In the fifth installment of The CW's gripping series, "Wild Cards," titled "The Accountant of Monte Cristo," Max Mitchell and Detective Cole Ellis are thrust into the tangled web of a high-stakes mob case intertwined with a crucial witness. The episode kicks off with a stern admonition from Chief Li, who cautions the duo to adhere strictly to procedure, despite their recent unconventional triumphs in crime-solving.
The narrative deepens as Ellis receives a frantic call from his ex-fiancée, Rachel Cisco, a federal agent in desperate need of assistance. Rachel's plea centers on Albert Ripley, alias The Accountant or The Count, whose testimony against mob captains is scheduled for the following day. However, a twist unfolds when Albert is unexpectedly arrested on the eve of his testimony, prompting Rachel to seek Ellis's help to avert a potential public scandal.
Max's father, George, steers them towards Cassandra, aka The Fortune Teller, who shares a past connection with George. Initially, Rachel harbors doubts about Max's involvement, but Ellis recognizes his unique skills as a con artist in such delicate scenarios. Cassandra, upon recognizing Max, agrees to lend a hand, leading them to Bobby Za, one of the hired thugs implicated in Albert's abduction. Bobby is caught red-handed in a park chess game, and a note found on him reveals that Albert orchestrated his own kidnapping.
Through Bobby's leads, Max and Ellis uncover a fortified florist shop, where they discover the florist deceased. The florist had been running an underground passport-forging ring, and Max stumbles upon a note from Albert addressed to Maya, an employee at the Westbrook Union. The trio corners Albert there but narrowly escapes as Charles, Albert's seasoned bodyguard from the syndicate, attempts to eliminate him.
In the sanctuary of Max's safehouse, Albert unravels his heartfelt connection with Maya, whom he met and fell in love with ten years prior. His entanglement with the syndicate led him to turn himself in, severing ties with Maya in the process. Albert harbored a desire to disappear and see her one final time. Meanwhile, Rachel and Ellis rehash their tumultuous past, with Ellis confessing that the tragedy of his brother Daniel's death enveloped him in a shell, ultimately terminating their romance. Despite their shared history, Rachel's distrust of Max persists. In a tender, yet vulnerable moment, Ellis and Rachel share a passionate kiss, which Max inadvertently witnesses, prompting Rachel to hastily withdraw.
Albert propositions Max with a flash drive brimming with recordings of confidential conversations, granting her a formidable advantage. Together, they orchestrate a scheme where Max allows Albert to escape, simulating a mob invasion of their residence. She cleverly attaches a tracking device beneath Ellis's car to obscure her involvement. Charles subsequently abducts Albert, prompting Max to propose a deal: the flash drive in exchange for Albert's life. However, Charles's greed gets the better of him, attempting to eliminate Albert even after securing the drive, prompting Albert to leap off a bridge in a desperate bid for survival.
The episode culminates in Max presenting Maya with tickets from Albert, a token for a fresh start in Bali. Rachel extends a hand of renewal to Ellis, while Albert, adhering to their pact, conceals the flash drive for Max outside the bank. In the closing scene, Ellis invites Max onto his boat, sharing the tale of how Daniel acquired it, the sea and sky painting a serene backdrop to their poignant conversation. Their tender glances towards each other are abruptly shattered by Marc's intrusion.
Dubbed "The Accountant of Monte Cristo," this episode is a character-centric narrative that dives deep into the turbulent waters of Ellis and Max's companionship, putting their loyalty and trust to the ultimate test. It explores the complexities of love, betrayal, and the unimaginable lengths individuals traverse to safeguard those they hold dear. With its seamless blend of thrilling action, romantic undertones, and gripping intrigue, "The Accountant of Monte Cristo" captivates audiences, leaving them yearning for further adventures.
