Netflix’s ‘The Recruit’ continues the turbulent employment of Owen Hendricks in the CIA as it picks up from the shocking events of the first season. The six-episode season presents another compelling case with even higher stakes for the protagonistwhere heonce againfinds himself questioning the moral grounds of his employers and whether he truly is cut out for CIA work. The titles of the episodes give us a gist of the story but in a very interesting manner. Keeping in line with the trend of Season 1, this season also sees acronyms as titles of the episodesleading the audience on an easter egg hunt to find their meanings. The first two episodes give us a good sense of how to go about it. SPOILERS AHEAD.

Y.N.A.H.Y.A.L. Summarises the Story of Owen Hendricks’ Life

“You’re not a hero. You’re a lawyer” is perhaps the best way to describe Owen Hendricks. In the first seasonhis friends tell him repeatedly that he has a problem of digging holes for himself just for the sake of having a challenge. He also suffers from a savior complexwhich is what puts him in difficult situations again and again. The first episode of Season 2 reiterates this issue of the protagonist’s personality. After Max’s case blows up and Owen barely escapes alivehe is restricted behind a desk. An investigation into the matter is in progress and until that concludeshe has to sit tight and do nothing. That is his only job.

When Owen counters that he can be better on the field handling casesNyland gives him a reality check quite similar to the ones he had already received from Terence and Hannah in Season 1. He says to Owen“You’re not a hero. You’re a lawyer.” This is the crux of Owen’s story and this also forms the title of the first episode. The man just doesn’t know when to stop and step back. He has formed a different image of himself in his mindand that’s what continues to get him in trouble. HoweverOwenbeing Owendoesn’t learn his lessonand soon enoughhe is back at Nyland’s office with a case that needs the CIA’s urgent attention.

Y.A.R.A.C.O.T.D.O.P Brings Out a Semblance of Levity in a Grave Mission

“You are really a condom on the d*ck of progress” is something that we would all like to say to someone. There is no question about how dire the situation is with the CIAwith another spy threatening to reveal all their secrets. Still‘The Recruit’ indulges in some light moments to loosen things upwhich is what adds to the show’s charm. This tone keeps things interesting without bogging down the story and its characters with the weight of the world upon their shoulderswhich can often turn things boring. In the second episodethat sense of levity is brought forth by Janus Ferberwho is sent to Seoul with Owen. This is also not the last time one of his dialogues is used in a title.

While Owen moves back and forth from South Korea to AmericaJanus holds his position by focusing on things in Seoul. He starts by looking into their blackmailerJang Kyun. He asks Amanda Fernthe CIA station chief in Seoulto get him a file on the NIS agentand it is during this conversation that the title of the episode comes up. When Fern tries to get him to spill the beans on his mission and include her when he has been explicitly told not tohe gets irritated with her. He says“You are really a condom on the d*ck of progress,” stating that by not doing as he asksshe is only hindering his work and making it even more difficult for him to do his job.

The conversation also highlights Janus’ experience in the agency and how he is not afraid to call out anyone who threatens to make his life more difficult than it already is. This stands in stark contrast to the NIS’ evaluation of him where he is considered a weak link because he seems tired and overworked. While yeshe could use a breakall his experience with the CIA has given him the confidence that not many people possess. That’s what makes him an invaluable asset to the agencyemphasizing his importance for the mission and his employers overall.

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