Episode 5 of The Recruit's inaugural season commences with a dramatic scene, where Max is abruptly intercepted by Phoenix Regional officers and escorted to her abode. Once there, they maintain a watchful vigil while Max, under the guise of retiring for the night, sneaks into her room. Swiftly, she retrieves a getaway bag, clandestinely concealed behind her closet, laden with cash and a firearm, and flees the premises.
In another corner of the narrative, Owen lands in Washington and returns home, much to Hannah's astonishment. She queries him about the mysterious phone call from the previous evening, but Owen evades the topic, fearing her incessant pleas for him to quit. He assures her that he is no longer entangled in the case that had consumed him and promises to be home more often. However, as he prepares to depart, two secret service agents arrive unannounced and whisk him away.
Meanwhile, Violet, envying Nyland's contentment with Owen, convinces Lester that they should desist from meddling in his affairs. She desires to bide her time until Owen's misfortunes reveal themselves, while Lester proposes a different approach — befriending him until then.
Unexpectedly, Owen is deposited at the White House, face-to-face with Kevin Mills, alias Not Bob, the President's Chief of Staff. Kevin denies being Max's case officer and compels Owen to uncover the identity of the individual who revealed his true identity and internal nickname to Max. Owen informs him that he is no longer involved in Max's case, but Kevin insists that he has no choice but to find the leak, regardless of his preferences. He hands Owen his card and instructs him to contact him once he uncovers any leads.
Dawn, on the other hand, is displeased to learn of Max's escape and queries Owen about her whereabouts. However, Owen remains indifferent, deeming it a "Dawn" issue. Amidst these intrigues, Max is busy pursuing Talco at a university, aiming to broker a deal with his superior. She offers to sell her untraceable safehouse business for a staggering sum of 5 million. Talco, cunningly, decides to call in his accomplice and attack Max, hoping to coerce her into divulging her business secrets. Yet, Max emerges victorious, informing them that they will be dealing with a proxy, and the price has escalated by an additional million.
Max then dials the officers stationed at her home, leaving a defiant message for their superior, demanding Owen's reinstatement. Meanwhile, blissfully unaware of the impending turmoil, Owen celebrates his victory and plans a romantic rendezvous with Amelia. Suddenly, his tranquility is shattered by a call from Max, urging him to return to Phoenix. Initially, he ignores the call, but Max persists, leaving him with no choice but to answer. Visibly shaken and suffering from a panic attack, he reluctantly picks up the phone. Max asserts that the decision is not his to make, leaving him bewildered. To compound his confusion, he receives another call from Nyland's office, requesting a meeting. He contemplates resignation and seeks guidance from Janus, who informs him that such a move is not an option. Janus reveals that Owen's panic attacks have been a recurring issue since 2019, and are, in fact, a part of the job. He warns Owen that quitting would lead to blame for all the agency's mishaps.
At the gathering, Nyland and Dawn were intrigued by Max's sudden interest in Owen's return. Owen, himself, was baffled, suspecting that Max might be testing their resolve. Nyland promptly instructed Owen to travel to Phoenix and confront Max. Dawn, meanwhile, entrusted another agent to keep tabs on Owen, sensing an undercurrent between the two.
Owen, reluctant to embark on a flight to Phoenix, sought solace at Terence's workplace. He confessed his doubts and fears, feeling overwhelmed by the situation. Terence, a wise mentor, admonished him for always striving to prove himself, reminding him that he didn't have to save the world. These words brought Owen a sense of calm.
In Phoenix, Owen met Max at a lavish hotel. Max insisted on staying the night, and Owen, unable to afford the luxury, reluctantly called Hannah for assistance. She agreed to lend him her credit card. The agent trailing Owen informed Dawn of their hotel stay, sparking Dawn's suspicions that the two were more than just colleagues. She tasked the agent with capturing incriminating photos.
Inside the hotel, Max attempted to seduce Owen, but her charms fell flat. Owen questioned her motives for summoning him, and Max revealed her need for funds to secure her escape from the Russian mob. She outlined her plans to sell her safehouse business but remained vague about the buyer. Owen proposed a truth-for-truth exchange, and the two delved into their pasts. Max spoke of her late daughter, while Owen revealed why he chose a career in law.
The next morning, Hannah received flowers paid for by Owen using her credit card. Angered, she called, but Max intercepted the call. Owen, learning of the exchange, was furious with Hannah for engaging with Max. He tried to call back, but Hannah refused. Terence advised Hannah to distance herself from Owen.
Back in Phoenix, Owen and Max prepared for a crucial meeting. Owen asked Max to identify "Not Bob" on the news, but she failed. She confessed that Xander had informed her about the mysterious figure. On the way to the meeting, Max disclosed the identity of her informant at the bank who supplied her with foreclosure listings. She warned Owen that she would eliminate the informant if things went south, but Owen begged her to reconsider.
After dropping Owen off, Max allowed him to proceed to the deal with El Jefe, his powerful boss. Meanwhile, in Langley, Dawn received whispers from Violet, urging her to be wary of Owen's innocent facade.
