It really happened! Michael lost his hand after the run in with Amanda in Canada. Wow!

"Aftermath" was aptly titled, as we saw how Michael dealt with the shocking new impediment in his life and career. As much as he tried to act like he was going to be as good as new, he was wasn't physically or mentally the same.

At first, Michael approached the situation with Nikita pragmatically without any feeling. It was war, it happened, let's move on. While he said that and probably believed it to some extent, it was so far from the truth. He was lying to himself and those around him, yet was determined to be the same soldier he always had been just with a metal hand.

Michael: Take a good look everyone. If you're nice, I'll even let you touch it, but no high fives. | permalink

It wasn't just Michael's new hand that was made of metal, it was as if he was surrounded in the solid material. Stoic for all to see. When Ryan assigned the mission to go and get the rogue cleaner, Liam, Michael was all set to go with Nikita and Owen. Even though Nikita knew it was a mistake for him to accompany them, she also understood that it would do greater harm to deny him.

The mission didn't go as planned, but that couldn't be blamed on Michael. Liam outwitted the Division agents by infiltrating their communications and then setting the building to explode. If Michael hadn't been there, Liam still would have gotten away. But, Michael was there, his hand didn't work, he shot erratically, and Liam drove away.

The strong face that Michael had put on was quickly fading away. It was painful to watch Michael lie about what happened with Liam and isolate himself from those that care about him. The loss of his hand is a tragedy and he was dealing with it the only way he knew how. 

It seemed odd though that Ryan wouldn't have forced Michael to have therapy. Alex was sidelined not because of her addiction, but due to her health. She's not allowed in the field again until she brings her heart rate down. Why wasn't Michael being required to talk to someone about what happened? 

Poor Nikita went from being closed out by Michael to being his punching bag. Not unexpected behavior, but still painful to see. She's such a strong person and is amazing at helping others. She helped Alex kick her addiction when they first met and also helped rehab Owen. How long until Michael let's go of what she did and let's her in?

Michael led a successful mission to kill Liam and get the laptop, while keeping both Nikita and Owen safe. Even that accomplishment wasn't enough to boost Michael's self-confidence. He could still do his job, just perhaps in a different way.

At least, Michael isn't giving up and hiding in a closet somewhere. He's a fighter and even if he is pushing people away, he hasn't retreated. He went to Birkhoff for other options. And, then after his fight with Nikita, feeling love and emotion, his robotic fist closed! An incredible feat for Michael, but not so great for that metal wall! That's a positive sign of Michael's recovery and maybe he will be better off with a robotic metal hand, right?

Nikita Season 3 was starting to get a little stale with the rogue agent of the week and never-ending battle with Amanda. While unfortunate, Michael's plight adds to the emotional stakes of the new Division. It provides an amazing opportunity to explore the relationship between Nikita and Michael. Why are they together? And, more importantly, can they withstand the good and bad times together?

They love each other enough, it's a question of whether Michael can let down his guard enough to let her in. Will his ego let her button a shirt if it's easier that way? I'm confident they will recognize they need each other and that moment when they do will be spectacular.

Michael's limitations in the field will also add complexity to their missions. Or, will he stay and help the field inexperienced Ryan back at Division? Regardless, this is an exciting story that Nikita is going to tell!

How long until Michael accepts that Nikita took his hand out of love for him and apologizes to her? Will Michael be able to work out in the field again? With the struggles Alex is facing, where is Sean?!?!

Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2013/01/nikita-review-aftermath/