How far will you go when interrogating a suspect? How far should you go?
These questions are top of mind in Sunday’s edition of “Quantico.”
Entitled “LCFLUTTER,” the episode focuses on “enhanced interrogation” techniques.
Interrogation (see: torture) takes center stage in both timeframes. At The Farm, the trainees endure a very difficult lesson related to interrogation tactics. In the forward-looking timeline, a captured Alex needs to hold her ground in the face of an interrogation from her captors.
The episode airs at 10PM ET/PT Sunday night, but we viewed the episode early. Following our screening, we’re pleased to share eight things you can expect:
1) At The Farm: Owen Makes Himself The Target
Not simply there to coach his trainees on interrogations, Owen throws himself right into the fire. For this week’s lesson, he asks the group to treat him as a prisoner — and use the interrogation tactics to extract information about his old CIA alias.
Simultaneously testing their nerve and demonstrating the importance of keeping silent in the event that they ever get captured by an enemy, Owen is obviously not going to readily volunteer the information. The trainees will need to employ some brutal, ruthless tactics to get what they want.
Which ones are willing to go far enough? And how will Lydia handle the “torture” of her father?
2) In The Future: Alex Really Is Captured
Last week’s episode ended with Lydia tying up Alex — and signaling her capture to the terrorists. This week’s episode teases an escape but ultimately sticks to the status quo: Alex truly does end up in the custody of the terrorists, and she truly will have to hold her own against their interrogation effort.
3) Insight Into Dayana’s Past
It should go without saying that Dayana has an eventful past; she is not simply a good-natured lawyer. This week’s interrogation lesson prompts Dayana to reconnect with her upbringing.
4) Sebastian vs. Harry
The dynamic between Harry and Sebastian is already exceedingly tense, and this week’s training task brings the situation to a boil.
5) Alex & Harry
In recent episodes, Harry has been a foe for Alex and her covert mission. This week, he functions as an ally. In addition to supporting Alex’s moral stance toward interrogation, Harry offers his assistance regarding a covert mission Alex is executing.
Considering tension is building between Alex and Ryan, Harry’s friendship is definitely appreciated.
6) Alex & Owen
In a recent episode, Owen confessed his growing respect for Alex. Their relationship continues to develop this week — with a complication.
On the one hand, Owen is her “mark.” Alex needs to win his respect in order to gain intelligence about the AIC.
On the other hand, there is definitely an organic connection between the two.
7) Is The FBI Losing Faith In Alex? Should it Be?
Alex and Ryan are one-third through their CIA training, and they have gotten absolutely nowhere when it comes to flushing out the AIC. Naturally, Miranda, Nimah and (to a lesser extent) Shelby are growing concerned.
While Ryan also deserves some blame for the slow progress, Alex’s risk aversion is seen as a particular problem. Alex’s rational, level-headed, conscientious approach may be admirable, but is it right for this mission? Will it put her on the radar of the AIC? Will it get the FBI the information it needs about the CIA’s internal corruption?
As it did with last week’s drone strike, Alex’s hesitant personality seems at particular odds with a lesson on enhanced interrogation tactics.
We may learn, however, that Alex’s cool, collected, psychological approach is preferable to one of brute force.
8) Will Miranda’s Duplicity Be Exposed?
The longer the hostage/terrorist situation continues, the greater the chance that Miranda’s duplicity will be exposed.
Early in this week’s episode, the FBI receives a tip that could expose Miranda’s involvement with the terrorists. As the FBI works to process the evidence, Miranda must work to protect herself.
Is the shrewd, seasoned Miranda successful? You’ll find out Sunday night.
ABC’s “LCFLUTTER” installment of “Quantico” airs at 10PM ET/PT on Sunday, November 13.
