This post contains spoilers for Duster episode 5 on Max from this point forward.
We ended last week with Nina (Rachel Hilson) and Jim (Josh Holloway) up against it. How would they find a way forward? That was the challenge before us in this week’s episode. Let’s see how they fare in Duster season 1 episode 5.
As mentioned, Nina and Jim are in a tight spot. Nina’s boss isn’t pleased with her recent actions, which culminated in the death of a former agent. But she shares she’s close to getting an in with Saxton (Keith David), who is on the cusp of a big deal. She’s given 48-hours to make it happen.
Jim, meanwhile, is in hot water with Saxton. He lost the Howard Hughes car, which he gave away to save his life. He can’t admit the truth, so instead looks like he bungled a big job. That leads to Saxton firing him. That puts Jim in a tough spot all the way around.
Jim helps Saxton's daughter Genesis
When Nina and Jim come together, she shares she needs an introduction. He shares he got cut loose. She urges him to use his father and get back in, but Jim is hesitant. He ends up telling his father (Corbin Bernsen) he believes Saxton had his brother killed. Jim’s father doesn’t want to believe it and doesn’t want to help Nina.
When Jim shares the news, she encourages Jim to find a way back in. Meanwhile, Nina takes things into her own hands. She goes to Jim’s dad, who’s had a change of heart. He decides to help and sets up an introduction. Meanwhile Awan (Asivak Koostachin) has set up the cover for Nina as she slides in to serve as Saxton’s new Russian Interpreter.
Nina’s meeting with Saxton goes well. Turns out she has skills and as Nina St. James, she joins Saxton’s team ahead of this big deal. But will Jim be there, too?
Jim connects with Saxton’s daughter, Genesis (Sydney Elisabeth), who’s struggling. Her girlfriend, Dafne (Nicole Zyana), is about to get married. Her father, Greek Sal (Jack Topalian), is one of Saxton’s biggest rivals. He’s marrying his daughter off to seal a big shipping deal. But Genesis doesn’t want it to happen. Jim encourages her to go to the wedding and make a play.
While there, Jim uses his special skills to create a distraction. Genesis slips in and connects with Dafne. She convinces Dafne to leave, and Jim provides the getaway services. Not only does it save Genesis’ relationship, but it also earns points with her father as she helps squelch a big deal for Greek Sal. Genesis mentions she couldn’t have done it without Jim.
Saxton appreciates Jim. The work to help Genesis is a reminder of his loyalty and value, something Saxton needs with the deal coming up. He brings Jim back into the fold, connecting him to his new interpreter, Nina St. James. The game is afoot, and things are heating up.
Jim and Nina face consequences of their actions
While Nina and Jim pour their efforts into advancing their causes, it leaves them both open to losses and potential threats. For Jim, it’s the fading dream of having a bigger role in the life of his daughter, Luna (Adriana Aluna Martinez). It’s the Fourth of July, and Jim has promised to share an evening of fireworks. But while he’s helping Genesis, he has to break that promise.
Jim pulls up at the gathering in time to see Luna enjoying a big night with Izzy (Camille Guaty) and her boyfriend, David (Matt Lauria). They look like a happy family. It’s what Jim has wanted for himself, but he can’t have it all. While he’s back in with Saxton he might be out with Izzy and Luna.
Nina faces threats all her own. Turns out someone was poisoning Agent Breen (Bryan Michael French), suggesting he was targeted to get him out of the way. Now that she’s closing in on Saxton’s operation, she’s at risk, too. The Cowboy (J.R. Yenque) has been dispatched to blow up her operation. Turns out, he has an inside man: Agent Grant (Dan Tracy). He’s not just a thorn in Nina’s side, he’s actually working against her.
We’re getting some forward momentum, finally. With Nina working undercover and Jim back in Saxton’s good graces, it will be interesting to see what happens with this deal. But there is danger for both of them. Why are people inside the government—in fact, inside the FBI—trying to protect Saxton? And what did it have to do with this week’s cold open featuring President Richard Nixon? I’m intrigued to see what this is all leading to as we enter the home stretch for the season.
Join us next week for another episode of Duster, which streams Thursdays on Max. We recap the action each week right here.