Designate This

S02E01

Max and Nana Visitor stand face-to-face. Max is standing at attention, her face revealing nothing. Or, in other words, standard acting mode for Jessica Alba. Nana tells Max to state her designation. Max flashes back to earlier times when Nana asked her exactly that. When Max replied that her name was Max, Nana had her tortured. Thus, in the present day, Max barks, "X5-452!" I think that was the license plate on my first car. Nana isn't fooled, and wants to show something to Max. I think Nana has had a little work done since last season. Her face is looking a little tighter than usual. And her hair is even blonder and all spiky. It's not a good look for her.

Nana shows Max a tank, in which Zack lies, hooked up to a bunch of machines. Apparently, Manticore has been using Zack for parts, and his heart went to Max. Remember, Zack killed himself so that Max could have his heart and live. Nana says that they are moving Zack, and that they have "very interesting plans" for him. Zack's eyes are moving around as if he is very much aware of his surroundings. Nana reminds Max that it's her fault that Zack is in his current state. Max looks sad.

Nana runs through the list of all of Max's friends who have died: Ben, Tinga, and Eyes Only. Nana say that they know Max had a relationship with Eyes Only, and once they figure out who the hell he is, they will find him and kill him. Once Eyes Only is dead, Nana thinks that Max will capitulate. I'm thinking probably not. I think it would only make Max fight harder, to avenge all of the deaths. Those bad guys never understand basic psychology, do they?

Max lies in her room/cell as the guards call for lights out. Once all is clear, Max hops out of her bed and folds it up against the wall. She pulls a tool out of the bedsprings. It's one of those long, thin pieces of metal that the cops use to unlock your car when you lock your keys in it. Not that I've ever done that. More than once. Max uses the tool to saw away at the cinder blocks in the wall beneath her bed. She pauses, thinking for a moment before saying aloud, "Max! My name's Max!" Are we supposed to believe that Manticore wouldn't have video cameras and microphones in the rooms, especially in the room of someone like Max who had previously escaped?

In a government office, Logan argues with a desk jockey about his VA ration card. Apparently, Logan is claiming to be a veteran to get money from the government. Desk Jockey says that Logan is not in the system and reminds Logan (and the viewers) about the pulse that wiped out all communication and satellite devices, and probably wiped out the VA records too. Logan isn't buying it, and Desk Jockey implies that, with a bribe, it can all be straightened out. Some blonde chick stands on a chair and fires a gun into the air. She claims to be part of some organization called the S1W, which sounds like the newest all-girl singing group. Anyway, she orders all of the desk jockeys down to the floor, and tells the veterans that everyone will be getting a VA card today. The veterans cheer. Blondie and Logan exchange a look.