Episode Report Card Kim: A | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT The Abduction
By Kim | Season 2 | Episode 10 | Aired on 12.14.2002
Syd and Vaughn meet in the chain-link fence place. Vaughn says that once Marshall copies the files, Sloane will be able to reboot the Echelon terminal. Syd says that Marshall has a photographic memory, and once the files flash across the screen, he'll remember them. In other words, sabotaging the storage device won't work, because Marshall's brain is the storage device. Vaughn slowly says that they can pull Marshall out of SD-6. Syd is shocked. Vaughn says quickly that Devlin made it clear that SD-6 cannot be allowed to access Echelon, and sabotaging the mission is too risky right after Kashmir, because it will make Sydney seem even more suspicious. Syd is silent. Vaughn says that there are no other options. Syd is still silent. Vaughn says that when they return from London, Marshall will be taken into protective custody and "transported to Langley for an extended debrief." Syd finally speaks: "As ridiculous as this sounds, SD-6 is his whole life. It's never easy finding out everything you believe in is a lie." Vaughn says they'll try to make it easy, and will give him the option to work for the CIA. Syd asks about Marshall's mom. Aw. Vaughn says it will be up to Marshall, but they can bring her into protective custody too. Syd seems to accept this, and asks about her cover story with Sloane. Vaughn says that Syd will separate from Marshall at the airport, where they will intercept him, leaving Syd plausible deniability. Syd says she has to pack. Vaughn brings up the awkwardness at the bar. Syd quickly asks if he saw the security camera, and Vaughn, somewhat disappointed, says they sent guys in to retrieve the tapes so no one will be able to connect Vaughn and Syd. Syd says that Alice seems really nice. Vaughn says that she said the same. Then they stare at each other some more and look sad some more. You've watched this show before. You know the drill.
Faye is questioning Jack. She asks how long he's known Sloane. Jack says it's been thirty years, and Sloane was his superior at the CIA. Faye adds that when Sloane left the CIA, he invited Jack to work with SD-6. Jack says they were both disillusioned with the U.S. government and believed (and still believe) "that the Alliance would succeed in achieving global dominance." I am totally fascinated by Faye's upper lip now. She asks why Sloane recruited Syd behind Jack's back. Jack says that Sloane knew he would have been opposed. Also, Sloane doesn't trust easily, and Sloane recruited Syd to ensure that he'd have Jack's loyalty. Faye says, "You're asking me to believe that Sloane took your daughter hostage to ensure your friendship?" Jack says that they can't just cry foul when things don't go their way. Faye makes a note and then asks with whom Jack has had intimate contact in the last ten years. Jack asks why she wants to know. Faye says that secrets are more often revealed through pillow talk than torture, and some woman may have heard Jack talk in his sleep. Jack replies, "There is one way for you to verify if my nocturnal activities are a security risk, [Faye], and somehow, I think we'd both prefer the torture." Ooh, burn. Faye giggles like, "Well played, Bristow." She asks what happened to the gentleman she met earlier. Jack says he got tired of her "baseless accusations." Faye says she doesn't trust anyone who doesn't know when he's being insulted. Jack asks if they're through. Faye pauses and then says, "Yes. For now." Jack runs out like he's on fire. He really didn't want to answer that question, did he?