Parker is emotionally devastated by the loss of his friend John. As he reflects on their past together—back when it was just the two of them—his grief consumes him. He gathers the team for a memorial service in John’s honor, but beneath the sorrow, Parker’s mind is fixated on Riri. He believes she’s responsible for John’s death and makes it clear during an awkward exchange with her. When Riri approaches to speak with him, Parker ominously mentions he has “plans” for her—leaving no doubt that he’s out for revenge.

Back home, Riri studies a piece of Parker’s hood, trying to uncover its secrets. She discovers that it powers Parker, but she can’t trace the source of the energy. Hoping to prepare for the inevitable confrontation, Riri begins devising defense strategies. She seeks help from Ezekiel, only to find his home surrounded by crime scene tape—he’s been arrested. It turns out that the biomesh tech used during the disastrous heirloom heist was traced back to him, making him the scapegoat. Feeling betrayed, Ezekiel now despises Riri and wants nothing to do with her.

Determined to protect those she loves, Riri designs protective watches for her mom and close friends. When her mother’s watch activates and envelops her in a safety bubble, it becomes clear that Riri needs deeper spiritual guidance. This leads them to visit Madeline Stanton and her daughter Zelma—local magic users. They reveal that Parker’s hood is a dark dimensional artifact and warn Riri to destroy it immediately.

While Riri tries to figure out how to destroy the hood, Parker pays a visit to Ezekiel in prison, hoping to recruit him. Meanwhile, Riri’s repeated attempts to destroy the artifact fail. Overwhelmed and spiraling, she suffers a panic attack. In a last-ditch effort, her AI assistant N.A.T.A.L.I.E. brings in Xavier—the brother of the real Natalie—for support. But the plan backfires when he sees the AI version of his late sister and is horrified. He demands it be deleted, leaving Riri shaken. The emotional fallout leads to N.A.T.A.L.I.E. abandoning Riri.

The episode closes with Parker and his crew orchestrating a prison break to free Ezekiel. Once out, Zeke begins making enhancements to the biotech in his body. Now aligned with Parker, he joins the crew in forming a deadly plan to assassinate Riri—still under the belief that she’s responsible for John’s death.

This was another strong entry in the series, putting Riri in an increasingly complicated emotional and ethical position. The episode does a solid job of building tension between Parker and Riri, with both characters battling internal conflict. Riri’s struggle to maintain control amidst overwhelming pressure is portrayed effectively, emphasizing her vulnerability despite her genius intellect. While the episode feels overstuffed at times and struggles to juggle its many plotlines, it still manages to deliver an emotionally resonant and compelling chapter in Riri’s journey.

Rating: 7/10