Ep 3. Cover

Quantico season 1 episode 3, titled "Cover," takes the story to a new level as Alex Parrish (Priyanka Chopra) and her fellow trainees continue their journey at the FBI's academy in Quantico, Virginia. The previous episodes hinted at the possibility of Alex's involvement in orchestrating the terrorist attack on the Grand Central Terminal, and "Cover" ramps up the intensity as several suspects emerge in the investigation.

The episode opens with Alex trying to focus on her training while grappling with the pressure of being a prime suspect in the attack. As she meets with her teammates for a group project, she notices a strange link between them all, leading to a realization that they have all dated the same person - Ryan Booth (Jake McLaughlin), who happens to be a fellow trainee and an undercover agent working for the bureau.

The revelation adds a new layer of complexity to the story as it becomes clear that Ryan has been keeping secrets from Alex and their fellow trainees. The episode explores Ryan's backstory more, and viewers get a glimpse of his life outside Quantico as he navigates his mission to uncover the truth about the terrorist attack. Meanwhile, Alex tries to maintain her innocence as the investigation intensifies, and her desperation leads her to take drastic measures to clear her name.

As the episode progresses, viewers learn more about the other trainees and their backgrounds, including Shelby (Johanna Braddy), who has a tense relationship with Alex, and Simon (Tate Ellington), who seems to be hiding something from everyone. The trainees' personal lives intertwine as they work towards their common goal, and alliances are formed while secrets are uncovered.

One of the standout moments of "Cover" is a training exercise where the trainees must evacuate a building occupied by terrorists. The high-stress simulation puts the trainees' skills to the test, and the tension reaches a boiling point as they work to complete the task. The scene is brilliantly executed and showcases the show's ability to deliver suspense and action.

The episode also introduces several new characters, including Liam O'Connor (Josh Hopkins), the assistant director of the FBI Academy, and Miranda Shaw (Aunjanue Ellis), a supervising agent in charge of the investigation. Both characters bring their own dynamic to the show, with Liam embodying the tough love mentor and Miranda playing the no-nonsense boss trying to get to the bottom of the case.

"Cover" delivers on the promise of the first two episodes and ups the stakes as the plot thickens. The show's focus on character development is a highlight, with each trainee getting a chance to shine and show their strengths and weaknesses. The episode also includes a few cliffhangers that leave the audience wanting more, making it clear that there is much more to be revealed in the coming episodes.

In conclusion, Quantico season 1 episode 3, "Cover," is a must-watch for fans of the show and a great entry point for those looking to get into the series. With a compelling story, engaging characters, and thrilling action, the episode delivers on all fronts and sets the stage for the rest of the season.