Starring Maggie Q as a government-trained assassin intent on destroying the very people who created her, The CW's "Nikita" follows her vengeful tale of retribution.

The show focuses on the simultaneous stories of Nikita and a new government recruit, Alex (Lyndsy Fonseca). Whereas Nikita managed to escape three years earlier and has been working to bring down the government branch which enslaved her, Alex has just been caught and is now venturing down the same path to becoming a government assassin on a leash.

But Nikita plans to stop it before it gets that far. It is her mission to destroy the secret government branch known simply as the Division and rescue those similarly serving sentences of forced servitude.

Co-starring as Nikita's former handler and now Alex's mentor is Shane West as Michael. Through flashbacks viewers learn of his and Nikita's personal and professional involvement and how that complicates his primary mission of tracking her down and eliminating her.

Additionally, aiding in his search for the elusive Nikita is Aaron Stanford as Birkoff, the genius computer hacker working to do the government's bidding. Nikita, Michael and Birkoff's history goes back a long way and each dances to out maneuver each other. Just what exactly each is up to and whose side they are on remains to be seen.

Another wild-card in the mix is Amanda, portrayed by the enigmatic Melinda Clarke. Amanda is the government's ultimate secret weapon. She does not seduce with her body, but with her mind. She knows exactly how to get close to the recruits and bend their will to the government's ends.

With Michael, Birkoff, Amanda and perhaps ultimately Alex working to recapture her, Nikita has the cards stacked against her. But Nikita has one distinct advantage: being trained by your enemy means you know exactly how they think. It means she can anticipate their move and stay one step ahead. It is a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with high stakes and risk for all. But Nikita is playing for keeps -- she refuses to allow the government to enslave human beings against their will.

"Nikita" is a high-octane, adrenaline-pumping show that dazzles with car chases, explosions, gun fights and a few breath-taking scenes with Nikita dressed to kill. Prepare to be left breathless and enthralled.

"Nikita" premieres Sept. 9 and airs Thursday nights at 9 p.m. on The CW.