Tensions continue to escalate between the United States and Pakistan after Amanda plants evidence that Pakistan hired Nikita to kill the President. Ryan becomes suspicious of Birkhoff's increasingly odd behavior and tells Nikita and Michael that he thinks Amanda may have kidnapped Birkhoff and planted a double on the plane. An NSA official, Ronald Peller (recurring guest star JUDD NELSON -- The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo's Fire, Billionaire Boys Club, Suddenly Susan), gets under Birkhoff's skin. Meanwhile, the CIA captures Alex and questions her about her involvement with Nikita.