Ep 7. Brian Finch's Black Op

In episode 7 of Limitless season 1, titled "Brian's Black Op," we see Brian Finch in a particularly sticky situation. The episode begins with Brian being kidnapped while on a morning jog, with his captors promptly injecting him with NZT. The twist? These aren't thugs trying to take him out; they're the FBI.

Upon awakening, Brian is filled in on the Bureau's plan: they need him to infiltrate an organization supplying a new, deadly strain of NZT to the public. In exchange for his cooperation, they will clear his name of any wrongdoing related to the Senator Morra investigation that's been dogging him all season. Thus, Brian agrees to go undercover in the hopes of stopping the drug's spread and restoring his reputation.

As he delves deeper into the organization's inner workings, however, Brian begins to question if he's in over his head. He's forced to do some morally-questionable things in order to keep his cover, and the drugs he's taking to maintain his NZT advantage are seriously messing with him. Is this mission worth the cost to his own well-being? Can he be sure he isn't just being used as a pawn in some larger governmental conspiracy?

Meanwhile, back at the FBI headquarters, Agent Rebecca Harris has her own set of worries. She's been trying to make headway in the Morra investigation, despite being constantly stymied by paperwork and superiors who'd rather sweep everything under the rug. With Brian now officially off the grid and potentially in danger, Rebecca finds herself fighting battles on multiple fronts.

Overall, this episode of Limitless highlights the show's strengths in balancing both the action-packed procedural elements of a crime drama with the more introspective questions surrounding human enhancement and its ethical implications. By placing Brian in a situation where he's forced to confront some of the darker aspects of his NZT addiction, the show is able to explore some complex emotional territory without sacrificing any of its suspense and sharp writing.

Plus, with some of the show's recurring side characters (such as Brian's dad and his stoner friend) making brief appearances, there's still plenty of humor and heart to be found amidst the tension. Ultimately, "Brian's Black Op" serves as yet another reminder of why Limitless was one of the most exciting new shows of its time, and why its legacy continues to inspire fans even years after its cancellation.