renée would know how to reach him. Marshall comes in and tells her father is calling with news that Nadia is awake.
Sloane looks through the window as a doctor is talking with Nadia, then tells Jack that seeing her like this, he’s almost afraid to believe this is true. Jack says with suspicion that it must be an overwhelming relief. Arvin replies that he knows that he must have questions. Jack asks why Sloane couldn't tell him what he was doing. Arvin claims that he wanted to but was afraid of others finding out. Conventional medicine had given up, so he had been funding secret experiments that no country could approve of. One came up with a cure in Barcelona. Sydney arrives and asks how Nadia is doing, Jack explains that she is with the doctor now. Syd enters her room and is happy to see Nadia is well. The military doctor leaves to speak with Arvin and Jack. He says that she seems normal, but he wants to run tests to see how Nadia’s condition reversed itself. Sloane objects, saying that she has been through enough. He wants to take her home, explaining she deserves her life back. The doctor says that he understands and will make arrangements. After the doctor leaves, Arvin asks if Jack wants to see Nadia. He replies he has a call to return, so Sloane goes into the room to be with his daughter. Jack makes a call to Dixon and tells him to investigate Sloane’s activities in Barcelona off-the-record.
Back in his office, Jack and Dixon tells Sydney that Sloane made several trips to Barcelona, one just before they intercepted Peyton’s call. Jack says that Arvin told him that Nadia’s cure came from there, but Prophet-5 are based in Barcelona, too. They have used Nadia’s condition to blackmail Sloane in the past, so they can be doing it again. Syd realizes that Jack suspects that P-5 gave Arvin the cure in exchange for information. Sydney offers the possibility that Sloane was merely covering up the illegal researchers that he said he used. She says that she doesn’t have to be reminded of what Arvin is capable of, but Nadia has her life back thanks to him. Jack says that he hopes that he is wrong. Syd tells them to do what they must, but until they find something concrete, she is going back to be with her sister.
Sloane and Nadia are having a nice moment outside the hospital in the garden. She says that she can’t wait to spend some time with baby Isabelle. She even looking forward to changing diapers in the middle of the night. Arvin asks if Nadia will be staying with Sydney. Nadia says that she assumes so. Syd arrives pushing a baby stroller. Nadia is delighted to see them approaching. Sydney is happy to show the baby to her, saying that she is dying to meet her Aunt Nadia. Sloane smiles warmly at them. He then explains that he has to leave to meet with Jack.
At APO, Jack gives Sloane time off that he requested, but says that he should be spending his time with Nadia. Arvin says that he’s not sure she feel the same way, so Jack says to give her time. Jack then adds that they intercepted a call from Prophet-5. They have been given Page 47 by Anna. They are looking for a hidden message. Jack asks if he knows about that, but Sloane says that he didn’t. The message is concealed in a substitution cipher, but Marshall feels that he is close to decoding it. Jack offers to let Arvin know when they find out, but Sloane says that it is better he not be involved in Rambaldi matters. Jack says that he understands. After Arvin leaves, Dixon arrives and tells that Marshall will tell Sloane that he is working on Page 47, if asked. They’ll know if Arvin contacts Prophet-5 though taps. Marcus then tells that Tom has
connected with Renée and they expect to make contact with Koller soon.
On the Left Bank of the River Seine across from the Eiffel Tower, Thomas and Renée are walking talking about their meeting with Moritz Koller. She explains that they are following Koller’s protocol. At 10 o’clock, she telephones him. Working from his desk on the Rambaldi document, Moritz answers his telephone. Renée asks if he remembers her and Koller says that he does, she tells him that she has an important job for him. He replies that he has a job to do for a demanding client who is paying him a great deal of money. Renée implies that she is offering him sex as one of her payments, so Moritz says that he is tempted. He applies some powder onto Page 47, and then shines a blacklight on it. He is surprised to see the document has fluorescent dots in the writing. Renée notices that he has stopped talking and asks him what is wrong. Koller replies that he was surprised, then says that he thinks that he’ll be finished sooner than he expected. He tells her that he has time for her now.
Sloane is in a pensive mood. He seems troubled about what to do. Arvin then dials his cellphone and says “We need to meet. Tonight.”
At Sydney’s house, Nadia is sitting on the sofa looking at her hospital ID wristband. She notes with sadness that she was admitted on 4-23-05 and a year has passed. Syd emerges from the nursery, closes the door, then walks quietly towards her sister. Nadia asks how the baby is doing. Sydney replies that she’s finally gone to sleep. Nadia talks about missing so much and wishes that she could have been there for Syd. Sydney replies that she knows and talks about how things will get better. Nadia then mentions that Arvin wanted her to stay with him, but she couldn’t out of fear of getting her feelings hurt again. Syd says that she has every reason for being guarded, but then explains that Sloane was completely devoted to Nadia and she’s never seen him so dedicated to anything. When Nadia asks if that included Rambaldi, Sydney says even that. Syd then tells Nadia that she can stay as long as she wants as long ask she doesn’t mind a crying baby. Nadia says that she loves having so much life around her. Syd then gets a call from her father explaining that Sloane has arranged a meeting for tonight and he thought that she’d like to know he is going to watch. Nadia sees that Sydney is troubled by the call and asks what is wrong. Syd tells her that there is something that she should know.
Jack is at a parking garage headed towards his SUV. He is surprised to see Nadia approach. She tells him Sydney told her their suspicions. Nadia says that she wants to go with him to see what her father is doing. Jack asks if that is wise, but she explains that whatever he finds, she needs to know. So they leave together.
In Zurich, Renée is wearing a long blond wig and black cocktail dress. She tells a security guard that she has a meeting with Moritz Koller. The man telephones him, then gets permission to grants her entrance. Renée com-links to Tom that there are armed guards. He tells her to delay Koller for a few more minutes. Moritz is have to see her and says that she is as ravishing as ever. Renée notices a parchment turned over on his desk, so she casually turns it over to reveal that it is Page 47. He confesses that he has always been attracted to her. She acts affectionate to him, so he offers to get her some champagne. Outside, Tom brushes a line of special red paint onto the man's wall. Renée locks his door and then walking towards Koller as she looks at the parchment, she tells him to button his shirt. They are leaving. He is confused, so she tells him that she needs him to find Anna Espinosa. Renée says that she is taking him hostage. We see that Thomas has finished painting a large red rectangle on the wall. He places an electronic activator onto the paint. The device whines and then the paint turns black and fizzes. Moritz warns Renée that the guards will kill her, but she says that she’s not going out the front. Tom com-links a countdown and then the paint detonates, blowing rectangular outline into the wall. Thomas kicks the weakened area, then that portion falls away to form an exit. Koller calls her a b****, then Renée knocks him out. She comments to Tom that she hates that word. They take him hostage.
As they drive without headlights on, Nadia notes that Jack bought a Ford hybrid SUV. He tells her that running on electric is useful for it’s quiet running. Nadia then recognises that they a closing in on her father’s car. Jack tells Nadia that regardless of what they find, he believes Arvin's feelings for her are genuine. She says that she wished that was enough for Sloane. Jack then points out with an affectionate tone that Arvin isn't her only family. She says heartfelt “Thank you.” They see Sloane’s car make a left turn into an alley between some warehouses closely followed by another car that was waiting on the opposite side of the street. Jack pulls his SUV to a stop rather than follow Arvin any closer. Nadia exits, so Jack asks her what she is doing. She explains that they are too far to see anything. Nadia creeps down the alley and hears the sound of a metal roll-away door being opened. She stops and sees a man tell her father “All right” and nod for him to enter the storage facility. Sloane moves a tarpaulin aside from stack near the doorway of the room and then retrieves a suitcase. He then replaces the tarp and leaves the storeroom. Nadia sees her father get back into his car and then other man close the door. She watches carefully as the man enters the combination into the keypad next to the door. After the cars leave, Jack and Nadia approach the door. He asks her what was said, but Nadia replies that she couldn’t make out what they were saying. Her first attempt at entering the combination to the lock fails, but her next try succeeds in unlocking the door. Jack rolls the door up and they enter the self-storage facility. Jack looks through some boxes, while Nadia looks under the tarp that Sloane was at. She is puzzled to find some of her clothes in the boxes. Jack concludes that he was getting clothes for Nadia to wear. They then look through other boxes and find medical documents of clinical trials researching her illness from a facility in Barcelona. Jack has an apologetic tone as he says that it appears that he misjudged her father. Nadia looks confused about the revelation.
Moritz Koller yells “Help. Dear God, someone. Anyone!” Renée and Thomas have him tied to a fence. When he claims that he doesn’t know what they want from him, she impatiently reminds him that they want information about Anna Espinosa. Tom shows him Page 47 and tells him that Anna hired him to decode a message in it. Moritz pretends not to know what they are talking about, so Renée presses a knife against his throat. Tom tells him that he is a bookworm in trouble way over his head. Koller confesses that he has a meeting scheduled with Anna tomorrow in Ghana. He says that he didn’t tell her what he found because he wanted to get paid. Moritz tells them that the document is a well done fake.
Tom calls Sydney by cellphone to tell her that Koller said that Rambaldi’s Page 47 is a fake. He explains that Moritz found titanium dioxide in the pigment of the ink. Syd says that means that the document can’t be more than 80 years old. She says that they will keep the meeting with Anna and Koller using the counterfeit as bait. Tom wonders where the real paper is.
Daytime in the study of Sloane’s house, we see him open the suitcase of Nadia’s clothes and then remove the false bottom of the luggage. He has the real Page 47 hidden in it in a protective glass frame. At his desk, Arvin writes notes about his findings about it. He looks at the document, pondering it’s meaning. Just then his front doorbell chimes, so Sloane hides the parchment under his desk blotter and goes to answer the door. He opens the door and is surprised to see Nadia smiling at him. She apologizes for not telephoning first. When Arvin says that he thought that she’d was staying at Sydney’s house, Nadia explains that she is away on a mission to Ghana to go after Anna, so she wants to live with him and get to know each other again if it’s okay with him. Sloane says that she should know that she needn’t ask that, then welcomes her in.
Later that evening, Nadia has changed into the sweater that her father had in the suitcase and tells him that it is her favourite one. Arvin says he remembered that, then hands her a mug of camomile tea. She smiles and says that he remembered that too. He smiles, but after a moment, Sloane tells that he has to admit something to her. He tells her with sadness that he didn’t think that she would want to be with him at all. Especially for causing her condition. She admits that she has been quite angry, so Arvin tells her that she has every right to be. He then recalls that when he first met her, he didn’t know how to be a father. Sloane says he assumed that it meant to be needed, but seeing her so sick made him realize that he needed her more than she needs him. Nadia is touched by his revelation and sets down her tea, unable to drink. Arvin then apologizes, saying that he promised himself not to put pressure on her. She assures him that it is no pressure. He then tells her dinner should be ready and goes off to the kitchen. Nadia looks at her hospital ID wristband. Once again, she notes that she was admitted on 4-23-05 and that it reminds her of the year that she lost.
Nadia goes to Arvin's desk to get scissors, then cuts her hospital wristband off. She then notices the bit of parchment sticking out from under the desk blotter and pulls it out discovering Page 47. Sloane comes in and tells her that he can explain and that she has to trust him. When Nadia says that he told her that he was over Rambaldi, Arvin assures her that it isn't what it looks like. She doesn’t believe him, saying that he’s been lying all along. Sloane explains that he turned over everything to the DSR, except Page 47. He rationalizes that he couldn’t give that up after spending so much time on it. Nadia is heartbroken and says that doesn’t want to hear more excuses. She says that when he talks about Rambaldi his face, voice and demeanor changes. Nadia tells Arvin that he has an obsession, but he corrects her that it isn’t an obsession. It is faith. She then tells him what his faith cost her. The past twelve months were like a living hell. She explains that she was aware of everything but couldn't do anything. That is why she doesn’t have much tolerance for his faith. Sloane begs for her to understand, but Nadia says he has to choose between the Rambaldi document or her. He tells her not to make him chose between the two most important things in his life. Nadia is disappointed, then says that he’ll lose both. So she throws the parchment into the lit fireplace. Arvin calls out “No!” and stares at it as if paralyzed. The Rambaldi manuscript doesn’t burst into flames, but instead resists burning by some kind of chemical treatment. Sloane sees the glowing Mark of Rambaldi appear on the sketch of the woman’s neckline and exclaims, “My God. The message! I see it.” He goes to retrieve it, but Nadia stands in his way to block him, saying “You’re not getting it!” Arvin tells her “Get out of my way” and reaches around her towards the fireplace. Nadia struggles with him away, saying “No, you can’t have it. I won’t let you.” Sloane reaches into the fire to rescue the manuscript from the flames and pulls it out. Nadia is trying to pull him away, saying “Stop, please. Stop it!” Sloane tells her “Nadia, move!” and shoves her back. Off balanced, Nadia falls face first through a glass coffee table. Arvin turns and is horrified to see a shard of glass is embedded in her throat. He cries out softly “Nooo!” and kneels at her side. Sloane can only stroke her face and say “Nadia?” helplessly as she gasps on the floor. She looks at him and sees him weeping. Nadia’s head slumps to the right, and then is very still - like she's dead. Arvin releases her, then turns to look at the blood splattered Rambaldi document.
At the APO, Marshall is using Mitchell's cars and dolls to show Jack how the mission in Ghana is going to go. He is having a good time playing with them on the map of the plaza area to demonstrate in detail what he expects to happen, but Jack loses patience with Marshall’s demonstration and dismisses him.
Sydney and Renée Rienne are in Ghana, preparing the trap for Anna. Syd gives her a suitcase containing a dismantled sniper rifle to use to cover Anna. Renée says that she never thought that she’s ever get a government issued weapon to use. Sydney tells her not to get excited over a tranquillizer rifle, then asks Rienne if she’s reconsidered the opportunity to work for APO. Renee explains that she trusts only Sydney, not the others.
Renée is headed for her position. Rachel is in the plaza browsing at vendor’s shop. Dixon is sitting at an outdoor restaurant. Sydney takes her position at the plaza. Rachel approaches Moritz Koller sitting at an outdoor cafe waiting to meet with Anna and asks if he is okay. He says that he is doing fine considering that he might get killed. She assures him that they have him covered. Rachel seats herself at a table nearby and glances at Marcus who is also nearby. Renée rents a hotel room where she can provide cover as the sharpshooter. Thomas exits his van and watches the plaza.
A green Citroen automobile with dark windows arrives in the plaza, but then drives off in a hurry as if aware of the trap. Dixon says that someone must have tipped her off. Sydney jumps out and fires several shots through the front windshield. The car crashes and Syd finds the driver is dead, but no one else is in the car. She com-links the team that Anna isn’t in the car.
The team searches the plaza for Anna. Renée runs into AnnaSyd and calls out in confusion “Sydney”(even though she is wearing different clothes and has her hair down instead of a ponytail). The two stare at each other in surprise, then AnnaSyd draws a switchblade knife and slashes her in the throat. Renee collapses and gasps in disbelief “Sydney”.
In voiceover, Sloane coldly narrates that a few days ago, he was horrified to learn that Prophet-5 wanted him to turn on APO... That he would kill his own daughter (to use the cure). Now he realizes that both were inevitable. Death is a necessary sacrifice to complet the final leg of this journey. Marshall informs Jack that the mission has failed and Anna has gotten away. Sydney finds Renée with her throat slashed, lying motionless on the pavement. Syd looks heartbroken.
Jack arrives at Sloane’s house and is shocked to see that Nadia is lying motionless on the floor with the piece of glass embedded in her throat. Arvin’s voiceover continues he knew things were going to happen. That he would betray everyone that he’s ever loved. But he was chosen. We then see that he is talking to Joseph Erhmann. Joseph tells him that they appreciate what he has done and welcomes him back to Prophet 5. Erhmann leads Sloane towards the waiting Prophet-5 jet. Joseph heads up the steps and boards the plane. Sloane follows, then turns and looks off in the distance. Is he saying goodbye to his old life, or is he looking towards some unseen ally?
END
--------------------------------
A great episode. I wish that I had more help with doing the Play-by-Play.
Anyway, Sloane told Nadia that him having the manuscript wasn't bad as it appeared. I'm still holding out that things aren't as they appear in Alias.
How could a trained agent like Nadia fall through a glass table like that. I suppose that she was still weak and unsteady from her illness. I'm hoping that Jack found Nadia is still alive. We still need her alive to fulfill the Prophesy.
Renee isn't necessary to the plot, so I think that she is dead. How could she not notice that AnnaSyd was wearing different clothes (and different hairstyle) than the real Sydney.
I'm still holding out hope that Sloane is now working with Jack. Arvin can't simply throw away that he had to reform to live up to Nadia's expectations. I noticed after Sloane boarded the Prophet-5 jet, he turned around and looked away to the distance. Is he saying goodbye to his old life, or is he looking towards some unseen ally? Irina perhaps?
If Arvin wanted to destroy Prophet-5 from within, saying what he did to Erhmann would be what they would want to hear. I'm hoping for Sloane leading P-5 on like he led on Gordon Dean. I'm hoping that Sloane is still reformed, but on a personal crusade against P-5. He could tell Irina that P-5 led to their daughter's harm as incentive for her to work with him.
Assuming that Sloane was telling Nadia the truth that things weren't as they appeared, he is still a good guy.
- If he is good still, I can imagine that he told Jack to go get some cure from the P-5 storage place that we saw earlier. That could be how Jack came to Sloane's house.
- Arvin is pretending to work with P-5 to destroy them from within, just as he tricked Elena before. Remember, Erhmann was surprised that Sloane contacted them after getting the cure.
- Nadia does live to fight AnnaSyd to the death to fulfill the prophesy of the Chosen One and The Passenger doing battle.
- If Nadia did defeat Anna in battle, Sydney would feel that it is time for her to retire, knowing that Nadia is able to take over fighting the bad guys.
---------------------------
Episode 5.13 "30 Seconds" had 2 incidents that parallels Episode 4.20 "The Descent". I wonder if that could be a hint of the writers pulling a trick on us. It does show that the writers are paying attention to past episodes.
In Episode 5.13, Nadia goes to Arvin's desk to get scissors to cut her hospital wristband off and discovers Page 47. Sloane tells her that it isn't what it looks like. He can explain. Nadia is heartbroken and says that she can see when he talks about Rambaldi he changes. Nadia tells him that the past months were like a living hell. She explains that she was aware of everything but couldn't tell anyone. Nadia says Sloane has to choose between Rambaldi and her. He tells her not to make him chose. So she throw it into the lit fireplace. Sloane sees the Mark of Rambaldi appear on the parchment and tries to get it. Nadia struggles to pull him away, but he shoves her back. Arvin gets it out of the fire, but Nadia falls through a glass table and gets her throat slashed with broken glass. It is embedded in her throat. She gasps and then is very still - like she's dead.
Jack arrives at Sloane's house and is shocked to see that Nadia is lying motionless on the floor with the piece of glass embedded in her throat. In voiceover, Sloane coldly narrates that he realises that death is a necessary price and that he is chosen.
-------------------------------------------------
In Episode 4.20, Sloane and Nadia track the Sphere of Life to an underground chamber in a cave. As they head down the stairs, Sloane explains ““Rambaldi wrote that a man would come and discover the true meaning of his work. And in doing so, change the world. I always wanted to be that man.””
Sloane opens the door to the chamber and when he lights an oil lamp, the other oil lamps automatically ignite too through some Rambaldi technology. The floor looks like stained glass pattern of the symbol of Rambaldi. Arvin looks in delight at the floor saying that it’’s made of glass. He tells Nadia ““Think of it. You and I are the first ones to set foot in here in almost five hundred years. Do you have any idea how many lesser people have dreamed of this moment? And only you can complete this.””
Nadia cautiously walks on the stain glass floor which creaks at her weight. She approaches the pedestal and the box containing the sphere. Nadia opens the box and sees the sphere inside. Sloane wants her to bring him the box. But she touches the sphere and has a series of visions: a tank in a smoke filled city square, Sydney being strangled by a chain, riot police with plexiglass shield pushing rioters, fire, rioters, the Mueller device, Sydney’’s head being twisted, and a person with red glowing eyes. Nadia is disturbed by the horrible visions and says ““You lied. It was not about peace.””
Nadia leaves the pedestal without the sphere. Arvin tries to order her to go back and get it, but she explains ““You think you can control this power, but it’’s poisoning you. Don’’t you see it? You don’’t have to do this, please. Let’’s just walk away, you and I, together.”” Sloane calls her a coward and says he doesn't need her. He walks across the cracking glass and says ““He chose me”” as he tries to get box himself. He reaches the pedestal, closes the box and says ““See”” in triumph. But the floor collapses and he falls into a pit. When Nadia climbs down, she finds that her father has a large glass shard imbedded into his chest and another one in his leg. She pulls out the one in his leg and uses her belt as a tourniquet. Sloane is surprised that she is still there after what he did. Nadia tells him that he’’s lost a lot of blood and she must remove the shard in his chest. He groans in agony after she pulls the glass out of him, then his head slumps.
That glass shard in Sloane's chest had to be lethal. Yet it was never explained how Arvin recovered. He was far from anywhere that could provide emergehcy medical attention. I speculated Nadia used the Sphere of Life to heal her father, but was never shown. Suppose that everything since then is Arvin's delusion from blood loss? Having him say that he is chosen and having Nadia getting "killed" by a glass shard can't be a coincidence.
That would be reminiscent of "St. Elsewhere"'s snowglobe and the finale of "Newhart". Comments?
