Alright...Finally...

Here's my (extremely late because of extremely good reasons) review of the 3rd Season's 2nd episode. (Mr. Noa, you still don't pay me enough...*wink*)

"Echoes of Pain"

This episode runs a bit slowly for a Hitman segment, because it's mostly talking. Informative talking, with some hilarious quips, but talking nevertheless. We dig a bit more into the intrigue surrounding the raid on the Chechen compound in the first episode (with a down-right frightening Dr. Sanders barking Russian as Kevin O'Brien), see a bit more of Tobin Duby's "green-kid who's guaranteed to be some kind of hero by the end of the season" character, and get a dose of Red Fox's darker side as he tortures his old nemesis, Hitman: finally back as his cryptic, smart-alek, knows-but-isn't-telling self.
This episode does raise some questions.
1. How much truth is in the Hitman's statement foreshadowing the President's death? Jeremiah Lorrig is a staple to the cast, with (dare I say) a large female fan following, though perhaps not as extensive as newcomer Tobin Duby's. It would be extremely sad to see him go. Personally, I think it would be a mistake to kill him, as much of a mistake as it would be to kill Jack Bauer or Chase Edmunds half-way through a season of 24. The world needs 'the real Director!'
2. How far will Mr. Noa take Red Fox into the depths of power and despair? He showed tendencies in this direction last season, but I suppose Kyte Thomson's lovely "Gina" or the President's wise platitudes aren't enough to keep him distracted from his inveterate angst this time around. I hope Mr. Noa will be willing to face Red Fox's complex character to the fullest, and not give us any easy-ways out of Red Fox's decisions.
3. How many times do we have to hear the Hitman repeat the words "I killed your brother, I killed your wife?" We got that fact 2 seasons ago, Mr. Noa. The line is dead. :) Unless, of course, he wants to play with some potential humor and make it one of those "I've got a bad feeling about this" lines, Star Wars style.

Over all, a good, albeit slow, episode. We await its descendants with great interest...